Today’s book is Winchell: Gossip, Power and the Culture of Celebrity, by Neal Gabler. Hardcover published 1994 by Knopf.
From Library Journal, 1994:
In the 1930s and 1940s, Walter Winchell was recognized as one of the most famous American journalists, while today his name stirs only vague memories. His life stands as a parable for the celebrity-conscious world of gossip that he helped create. In this fascinating biography, Gabler intertwines Winchell’s personal life, his professional development, and the growth of mass communication. Born in 1897, Winchell began his vaudeville career when he was 13. His early love of gossip about his fellow performers helped launch his journalism career. His gossip column became a key feature of the Hearst newspaper chain, and his radio program was listened to by millions, giving him enormous personal power. Winchell’s fame was fleeting, like that of those he covered, and the power of gossip that he unleashed was turned on him. Gabler offers a reappraisal of Winchell’s role in creating the celebrity culture that permeates American journalism today…. – Judy Solberg
This book is number 6 on Newsweek’s 2009 list of “Fifty Books That Make Sense for Our Times”, from the article “What to Read Now. And Why”. The editors state: “Before there was Rush Limbaugh — or Us Weekly — there was Walter Winchell: gossip columnist, commentator, McCarthyite, radio celebrity, has-been.”
Interestingly, according to John Meacham’s editorial, the Newsweek article on books was originally intended to be the cover story for the July 13, 2009 issue. But the death of Michael Jackson changed that plan somewhat. Two different covers were produced: one with a portrait of the King of Pop, for newsstand distribution, and another about books, for the subscribers.
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Also currently in stock at BrainiacBooks.com:
His Picture in the Papers: A Speculation on Celebrity in America Based on the Life of Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.
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If you are interested in more particulars about the Book of the Day or any of our other featured books, search our store at BrainiacBooks.com for the title. If the book is still in our stock, you’ll be taken to the page for that title.
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