With Heroic Truth: The Life of Edward R. Murrow [Hardcover]

Norman Finkelstein (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Hired by the Columbia Broadcasting System in 1935 and promoted to director of CBS's European bureau on the eve of World War II, Murrow's innovative radio programming and straight forward, on-the-scene reporting style completely reshaped American coverage of European political events.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up. Drawing heavily upon primary-source materials, including transcripts of many of Murrrow's radio and television broadcasts, Finkelstein presents a sharp, clear portrait of one of the 20th-century's great journalists. He opens with a lengthy profile of Joseph McCarthy and gives a detailed account of Murrow's legendary See It Now telecast in 1954 that helped bring about the downfall of the demagogue. From there, the author traces Murrow's childhood, education, and career, from World War II, when Murrow electrified the U.S. with his live This...Is London transmissions to his postwar move into television where he and producer Fred W. Friendly set new standards of excellence in that growing medium. A fine selection of black-and-white photographs appears throughout. The first chapter is an exciting one that relates a dramatic historical moment, but to begin a book on Murrow with a lengthy discussion of Joseph McCarthy and his hold on the nation in the early 1950s may overwhelm and potentially confuse readers with little background knowledge. Also, the fact that snippets of dialogue and transcripts appear without altering the typeface or setting off the quotes makes it difficult to determine who is speaking. Reservations aside, this is an attractive and inspirational biography.?David A. Lindsey, Lakewood High and Middle School Libraries, WA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. Although the name Edward R. Murrow probably isn't immediately recognizable by today's young readers, this well-written biography, bolstered by personal interviews with Murrow's wife and son, will introduce him as one of broadcasting's pioneers. The account opens with Murrow taking on Sen. Joe McCarthy; it then moves back in time to Murrow's humble growing-up years, first in North Carolina, then in Washington State. Murrow's road to journalism was unexpected and filled with personal acts of courage, such as integrating a meeting of an educational association held in an Atlanta hotel. During World War II, the London-based Murrow provided unique, straightforward broadcasts and became the voice Americans listened to and trusted. Finkelstein not only captures Murrow's honesty and integrity but also shows him as a man who could be very myopic about his work. The numerous, interesting black-and-white photos are a cut above what is generally found in biographies. A fresh, fascinating subject for biography shelves. Ilene Cooper

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; First Edition edition (April 14, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395678919
• ISBN-13: 978-0395678916
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,505,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Norman H. Finkelstein is the author of eighteen nonfiction books, mainly for young readers. He recently retired as a school librarian for the Brookline (Massachusetts) Public Schools but continues into his 29th year of teaching history in the Prozdor Department of Hebrew College. Among his writing honors are two National Jewish Book Awards, the Golden Kite Honor Book Award for Nonfiction and a "highly recommended" award from the Boston Author's Club.

His interest in history and biography developed early. "I was the only kid in the sixth grade who regularly read the New York Times," he said. His books reflect an eclectic view of his world. From his love of old-time radio came Sounds in the Air: The Golden Age of Radio and from his fascination with plastics came a social and cultural history called, simple enough, Plastics. He also serves as the series editor for the Jewish Publication Society's JPS Guides.

He is married to Rosalind who he calls "my first-line editor". They have three grown children and three grandchildren. Finkelstein lives in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars DON'T WORRY IT'S READABLE, November 8, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: With Heroic Truth: The Life of Edward R. Murrow (Hardcover)

If you are tired of eye straining, time consuming, tongue twisting biographies that leave you confused after the first 2 chapters then With Heroic Truths by Norman H. Finkelstein is perfect for you. This book chronicles the life and time of Edward R. Murrow. It starts out with his brave attacks on Senator Joseph R. McCarthy. Then the book moves to Murrow's humble beginnings at Polecat Creek, North Carolina. Murrow had numerous leadership opportunities before he made it to his famed role on CBS television. With Heroic Truths is packed full of helpful information about Mr. Murrow. If you need to know about Murrow for a project or to assign to a class or just for leisurely reading this book is ideal. The book is easy to read and has clear pictures so satisfy and "eye-candy" Guru. The book tells an informative, inspiring story of one of the pioneers of television news casting. The book also contains interviews with Murrow and many of the people who affected his life and that he affected. So say good-bye to those boring, run-of-the-mill biographies and say hello to With Heroic Truths, by Norman H. Finkelstein. "Good night and good luck"- Edward R. Murrow

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Review from an Edward R. Murrow High School Student, November 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: With Heroic Truth: The Life of Edward R. Murrow (Hardcover)

From Katie Couric to Barbra Walters, these newscasters influence public opinion and participate in broadcasts that keep the fast-paced world informed of current events. Many people have left a great impact on the world of television and radio. One person who remembered and respected is Edward R. Murrow. In the book, With Heroic Truth by Norman H. Finkelstein, the reader gets captivated and swept into a time of war and politics that has changed our world. The book is a great choice for people doing research and who want to know more about the history of television and radio broadcasting. The book gives great insight into who Murrow was, with a reading level that is understandable to people in the 6th grade or above. Murrow lead an interesting life which the author displays this in his writing of this novel. It is important to know how he broadcasted events from a time that will influence generations of the future, and this is a great book to read for that reason.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Heroic Truth Of Edward R. Murrow, November 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: With Heroic Truth: The Life of Edward R. Murrow (Hardcover)

The biography With Heroic Truth, explains in detail the life of Edward R. Murrow formerly known as Egbert Roscoe Murrow. This biography by Norman H. Finkelstein is good for children who are trying to achieve their goals in life. When Murrow attended college his grade were not good at all. Murrow only received B's and C's in college which we not such good grades. Murrow's speech teacher Ida Lou Anderson had a huge impact on Murrow's life. Ida knew the Murrow could succeed in life. She made him work on his speech and reach for his goals. Ida knew that even though Murrow did not do well in school, he could still succeed in life. Murrow's mother Ethel always pushed Murrow to work as hard as he could also. Ethel wanted the best for her son. Murrow became a famous broadcaster who was known around the world. His famous quote came "This.......... is London", came from Murrow's opening of his broadcasts. This book is good for Junior High School students who need to read a book for school or for entertainment. By putting your mind to something and striving for your goals you could reach them by working hard.