Newspapers Books

It's great to see that much of Mencken's work is still available to the common people. It shouldn't be isolated in Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library, and/or Johns Hopkins' University.

The H.L.Mencken room at the Pratt, has been called "the cradle of 20th Century literature." Alistair Cooke, said it exists..."for the comfort of sinners and the astonishment of the virtuous."

As you can see, the author of "Newspaper Days: 1899-1906", was regarded as an iconoclast during his lifetime, and is still celebrated for fresh, refreshing views and commentary. H.L. Mencken was, above all else, a critic.

Mencken wrote his autobiography in three separate volumes cumulatively known, in the world of journalism and literature, as the "Days Books". In addition to the work under consideration here: "Newspaper Days", the other two are "Happy Days: 1880-1892", and "Heathen Days: 1890-1936." As the title suggest, this book looks at H.L. Mencken's life from 1899, when at 19 he began his half-century career in journalism - at the now defunct Baltimore Morning Herald - through his move to the local newspaper of record: The Baltimore Evening Sun. This relationship with the Sun Papers (there was also a Morning Sun) lasted until 1950, when H.L.M. retired from the board of parent A.S. Abell Company.

It was apparent, even this early in the career of "the irreverent Mr. Mencken", that his niche was writing opinion and criticism; some of it shocking to the establishment; all of it entertaining.

Don't let the early period under discussion in this book (1899-1906) lead anyone to believe that the material is dated or old fashioned. Au contraire, Mencken is indeed talking of events which occured a long time ago, but evey word is perfect for the job it is called upon to do. His diction and syntax are all-important.

After all, the reason for remembering and reading a critic of an earlier time, like Mencken, is not the issues he wrote about, but the manner in which he said what he said. It is the WAY he said it -- he was a stylist.

A great man. A great book. Enjoy!

This book is a fantastic resource for those who want to learn about the 35th Regiment of Foot, the Royal Sussex. Captain Trimen covers the history from its formation in 1701 until 1871 when he was writing it. An enormous amount of information is put into this well-done little book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the story of a marching regiment in the 18th and 19th Centuries. This covers it all.

I was born in Gallup NM, and am related to many of the people in this book, including the Carolyn Volpe. I found many interesting facts about my family and friends of my family that I have heard about for years. Most of those people are gone now, so I found this book very good in providing information for events that I have no one to ask about. I truley enjoyed this book and think Carolyn did a excellent job.

Written by the newspapers and miners of the time period, the stories and history provided in this book provides a unique and interesting window through time. If you enjoy the Old West, California history, or the history of the Gold Rush, this book is for you.

The Binghams have always interested me and this book does a great job of telling their story. It is easy to read and well written.

It is a truism that success rarely comes to three successive generations of a family. But Jamie Packer is the fourth generation success story in the media-owning family which never seems to strike failure.

"The House of Packer" goes back to Jamie's great-grandfather, R C Packer, newspaper and magazine proprietor in Sydney in the inter-war years, then on to R.C.'s son (later Sir) Frank Packer who started the Australian Women's Weekly and, later, TV Channel Nine.

It is a company history rather than a group biography, so there is information on union disputes, the introduction of new technology, Federal election campaign coverage, competition with other media companies and so on.

But it is the larger than life characters, so typical of journalism in the early to mid-twentieth century and so lacking today, which give the book its human interest. Along with the bold and vigorous writing.

The book concludes with Sir Frank's death and his son Kerry (Jamie's father) taking over the reins. It is an absolute must for people interested in media studies, economic history, political intrigue or just plain power.

Charming slight booklet of 20 recipes that were chosen by the Food Editor of This Week, a Sunday supplement that appeared in many big papers, and was syndicated. You know they were well tested, to be chosen for all those papers! Recipes include Citrus Spareribs, Fruit-Glazed Bacon Roast, Gloucester Codfish Balls, Lumberjack Pie, Chicken Hash on Flannel Cakes, Philadelphia Cinnamon Buns, Rice-Farm Rhubarb, Iowa Ice Cream, and more!

There is a short introduction before each recipe, often about how and where she got the recipes. Recipes are clearly laid out, with a nice design. Highly recommended.

This book is a must read for anyone who may advertise in any form of print advertising. This book covers all the ins and outs of this medium and will help you avoid common mistakes. You may think you know all about this medium; read this one anyway and you will be surprised at what you learn. The author covers print advertising from many angles with this book, and gives you stategies that are seldom covered in other references. I highly recommend this as a tool for any business owner, as it will help you get the most out of your print advertising dollar once you have this understanding. A good book.

This book is filled with great tips on how to break through the door of your local newspaper editor -- and get the job once you're in. Real-life resumes offer guidance on what to do and what not to do before applying. Highly recommended.

I found this book to be among the most useful and most practical guides for newcomers planning to publish a newspaper in their community.

Although it could greatly benefit with an update including current production methods for typesetting (PC/Mac) and could include at least a couple chapters for publishing in cyberspace, this remains perhaps the most useful book I have come across.

After checking it out from the local library a dozen times, and (I confess) scanning it for re-reading while working in Egypt, I finally ordered a used copy a year ago so I could include a real copy in my personal library here in Egypt.

In 1986, I should note, I began a small magazine with less than $25. It became named by Library Journal as One Of The Best New Magazine for 1986. My one regret? I had not then read How To Produce A Small Newspaper. If I had, I could have avoided mistakes I made subsequent to the award and, hence, could have made a living producing the magazine. This would have made unnecessary my ceasing publication and seeking overseas employment!

I heartily recommend How To Produce A Small Newspaper for anyone interested in making an income in publishing!