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A.J. Liebling, The Wayward Pressman (Doubleday, 1947) It is hard, at times, to disassociate A.J. Liebling the man from A.J. Liebling the reporter. The two are so closely entwined that neither can be isolated from the other. Although it could written under the guise of autobiography, The Wayward Pressman is in reality a glimpse into the history of the newspaper business. Liebling spends little time recounting the great stories he told, realizing, like any good writer, that they've already been written. He presents instead a rarely seen view of the publishing world – how to find work when you've lost it, how to get the story when it just isn't coming, and most importantly, how to recognize when you're in the right place at the right time. The Wayward Pressman is situated within the genre of media criticism, but it seems that Liebling should have little to be critical about. His timing was near perfect during his career; it's not hard to see why, given his clear, honest prose, which is always slightly tinged with his sharp wit. Liebling was only 41 when he wrote the book, yet he had already established himself as a successful – perhaps luminary - reporter. Starting as a copyboy at The New York Times, he earned his stripes at The Journal in Providence, Rhode Island, then returned to New York City, where he began writing features for The World. He then went on to be a correspondent during WWII, and was a prodigious member of The New Yorker staff. But although "the business" was undoubtedly kind to him, Liebling never lost the sensibility of a struggling newspaperman. Bad pay, bad hours, tedious, tiresome, and arduous tasks – he does not glamorize the profession, but presents journalism as exactly what it is (providing the truth to the public) – his chosen profession is a most unglamorous and often unappreciated undertaking. Reporting can become discouraging at times, but Liebling's endearing idealism about the profession consistently rings true; he is critical of the press because he is unwilling to compromise his high standards. The book contains the advice of a reassuring sage – he's been there before you, and knows how hard it can be to be at the whim of the editor, with a deadline swiftly approaching. And yes, he was successful, but it's difficult to begrudge him of his achievements as you read his deftly re-created scenes, droll anecdotes, and razor-sharp analysis of the media – his style is inspiring, and his perspective is one that is sorely missing from journalism today. MORE: New Yorker editor David Remnick on A.J. Liebling at 100 Appreciating Liebling's Delectable Political Jambalaya A Brief Bio of Liebling |
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