Pistols and Pointed Pens: The Dueling Editors of Old Virginia - Hardcover

Described as "a book for American history buffs," this volume recounts the turbulent lives and careers of some of Virginia's leading 19th-century newspaper editors, including Thomas Ritchie, John Hampden Pleasants, George W. Bagby, and the notable black editor John Mitchell, Jr. It is well written, with an eye to "colorful details," but it contains no surprises. Dabney finds that, by and large, Virginia editors "were a bellicose lot, and they faced a constant threat of challenge to the so-called field of honor." He does not explain why this was so, or how Virginia's editors differed from those of other states; for that one must turn to more scholarly volumes. As a brief popular treatment, however, this is recommended. Jonathan D. Sarna, History Dept., Hebrew Union College-Jewish Inst. of Religion, Cincinnati
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

YA-- Dabney provides young aspiring journalists and historians with a history of the challenges, responsibilities, and problems that have accompanied both dedicated editorship and guardianship of the freedom of the press. Pistols and Pointed Pens depicts the colorful personalities of the 11 editors who had impact on the Richmond newspaper community and played important roles in both Virginia and United States politics by influencing public opinion and acting as a public conscience. Quoting primary sources and recounting anecdotes, Dabney gives an entertaining, easily read, humorous account of the dangers faced by these 19th-century journalists.
- Barbara Batty, Port Arthur Schools, TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.