Personal History
by Katharine Graham

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Book Reviews of Personal History

Book Review: Worthy of its Pulitzer
Summary: 5 Stars

I found Graham's story intriguing on three levels, the first of which is (as the title states) personal. Much of the first half of the book focuses on her family life, growing up in the extremely wealthy Meyer household, her relations with her parents, and eventually her meeting and marrying Phil Graham. All of the central characters are interesting, but I was personally struck by her discussion of her mother, Agnes Meyer, a woman both brilliant and driven, yet emotionally aloof from her family. Graham's candor respecting her mother is impressive. She admits at one point: "I can't say I think Mother genuinely loved us" (p. 51) and remembers that in turn her younger sister loved their governess more than Mrs. Meyer (p. 34). But Graham does not unfairly oversimplify her mother; she faithfully describes the true complexity of their relationship, admitting that resentment and love co-existed (p. 439). Graham does justice to everyone in her narrative and there simply isn't space enough here to describe fully all of the crucial characters.

The second level of interest (which dominates the latter half of the book) is the story of the Washington Post and the newspaper industry in general. Graham covers the major milestones of Post from her father's acquisition in 1933 to its current management by her son, Don. Graham herself was publisher during the most important years for the Post and describes three main events: the Pentagon Papers, Watergate, and the Pressmen's Strike in 1975. All three episodes are of interest, but I actually was most absorbed by the last. Graham clearly evokes the tension felt on all sides, and the great efforts made by those dedicated to continued publication who practically lived in the Post building. I was amazed to read that before they had repaired their own presses (smashed by the striking workers) they hired helicoptors to fly pages of type out to other publishers (p. 544). Watergate was also interesting. :)

The third captivating aspect of this book is its ability to connect the reader to the great figures of the 20th century through its empathetic protagonist. Katherine Graham knew seemingly every prominent individual and makes them seem more human than do textbooks or newsreel footage. When she was 11, she travelled to Europe where she met Albert Einstein: "He was simply grand! His hair is positively a nest..." (p. 41). She had dinners with John and Bobby Kennedy and her husband was partially responsible for LBJ's vice-presidency. In 1966 Truman Capote held a lavish and exclusive party at which Graham was the guest of honor. She clearly has respect for these celebrities and political leaders, but she also portrays them as what they were: human and fallible. I find this insider's perspective adds a great deal of flavor to history.

Do note that this is a sizable read, weighing in slightly over 600 pages. But as I hope this review conveyed, I found nearly all of those pages quite enjoyable. "Personal History" combines a fascinating life, excellent writing, and (most importantly) Graham's unflinching self-scrutiny. Sure to keep you reading!

Summary of Personal History

Business Books

• Books > Subjects > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics
• Journalists
• Specific Groups > Women
• History > Americas > United States > 20th Century
• Social Sciences
• Women's Studies