📖 Overview
Eric Sevareid was a prominent American journalist and author who worked for CBS News from 1939 to 1977. As one of "Murrow's Boys," he gained recognition for his wartime reporting, notably being the first to report the Fall of Paris to German forces in 1940 during World War II.
During his thirteen-year tenure as a commentator on CBS Evening News, Sevareid earned multiple prestigious awards including Emmy nominations and Peabody Awards. His work in broadcast journalism earned him induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987.
Sevareid's early career included writing "Canoeing with the Cree," a notable work based on his experiences as a young journalist. Born in Velva, North Dakota in 1912, he studied at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1935 before embarking on his journalistic career.
His legacy in American journalism is marked by his association with Edward R. Murrow and his contributions to CBS News during a pivotal period in broadcast journalism history. Sevareid continued working in journalism until 1977 and passed away in Washington, D.C. in 1992.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Sevareid's "Canoeing with the Cree" for its authentic portrayal of adventure and coming-of-age experiences. Several reviewers note the book's straightforward writing style and detailed descriptions of Minnesota's wilderness.
What readers liked:
- Clear, unembellished prose
- Accurate depiction of canoe travel and survival challenges
- Historical value as a document of 1930s Minnesota
- Appeal to both young and adult readers
What readers disliked:
- Some passages about camping minutiae become repetitive
- Limited character development beyond basic observations
- Dated cultural perspectives in portions
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings)
Notable reader comment: "The matter-of-fact way Sevareid describes their incredible journey makes it all the more impressive" - Goodreads reviewer
The book particularly resonates with outdoor enthusiasts and Minnesota readers who know the described geography.
📚 Books by Eric Sevareid
Canoeing with the Cree (1935)
A first-person account of Sevareid's 2,250-mile canoe journey from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay at age 17, documenting the landscapes, people, and challenges encountered along the way.
Not So Wild a Dream (1946) A memoir covering Sevareid's experiences as a war correspondent during World War II, including his reporting from France, Britain, China, and Burma.
In One Ear (1952) A collection of essays and commentaries from Sevareid's broadcast career, addressing political and social issues of post-war America.
Small Sounds in the Night (1956) A compilation of radio essays and observations on American life and politics from Sevareid's CBS broadcasts.
This is Eric Sevareid (1964) A selection of television commentaries and analyses covering major events and trends in American society during the early 1960s.
Not So Wild a Dream (1946) A memoir covering Sevareid's experiences as a war correspondent during World War II, including his reporting from France, Britain, China, and Burma.
In One Ear (1952) A collection of essays and commentaries from Sevareid's broadcast career, addressing political and social issues of post-war America.
Small Sounds in the Night (1956) A compilation of radio essays and observations on American life and politics from Sevareid's CBS broadcasts.
This is Eric Sevareid (1964) A selection of television commentaries and analyses covering major events and trends in American society during the early 1960s.
👥 Similar authors
Edward R. Murrow wrote firsthand accounts of World War II and pioneered broadcast journalism in America. His reporting style and commitment to truth-telling closely parallels Sevareid's work, as they were close colleagues at CBS News.
Walter Cronkite covered many of the same historical events as Sevareid and wrote about his experiences during World War II and the Cold War era. His books provide similar insights into mid-20th century journalism and world events from a CBS News perspective.
William L. Shirer reported from Europe during World War II and wrote detailed accounts of Nazi Germany. His work shares Sevareid's focus on wartime journalism and first-person historical documentation.
Harrison Salisbury wrote extensively about his experiences as a foreign correspondent in the Soviet Union and Asia. His reporting style and analysis of international affairs mirrors Sevareid's approach to global journalism.
Eric Hodgins wrote about his personal adventures and experiences in a narrative style similar to Sevareid's "Canoeing with the Cree." His work combines journalism with personal memoir in ways that reflect Sevareid's early writing approach.
Walter Cronkite covered many of the same historical events as Sevareid and wrote about his experiences during World War II and the Cold War era. His books provide similar insights into mid-20th century journalism and world events from a CBS News perspective.
William L. Shirer reported from Europe during World War II and wrote detailed accounts of Nazi Germany. His work shares Sevareid's focus on wartime journalism and first-person historical documentation.
Harrison Salisbury wrote extensively about his experiences as a foreign correspondent in the Soviet Union and Asia. His reporting style and analysis of international affairs mirrors Sevareid's approach to global journalism.
Eric Hodgins wrote about his personal adventures and experiences in a narrative style similar to Sevareid's "Canoeing with the Cree." His work combines journalism with personal memoir in ways that reflect Sevareid's early writing approach.