The Secret Life Walter Winchell (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Long out of print and bringing a high price in the rare book market, The Secret Life of Walter Winchell will be the first in a series of classic journalism books which Barricade Books will bring back into print.

Walter Winchell was the forefather of today's gossip columnists. It was his excited discovery that led to the creation and publication of this book. He was the first to find that the public curiosity about the authentically great and famous is exceeded by a vast itch to know all about the truly insignificant. In his frenzy to make the most of this discovery Mr. Winchell forced the doors of the secret lives of every defenseless man or woman who had the misfortune to come within his deadly range.

It was inevitable that, if ever Mr. Winchell were to come to judgment in a book, that book would be a cruel one. The Secret Life of Walter Winchell is a complete account of the inner life of Mr. Winchell, and it is, therefore, a very cruel book.

The author of this book was attacked and beaten by three hired thugs. Its primary source of information and its publisher each spent five years in jail for their participation. It resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court's Roth obscenity decision.

It was a daring book for its time, for Stuart, a working journalist defied the most powerful newspaperman in history. No editor, reporter or columnist before or since has ever wielded the power or influence of Walter Winchell. More than 2,000 newspapers carried his daily gossip column and his Sunday night 15-minute radio program was frequently the most listened to radio show in America.

The Secret Life of Walter Winchell affected many lives, not the least of which was his. The book was the beginning of his tailspin to oblivion. This edition includes a new introduction by the author which provides historical context and explains the cultural significance of the work.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barricade Books (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569802513
• ISBN-13: 978-1569802519
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,316,775 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)