Controversy: And Other Essays in Journalism 1950-1975

In the title essay Controversy, Manchester details his experience writing The Death of a President, the award-winning account of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It was indeed a controversy like few others, engaging one of the most prominent historians of the day against Jackie Kennedy, the most famous, yet private, widow in the world. This 76-page essay provides a compelling insider’s account of the most high-profile publishing struggle of its day.

“A work of love, even passion…. Mr. Manchester’s final telling of the death of Kennedy is most moving; it is also less controversial than one had been led to believe by those who read the original manuscript.” —Gore Vidal

This sweeping collection further provides a penetrating look at the period between World War II and the Vietnam era. In an account that’s both exacting in its accuracy and a pleasure to read, these essays cover the events that shaped world history during this period of time—from the Bay of Pigs fiasco to Watergate and Vietnam.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William Manchester (1922–2004) was a journalist, Professor of History Emeritus at Wesleyan University, and the best-selling author of several noted histories, novels, and biographies. Notable works include The Last Lion, a biography of Winston Churchill spanning several volumes; American Caesar, on the life of Douglas MacArthur; The Arms of Krupp, A World Lit Only By Fire; and The Death of a President. His awards include the Dag Hammarskjold International Literary Prize, the National Humanities Medal, the Abraham Lincoln Literary Award, and the Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award.