Sketches in the Sand
New York, N.Y. Alfred A. Knopf, 1967. Second printing [stated]. Hardcover. xv, [1], 479 , [1], x, [4] pages. DJ has some wear, tears, chips and soiling. DJ is price clipped. Some top edge discoloration (moisture?) Includes Introduction and Index, as well as chapters on Perspective, The Problems of Change, Portraits, Politics, Education, The Press, the U.S. and the World; Spoofs; First and Last Things; America; Johnson; Eisenhower; and Kennedy. Also contains Index, following page 480. James Barrett Reston (November 3, 1909 – December 6, 1995), nicknamed "Scotty", was an American journalist whose career spanned the mid-1930s to the early 1990s. He was associated for many years with The New York Times. Reston joined the Associated Press in 1934. He moved to the London bureau of The New York Times in 1939, but returned to New York in 1940. In 1942, he took leave of absence to establish a U.S. Office of War Information in London. Rejoining the Times in 1945, Reston was assigned to Washington, D.C., as national correspondent. In 1948, he was appointed diplomatic correspondent. In 1953, he became bureau chief and columnist. In subsequent years, Reston served as associate editor of the Times from 1964 to 1968, executive editor from 1968 to 1969, and vice president from 1969 to 1974. He wrote a nationally syndicated column from 1974 until 1987, when he became a senior columnist. During the Nixon administration, he was on the master list of Nixon political opponents. Reston retired from the Times in 1989. This collection of Mr. Reston's writings from The New York Times and other publications displays his endlessly curious mind, his pragmatic view of issues, and the distinguished quality of his reporting. He is particularly concerned with the problems of change, which seem to him the central issue of the age. While he realizes that no generation of American officials ever had to face such a torrent of intractable new problems, he reaffirms the reporter's right to advise and criticize. He writes on such varied subjects as the responsibility of the press, the women of Washington, the problems of education, and the pitfalls of power. His portraits of John F. Kennedy, Dean Acheson, Robert Frost, and other figures are superb examples of his insight and sensitivity. This book demonstrates that James Reston is one of the most graceful and intelligent writers in America. James Reston is the most influential columnist on the most influential newspaper in America. For nearly a quarter century his political criticism and social comment from Washington have stimulated and irritated presidents, cabinet officers, congressmen, and other officials. He has shed light on the intricacies of Washington for the readers of The New York Times and other newspapers that carry his column. In many ways he is the conscience of Washington, a position that may come naturally to a Scottish-born Calvinist who "cannot help preaching and raising hell." This collection of Mr. Reston's writings from The New York Times and other publications displays his endlessly curious mind, his pragmatic view of issues, and the distinguished quality of his reporting. He is particularly concerned with the problems of change, which seem to him the central issue of the age. While he realizes that no generation of American officials ever had to face such a torrent of intractable new problems, he reaffirms the reporter's right to advise and criticize. He writes on such varied subjects at the responsibility of the press, the women of Washington, the problems of education, and the pitfalls of power. His portraits of John F. Kennedy, Dean Acheson, Robert Frost, and other figures are superb examples of his insight and sensitivity. Sketches in the Sand is a wise and witty book which demonstrates that James Reston is one of the most graceful and intelligent writers in America. Condition: Good / Good.
Keywords: New York Times, Reporter, Cold War, Civil Rights, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson, John F. Kennedy, News Media, Press, Journalists, Reporters, Columnists, Vietnam War
[Book #81748]
Price: $45.00