Richard B. Morris (1904–1989)

It took me several years to gradually go through the stupendous anthology of great journalism. Included here are 130 examples of great journalism covering important moments and memorable events in (for the most part) Western history, beginning with a 16th century account of the "confessions" of a witch, from a newsletter published in Vienna and ending with the trial in Israel of Adolph Eichmann. The Battle of Lexington, the storming of the Bastille, the horrors of slavery, the corruption of Boss Tweed, the massacre at Port Arthur, and scenes from wars all over the world, writing by Hugo, Twain and Dickens, the Dreyfus trial, the Turkish massacres in Armenia, bloodshed in Little Rock and the first American manned space flight are all represented. Given that the volume was originally published in 1949 (my copy is from a "revised and enlarged" 2nd edition published in 1962), it's no surprise that World War Two is heavily represented. This is simply a fascinating compendium of first-hand accounts of historical events and conditions over several centuries of American and European history.… (altro)

This wonderful book was first published in 1949. My copy is the fourth printing, 1962, revised and enlarged.

In his Preface to the 1949 edition, Herbert Bayard Swope sums it up nicely: “Professors Snyder and Morris give us in this collection nearly two hundred of the greatest examples of 'literature under pressure' – or, in the words of Matthew Arnold, 'literature in a hurry.' … The editors have done a truly creative job. They begin with a comprehensive and analytical introduction on the art and technique of reporting. They have also given us the historical and professional background of each story – the story behind the story – and they have added whenever necessary the aftermath and significance.

The editors include selections written by British and American reporters from a witch's trial and conviction in 1587 to the trial of Adolf Eichmann in 1961. The fourth printing is a massive 795 pages and covers many important events in Western history. It's a book that one may wish to read over many days because each selection is a standalone.

The book includes an excellent table of contents and Index. I purchased my copy in 1965 as a supplemental text to a college course and am enjoying rereading many selections.… (altro)