Mort Rosenblum

Mort Rosenblum is an American journalist and author who has reported from over 200 countries during a career spanning more than 50 years. As a foreign correspondent and editor for the Associated Press, he covered major international conflicts and stories from the 1960s through the early 2000s. Working from bases in Africa, Southeast Asia, Argentina and France, Rosenblum reported on events including the Vietnam War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and numerous political upheavals across multiple continents. He served as editor of the International Herald Tribune from 1979-1981 and has written extensively about global affairs, environmental issues, and food culture. His books include "Escaping Plato's Cave," "Little Bunch of Madmen," and "Olives: The Life and Lore of a Noble Fruit," which won the James Beard Award. Rosenblum has also taught international reporting at the University of Arizona and other institutions while continuing to contribute reporting and analysis to various publications. Rosenblum's work has been recognized with multiple awards including the Overseas Press Club Award and the Citation of Excellence from the Overseas Press Club of America. His journalism and books are known for providing historical context and detailed analysis of complex international issues while maintaining accessibility for general readers.

Readers value Rosenblum's firsthand reporting and global perspective from his decades as an AP foreign correspondent. His books on food politics and international affairs draw from extensive travel and interviews. Readers highlight: - Clear explanations of complex global issues - Personal stories that illuminate larger trends - Inside access to key figures and locations - Depth of knowledge about farming and food systems Common criticisms: - Can be overly detailed and meandering - Some find his writing style dry - Occasional political bias in analysis - Dated references in older works Ratings averages: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (across all books) Amazon: 4.1/5 (across all books) "Who Stole the News?" maintains 4.2/5 on Amazon, with readers praising its "prescient warnings about media consolidation." "Olives" averages 4.0/5, though some note it "gets lost in minutiae." "The Invisible World" has fewer reviews but similar ratings at 3.9/5, cited for "bringing hidden global connections to light."

Back Home: A Foreign Correspondent Rediscovers America (1989) A journalist returns to the United States after years abroad and documents his observations about American society and culture.

Who Stole the News?: Why We Can't Keep Up with What Happens in the World (1993) An examination of how international news is gathered, filtered, and presented to audiences.

Olives: The Life and Lore of a Noble Fruit (1996) A comprehensive exploration of olive cultivation, history, and cultural significance across Mediterranean regions.

Mission to Civilize: The French Way (1986) An analysis of French culture, politics, and society through the lens of France's historical mission to spread its civilization.

Coups and Earthquakes: Reporting the World for America (1981) A first-hand account of reporting international news events and the challenges faced by foreign correspondents.

Little Bunch of Madmen: Elements of Global Reporting (2010) A guide to international journalism drawing from the author's decades of experience as a foreign correspondent.

Escaping Plato's Cave: How America's Blindness to the Rest of the World Threatens Our Survival (2007) An examination of American isolationism and its impact on international relations and policy making.

Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light (2005) A journey through the history, production, and cultural impact of chocolate across different societies.