The Literature of Journalism: Text and Context
Reviewed in Journalism and Mass Communication Educator and Newspaper Research Journal."Various experts have attempted to describe the basis of the literature of journalism, but Berner’s book goes these books a huge step better: It captures its evolving spirit. The examples, drawn from both the classic and the obscure, trace how journalism’s best writing in the present grows from its best, and most heroic, efforts in the past. The accompanying analysis by the author, invariably incisive and intelligent, highlights the meaning of what’s being read. This makes for a lively, provocative and (most important) immensely readable collection, both for the classroom and for the bedside stand. It will surely confirm Berner’s place as one of our leading scholars on the literature of journalism."    Jon Franklin, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C. Former journalism professor, University of Oregon Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner      "The selections include some of the standards of our time, important voices in several historical and literary respects. . . . In particular, the concept is strong. Among unique points stand Mr. Berner’s reflective counter-point essays—rich, well written, and accessible. "  John Gaterud, Mankato State University"[T]he strengths are in the selections, the discussions of how one writer learned from another, and in Professor Berner’s experience and ability to put together a first-rate book."  Paul Ashdown, The University of Tennessee"The major strengths of The Literature of Journalism . . . are the quality of the selections and the historical context and publishing history offered by the author."  Carolyn B. Matalene, University of South Carolina       "The strength of this collection and the element that most defines it are the critical analyses that explore certain issues raised by the selections."  Thomas Connery, University of St. Thomas"The author’s comments provide an approach different from some other anthologies or analyses in that they come more from a journalistic perspective."  Patsy G. Watkins, University of Arkansas"The strength of the book is the organization and compilation of short, readable essays."      Jan Whitt, University of Colorado at Boulder"The analyses are cogent, historically rigorous and notably on-point."  David Abrahamson, Northwestern University