This biography investigates the professional evolution and cultural impact of Red Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-winning sportswriter who redefined the standards of sports journalism. Ira Berkow, a veteran sports journalist himself, utilizes extensive interviews, archival research, and personal correspondence to construct a comprehensive portrait of Smith's life. The book argues that Smith's unique voice and commitment to literary quality elevated sports reporting from mere game summaries to a respected form of American literature.

Critics and sports historians frequently cite this work as the definitive biography of one of the most significant figures in American journalism. Readers often note that the prose is accessible yet thorough, providing a clear window into the golden age of newspaper sports writing.