Joseph Alsop

Joseph Alsop (1910-1989) was an influential American journalist and political columnist who wrote for the New York Herald Tribune, Saturday Evening Post, and later syndicated his work through the New York Times. His "Matter of Fact" column, which ran from 1945 to 1974, was considered required reading among Washington's political elite and appeared in hundreds of newspapers nationwide. Throughout the Cold War era, Alsop was known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy and his strong advocacy for American military intervention, particularly in Vietnam. He maintained close relationships with numerous political figures, including John F. Kennedy, and was considered one of the most powerful journalists in Washington during the mid-20th century. Working alongside his brother Stewart until 1958, Alsop pioneered a style of political journalism that combined insider access with critical analysis. His writing was characterized by sophisticated political commentary and strong opinions, though his unwavering support for the Vietnam War eventually damaged his reputation as the conflict became increasingly unpopular. Together with his brother, he authored several books including "The Reporter's Trade" (1958) and "FDR: 1882-1945: A Centenary Remembrance" (1982). Alsop's life and career provided a window into the interconnected worlds of journalism and politics in post-war America, as detailed in his memoir "I've Seen the Best of It" (1992), published posthumously.

Readers respect Alsop as a significant political columnist but note his work can feel dated and reflects mid-20th century establishment views. His 1973 autobiography "I've Seen the Best of It" receives particular attention from history buffs. Liked: - Direct, clear writing style - First-hand accounts of major historical events - Detailed analysis of Cold War politics - Access to power players and decision makers Disliked: - Elite East Coast perspective - Hawkish foreign policy positions - Archaic social views - Dense, academic tone in longer works Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (I've Seen the Best of It) Amazon: Not enough reviews for reliable rating "His columns transport you right into the backrooms of Washington power" - Goodreads reviewer "Too focused on justifying his own political positions" - Amazon reviewer Limited review data exists since most of Alsop's work appeared in newspapers rather than books.

I've Seen the Best of It (1992) Autobiographical memoir covering Alsop's life as a journalist, his relationships with political leaders, and his experiences during World War II and the Cold War.

FDR: 1882-1945: A Centenary Remembrance (1982) Biography examining Franklin D. Roosevelt's life, presidency, and impact on American politics and society.

The Reporter's Trade (1958) Collection of essays and articles discussing the practice of journalism and political reporting in mid-20th century America.

American White Paper: The Story of American Diplomacy and the Second World War (1940) Analysis of U.S. diplomatic relations and foreign policy leading up to and during World War II.

The 168 Days (1938) Detailed account of President Roosevelt's Supreme Court-packing attempt and its political aftermath.