| 50-5417 | PN4874 | 2011-51467 CIP | | Humanities Communication | | Brinkley, Douglas. Cronkite. Harper, 2012. 819p index; ISBN 9780061374265, $34.99. Reviewed in 2013jun CHOICE. | | In this well-researched, readable book, Brinkley (history, Rice Univ.) details the life and work of Walter Cronkite (1916-2009). Brinkley focuses on Cronkite’s thoughts and actions while covering the Nuremberg Trials, the 1952 presidential election, the Kennedy era, civil rights, Vietnam, the space program, the Nixon presidency, Watergate, and the Carter White House. This is not a scholarly analysis of Cronkite’s motivations, the evolution of television journalism, or the times in which he lived. Instead, the author introduces the reader to television’s most celebrated news anchor via revealing anecdotes–for example, Cronkite’s occasional outbursts about politics and culture–and leaves the interpretation of his influence to coworkers, competitors, admirers, and critics, who offer insightful comments. The book does not conceal Cronkite’s darker side, such as his highly competitive nature, and this forthrightness underscores the narrative’s authenticity. By the book’s end, readers will feel they know Cronkite as well as did his CBS News colleagues who worked with him for decades. The editing is skillful, and the footnotes and index are helpful. A good choice for those interested in American history as well as journalism history and broadcast news. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. — R. A. Logan, emeritus, University of Missouri–Columbia |
|