Author Description
First edition. Whitman, New York Times obituary writer, has selected the best of his pieces about famous Americans. These include Albert Schweitzer, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Bertrand Russell, Rockwell Kent, Bennett Cerf and many others. He is the creator of the now classic obituary form and the first to interview people before their death. xx, 373 pages. cloth, dust jacket.. 8vo..
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This collection investigates the lives and legacies of prominent 20th-century figures through the lens of the obituary as a biographical art form. Alden Whitman, a veteran New York Times obituary writer, utilizes his unique methodology of interviewing subjects prior to their passing to construct comprehensive portraits. The book argues that the obituary serves as a critical historical record, capturing the essence of a life's work and character through rigorous research and direct personal testimony.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Profiles of notable figures including Albert Schweitzer, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and Bertrand Russell.
- Examples of the pre-death interview technique pioneered by the author.
- Insights into the editorial standards of mid-century American journalism.
Scope Limits
- The collection is limited to subjects selected by the author and does not represent an exhaustive historical survey.
- The text focuses on the public personas and professional achievements of the subjects rather than private, undocumented details.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the evolution of the obituary from a simple death notice to a sophisticated biographical genre. Readers frequently note the historical value of the primary source interviews contained within the volume.
Page Count:
373
Publication Date:
1981-07-30
Publisher:
Penguin Books
ISBN-10:
014005880X
ISBN-13:
9780140058802
History
Biography
Non-Fiction
Obituaries
Journalism
General
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