WILLIAM ALLEN WHITE

An intimate friend of the famous Kansas editor, and his aide during the 1912 Bull Moose campaign, David Hinshaw writes -- not a definitive biography -- but a warm, human picture of the man in the making. He shows White, the youthful, sometimes unscrupulous reporter -- then the ambitious owner of the Emporia Gazette -- the conservative editor who won nationalism with his What's The Matter With Kansas? -- and finally the liberal, the mellowed, kindly humanitarian and keen observer of life. The text is enriched by extensive quotations from his editorials, short stories, books, obituaries -- varied evidence of his ability to understand and write about the inexpressibly simple experiences that sweeten man's lot. And here too is a study of White as an influence in national thought, national politics, a devoted admirer of Teddy Roosevelt, unyielding fighter of the KKK, outspoken friend of Britain during the Blitz. A competent, well-intentioned biography -- one could wish it had been more objective and dispassionate.