Pulitzer /
by W.A. Swanberg.
- New York : Scribner, 1967.
- xiv, 462 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Bibliography: p. 439-445
Contents: List of illustrations -- Part 1: Angry Young Man: -- Chapter 1: Westward ho!: -- Goat of Company L -- Unburied corpses -- Search for independence -- Chapter 2: Bitten by politics: -- Murderous intent -- Breaking with Grant -- Chapter 3: Right hand of Schurz: -- Dream of reform -- Cincinnati fiasco -- Stumping for Greeley -- Republican turns democrat -- Chapter 4: Love on the run: -- Resolute Pulitzer, irresolute Tilden -- Not worthy of such love -- Uncertain and inconstant -- Politician's honeymoon -- Part 2: Sensationalist: -- Chapter 1: How to win circulation: -- Colossal nerve -- Pistol-packing editor -- Chapter 2: Road to power: -- Electionitis -- Beaten by the bourbons -- Loudest voice on the Mississippi -- Chapter etc.
From the Blurb: This is the life-size portrait of a man of genius and an eccentric of unique proportions. Joseph Pulitzer revolutionized American journalism and exerted a powerful, progressive effect on American life. He did this by the force of a personality that was as admirable as it was outrageous. A Hungarian by birth, Joseph Pulitzer served briefly in the Civil War and then began his newspaper career in St. Louis. He started out penniless; when he died in 1911, he had made a great fortune, from the St. Louis Post-dispatch and the New York World (morning and evening). The Pulitzer newspapers-particularly the morning World-achieved a rare combination of wide popular appeal, brilliant and accurate reporting, and an enlightened and courageous editorial policy. Through his papers Pulitzer played an important role in American politics as he fought battle after battle with a reformer's zeal and a realist's shrewdness. Mr. Swanberg accomplishes three difficult things in Pulitzer. He vividly renders the social and political background. He shows precisely how Pulitzer made the World a great paper; how he fought his competitors, and how he affected the nation's affairs. The record, in Mr. Swanberg's hands, becomes an exciting, turbulent story. The third and most difficult accomplishment is the portrait of Joseph Pulitzer. A man of intellect and cultivation, Pulitzer was stricken in mid-career both by blindness and a nervous malady. The clink of a spoon at dinner, or a harsh voice, would cause him to explode in agony. He traveled constantly, usually on his yacht-"fleeing his nerves"--Accompanied by six male secretaries who had to be prepared to report on the latest art show in London or to discuss an obscure point in European history. Often separated from his wife by his travels, he was devoted to her and to their five children. He was a despot, given to thoughtful and generous acts. He was filled with