HEYDAY IN A VANISHED WORLD

by Stephen Bonsal ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 24, 1937

A swell biography of a reporter in the days of James Gordon Bennett's accentric handling of his staff. After a short apprenticeship, Bonsal is sent to London and his star rises as he sends back interviews with Gladstone, Bradlaugh, Annie Besant, Eleanor Aveling (Marx' daughter), Stepniak, Russian revolutionist, Parnell. He gets the inside story of John L. Sullivan's meeting with the Prince of Wales, of the secret Sullivan-Mitchell fight to a draw, of the funeral of the German Emperor, father to William. One of his most delightful stories is the involvement in France's duelling code. He gets into the company of Boulanger's backers. He makes the first Western contact with Francis Joseph. He has a roving assignment in the Balkans, and becomes an expert on Balkan affairs. Trips far afield -- in favor and out. Then Paris -- Germany -- and orders back to New York, for temporary oblivion. Finally, ordered out to cover the French invasion of Morocco. The entire period of the biography covers only his early twenties -- during the late '90's. Each chapter is a story from a fascinating life, maturely described, but spiced with youthful zest. Compares splendidly with todays biographies of foreign correspondents. Not dated. Really a grand book -- with substantial sales possibilities, backed by personal enthusiasm. Try your newspaper people as well as your biography addicts.

Pub Date: Sept. 24, 1937

ISBN: 140676731X

Page Count: -

Publisher: Norton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1937

Categories: NONFICTION