The Last Editor [Hardcover]

Jim Bellows (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2002

The Last Editor is the memoir of Jim Bellows, the editor whose David-and-Goliath battles changed the face of the newspaper business. Bellows struggled to save major competitors of America's three most powerful newspapers: the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. In doing so, he developed major talent from rough cuts and brought a new generation of writers to the mainstream press.

The Last Editor is a unique memoir of a man who loved a fight--highlighted with commentary from his colleagues in letters and sidebars from the biggest names in media. Sidebars from Wolfe, Ben Bradlee, Art Buchwald, Katherine Graham, Mary McGrory, William Safire, just to name a few, and 16 pages of black-and-white photos, provide behind-the-scenes insights to the triumphs and controversies of the man who shaped the industry.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The subtitle of this irreverent memoir carries a special meaning for those who know about Bellows's journalism career he did not "save" the three first-rate newspapers by working for them. Rather, he influenced their content by working against them at the New York Herald Tribune, the Washington Star and the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, now all defunct. Bellows typifies the notion of editor as idea factory: he pioneered a literary style of journalism, with Tom Wolfe and Jimmy Breslin as the youthful exemplars; he launched a celebrated political gossip column Diana McLellan's The Ear at the Star; and he began treating the world of entertainment as front-page news in Los Angeles. Now in his eighth decade, Bellows tells of his early years in a well-to-do Ohio family, his WWII service, and his almost random choice of a journalism career, which brought him not only to newspapers but also to television and the Internet. Every chapter is filled with boxed asides that some readers will relish William Shawn's letter to Trib publisher "Jock" Whitney in response to Tom Wolfe's infamous lambasting of the New Yorker, for example but too many are tributes to Bellows from the likes of Willie Morris, Gail Sheehy and Art Buchwald. Sometimes witty, other times simply self-congratulatory, the book is not great literature, but the writing is filled with verve. Bellows obviously enjoyed himself at the office. Journalists, especially those of Bellows's generation or those who recall his legendary reputation, are quite likely to read this memoir all the way through; and young journalists might learn a thing or two from his war stories, but it's hard to see a larger audience being drawn to these reminiscences. B&w photos.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Although the subtitle sounds immodest, Bellows' memoir isgenerously sprinkled with notes and letters written bycolleagues--from the likes of Tom Wolfe and Jimmy Breslin--attestingto his prowess as an editor and fellow journalist. Because he spenthis career working for the number-two paper in major markets, heraised the hackles of as many prominent journalists and editors aspoliticians. Among Bellows' recollections are accounts of WashingtonPost editor Ben Bradlee's ire when he and Sally Quinn were often thesubject of the well-read gossip column, The Ear, started byBellows and later adopted by his rival. This is a lively, engagingrecollection of the glory days of newspapers with amusing stories ofthe fabled men and women of journalism at a time when many Americancities supported at least two newspapers. The notes and commentariesof others provide a flavor of the aggressive newsgathering and fastfriendships that developed within the cauldron of deadlines and heatedcompetition. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 383 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing; First Edition,# edition (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740719017
• ISBN-13: 978-0740719011
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,935,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

During his career at the New York Herald Tribune, the Washington Star, and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Bellows challenged such major competitors as the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times. His career has spanned some 40 years in print, broadcast, and Internet journalism.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating read - a fascinating man., April 12, 2002

By 

Sandy Winnick (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Editor (Hardcover)

I saw this book in a bookstore and bought it after hearing some people discussing it. What a gem! It was so inspiring to read about a person who followed his passion. And what an impact. Tom Wolfe, Jimmy Breslin, Leonard Maltin. Why hadn't I heard of this man before? It goes to show that hard work and dedication is rewarded by a rich and fulfilling life. He loved his work, loves life, his family. It makes you look at your own life to make sure you're living the one that you should be.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Work, passion and the world, April 9, 2002

By 

"yoglee" (Mountain View, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Editor (Hardcover)

Bellows' story is a case study for anyone -- regardless of their profession -- interested in learning first-hand how passion for one's work and a positive attitude can help deliver the best the world has to offer: personal satisfaction, exciting experiences, talented colleagues,loving friends and family. I can't wait to have my own kids read TLE to see how it's done.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Determnination and hard work, April 10, 2002

By 

Stathi Mexas (Garrett Park, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Last Editor (Hardcover)

This book reads easy, not only because of the author's eloquent, easy going style, but also because of his great storytelling. This book is good for everyone who is a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, and an ambitious person. It is a memoir of how to live a wonderful, fruitful, examined life.