The Trouble with J.J.

From Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-A history of U.S. newspapers from the arrival of the penny papers in 1830 to the height of the industry's publishing in the early 1930s. Douglas attributes the onset of radio to the fading of newspapers as a social force. This browsable volume offers readers glimpses of the men and women who made American journalism the crass, clumsy, down and dirty, but always exciting medium it remains today. Of course there are chapters on Horace Greeley and James Gordon Bennett, Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, Charles Dana, and women in the pressroom (especially Nellie Bly). Chains; tabloids; the rise of the New York Times; and that glorious oddity of nature, tobacco, and gin-the reporter-are covered as well. Douglas seems to be prejudiced in favor of newspapers as a form of news delivery as opposed to television. He also suggests that today's TV journalism is more homogenized than the homogeneous press of that golden age of newspaper past-an argument that seems both specious and nostalgic. The illustrations are few, but interesting, and the writing, though stiff, is clear and easy to skim. Edwin Emery's The Press and America (Allyn & Bacon, 1995) and Frank L. Mott's American Journalism (Macmillan, 1962; o.p.) covers the same material, but Douglas may be the only one to do it in under 300 pages.
Herman Sutter, Saint Agnes Academy, Houston, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

“This browsable volume offers readers glimpses of the men and women who made American journalism the crass, clumsy, down and dirty, but always exciting medium it remains today.”–School Library Journal

“This well-written, thoroughly researched book covers not only the big dailies but also the small, special interest publications--the black press, religious papers, trade union news, and the foreign language press.... A wealth of information is provided.... Recommended.”–The Book Report

“Amply footnoted and with an extensive bibliographic essay, this scholarly yet easily accessible title is an outstanding resource for students.”–VOYA

“This comprehensive account tells the story of how newspapers have influenced public opinion and how public demand has in turn affected the presentation of the news.”–New Books in the Communications Library

“George Douglas' Golden Age of the Newspaper provides a fine history of the American newspaper, considering its growth in modern urban locales and how bonds developed between the newspaper and its readers. From circulation wars to social reporting, this provides a fine survey of the newspaper's sometimes stormy evolution.”–Wisconsin Bookwatch

“Nicely fills a curricular hole.”–Pennsylvania School Librarian's Association

“...students....will be enriched by the author's sold scholarship and stimulated by its vigorous presentation.”–Journal & Mass Communication Educator

“The Golden Age of the Newspaper is an enjoyable read. Douglas writes well and presents an engaging story. The book provides a good introduction to this topic...”–The Historian