by Maureen Dowd
First published 2018
Andrew Rosenthal compiles 167 years of New York Times political reporting into a comprehensive anthology. The collection draws from the newspaper's archives between 1856 and 2018, showcasing coverage that shaped American understanding of politics. Rosenthal examines how political journalism evolved while certain fundamentals remained constant. The anthology includes reporting on pivotal presidential campaigns from Lincoln's 1860 Republican victory to Obama's barrier-breaking 2008 election. Coverage spans major conflicts including both World Wars, Vietnam, and Iraq. Legal milestones feature the 19th Amendment ratification, the 2000 Florida recount, and same-sex marriage decisions. Economic coverage includes the 2008 financial crisis and Trump's tax legislation. Social movements from the 1963 March for Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter and MeToo receive attention. Political scandals from Watergate to James Comey's firing are documented. The book contains 81 articles, 60 photographs, and front-page reproductions. Readers encounter the newspaper's role in defending press freedom during turbulent political periods.
Genres: political-science, politics, non-fiction, 21st-century, journalism, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-fiction, journalism
Setting: America, Florida, New York
Period: 1856-2018, 1860, 1963, 2000, 2008, 2018
368 pages · Hardcover · Union Square & Co.