Editorial Content for Cronkite
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In his heyday, Walter Cronkite was adjudged the most trusted man in America. In this eponymous biography, masterfully offered by historian Douglas Brinkley, the reader learns that such an honor was not taken lightly by the veteran newsman. The author --- no relation to Cronkite’s “competitor” David Brinkley --- presents an amazing story not just of Cronkite, but of the evolution of news broadcasting in the early 20th century: first in print, then in radio, and finally in television.
"Anyone who grew up watching “Uncle Walter” on TV will appreciate Brinkley’s thorough biography of a broadcasting legend. And that’s the way it is."
Like many of his contemporaries, Cronkite got an early start, working for his school paper and paying his dues as a reporter with various news services as he honed his craft almost literally in the trenches during World War II. It was there that he came under the eye and mentorship of Edward R. Murrow, whom he one day would replace as CBS’ top anchor. Cronkite’s diligence and writing style set him apart from his fellow news hounds, and he received more assignments that would put him “up front” in the eyes, ears and minds of readers, listeners and viewers.
But there was more to Cronkite than his dogged approach to maintaining the highest of standards, which he did with aplomb. Presidents and other officials feared him --- not because he was mean-spirited, but because he had earned such trust from his audience. There’s no denying his influence on American history: his special reports from Vietnam alerting an American audience that the nation was mired in a war it could not win was a significant factor in President Lyndon Johnson’s decision not to seek reelection.
When Cronkite retired as the anchor of “CBS Evening News,” he left a void not just in the network, but in the industry as a whole. One can only wonder what he would think about cable stations (Fox News), programs (“Nancy Grace”) and “professionals” (Glenn Beck) who pass themselves off as providing news in a 24/7 society.
In a tome such as CRONKITE, one can expect to discover heretofore unknown issues that never would have come to light otherwise; such things were not discussed in more polite/discreet eras. But Cronkite, being an ordinary person in an extraordinary job, still suffered the frailties that make us all human (his emotional announcement that President Kennedy had died is a classic television moment). He had his crises of faith, his bouts with depression, and perhaps had a bit too much to drink from time to time. Brinkley also delves into Cronkite’s private life, to an unprecedented yet respectful degree. He was deeply in love with his wife Betsy; passionate about science (no one exceeded him in his fascination of and admiration for the U.S. space program); and unafraid to offer his opinion, whether requested or not.
Anyone who grew up watching “Uncle Walter” on TV will appreciate Brinkley’s thorough biography of a broadcasting legend.
And that’s the way it is.
Teaser
For decades, Walter Cronkite was heralded as “the most trusted man in America,” from his first reports on the frontlines of World War II to anchoring the "CBS Evening News" until his retirement in 1981. Yet for the most part, he was a remarkably private man. Douglas Brinkley, through analysis of Cronkite’s private papers and interviews with family and friends, now brings the American icon into a focus like never before.
Promo
For decades, Walter Cronkite was heralded as “the most trusted man in America,” from his first reports on the frontlines of World War II to anchoring the "CBS Evening News" until his retirement in 1981. Yet for the most part, he was a remarkably private man. Douglas Brinkley, through analysis of Cronkite’s private papers and interviews with family and friends, now brings the American icon into a focus like never before.
About the Book
For decades, Walter Cronkite was known as the most trusted man in America. Millions across the nation welcomed him into their homes each evening, first as a reporter from the frontlines of World War II, then later, in the emerging medium of television, where he hosted numerous documentary programs and anchored the "CBS Evening News" until his retirement in 1981. Yet this very public figure, undoubtedly the 20th-century's most revered journalist, was a remarkably private man; few know the full story of his life. Based on unprecedented access to Cronkite's private papers as well as interviews with his family and friends, Douglas Brinkley now brings this American icon into focus a never before.
Brinkley traces Cronkite's story from his roots in Missouri and Texas, through the Great Depression during which he began his career, to World War II, where he gained notice reporting with Allied troops from North Africa, D-Day, and the Battle of the Bulge. In 1950, Edward R. Murrow recruited him to work for CBS, where he covered presidential elections, the space program, Vietnam, and the first televised broadcasts of the Olympic Games, as both a reporter and later anchor of the evening news. Cronkite was also witness to - and the nation's voice for - many of the most profound moments in modern American history, including the Kennedy Assassination, Apollo 11 and 13, Watergate, the Vietnam War, and the Iran Hostage Crisis.
Epic, intimate, and masterfully written, CRONKITE is the much-anticipated biography of an extraordinary American life, told by one of our most brilliant and respected historians.
