The novel I reviewed was Bingham Duncan’s novel; a biography, Whitelaw Reid: Journalist, Politician, Diplomat. Whitelaw Reid, was published in 1975, by the University of Georgia Press. The context of the novel takes place over the span of many evolutions in media, including the colonial press and antebellum press. However, the context of the novel is most prominent in the civil rights era, where Reid produces his most influential work. Duncan, provides a take on Reid’s life and career as a legendary republican business man in the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. This thorough evaluation of Reid’s life expresses not only insight as to how Reid came about his trials and triumphs, but also the nature of Duncan as a writer.
Bingham Duncan, has…show more content… Reid, would go on to pursue a degree in higher education and took on journalism as his career path. Reid was a war correspondent for the Cincinnati Gazette and was acknowledged for his reporting during his time there. Conflict arose after this, with much controversy over the idea of if Reid’s work was deserving of winning this praise. Reid, then moves on to work for the New York Tribune under Horace Greeley. The two develop a relationship and Greeley starts to see Reid as a prolific writer and confidant. Greeley passes away leaving his company, the N.Y. Tribune to Reid to head. The Tribune provided unionized workers in which Reid did not comply with. This later results in one of the most telling parts of Reid’s personality when he fires the workers for cheaper labor. During his time running the company, Reid married philanthropist and social activist, Elisabeth(Lizzie) Mills. They eventually have two children, Ogden and Jean who he often comments about with care and fatherly compassion. In Reid’s natural character to politically excel, he took on more political affiliations and was appointed republican Vice President of the United States. Reid, would also serve as a minister to France and an ambassador in Great Britain. He would hold these positions until he died in December of
