American magazine journalists, 1900-1960 : first series /

Because the biographical reference literature of journalism is still fairly sparse, this source is welcome, even though selective. The "Dictionary of Literary Biography" series plans two volumes devoted solely to magazine journalists during the period 1900-1960. Earlier volumes, also edited by Riley, cover American magazine journalists 1741-1850 (CH, Apr'89) and 1850-1900 (CH, Sep'89). In this volume star billing is given to 37 editors and publishers, just a handful of the influential men and women of the magazine press at the time. It is also a statement of the times--only three women and only five black men are included. Henry R. Luce, Conde Nast, Robert J. Collier, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Edna Woolman Chase are among an interesting mix of biographees ranging from Joel Chandler Harris, editor of Uncle Remus's Magazine (1907-1908) to George Horace Lorimer, editor of the Saturday Evening Post (1899-1936). Essays by 37 contributors are generally very well written, some even rousing (see Harry Amana's treatment of Robert S. Abbott); they supply biographical information, references, and locations where individual papers are held. Black-and-white photographs further enhance this work. This volume should be added to most communication, journalism, and history collections. -J. Cates, The Poynter Institute for Media Studies