Anyone interested in the second half of 20th century history should read this book. It's all here, covered by a news reporter who earned the moniker "most trusted man in America" because his goal was to prevent the hard facts and only after they were verified by at least 2 sources. This is unlike many of today's reporters and "news" shows looking for entertainment, emotion and whatever gets high viewership for an increase in advertiser dollars. World war 2, Edward R. Murrow,presidential elections, the moon program, Vietnam, the first broadcast of the Olympics, Kennedy assassination, Watergate, Iran hostages, hippies, Ellsberg papers and so much more, it's all here because he covered it all.On Nixon's enemies list and not pleased with by Johnson, Cronkite researched and reported the truth no matter who tried to intimidate him. "Newsmen are inclined to side with humanity rather than authority and institutions". How many can say that today? When I started this book I thought it was going to be a hero worship kind of tribute, but it's actually a warts and all biography of one of the great journalists of our time. Full disclosure, I worked for CBS at the end of the Cronkite era, and was proud to be part of the Tiffany Network. This is a must read if you miss the era when broadcast journalism was, indeed, journalism. (As opposed to Fox and Bill O'Reilly) Or if you, like me, think that the Edward Murrows, Walter Cronkites, Howard K Smiths, Peter Jennings, Harry Reasoners, David Brinkleys and Bill Walkers made a difference in helping us make sense of what was happening around us, then you will enjoy this book.
What do You think about Cronkite (2012)?
Quick review of 20th century history through the eyes of Walter Cronkite. Thoroughly worth reading.
—aspa
It was a good chronicle of my childhood. We listened to Cronkite every night on the old B&W TV.
—jerry
This was one of the best biographies I've ever read.
—maria098
