Books matching: media and sensationalism
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- #1
Save:A punchy, myth-busting romp through Victorian England that’s more entertaining than scholarly. Fun and eye-opening for the casual or curious, but likely to leave detail hounds and academics wanting more depth.
'Inventing the Victorians' by Matthew Sweet explores the myths and stereotypes surrounding the Victorian era, challenging popular misconceptions about the time period. The book delves into various aspects of Victorian society, including sex scandals, media circus, interior decoration, and serial killers, providing a different perspective on Queen Victoria's reign. Sweet's writing style is described as entertaining and thought-provoking, using anecdotes and examples to present a vivid portrait of the Victorians.
2001•289 pages - #2
Save:A spooky, fast-paced haunted house adventure that's more fun than fright - great for fans of ghost stories and TV thrillers, but don't expect a reinvented wheel.
'The Supernaturals' by David Lynn Golemon revolves around a group of individuals investigating a haunted house named Summer Place, attempting to prove or disprove the existence of supernatural occurrences. The storyline includes elements of a ghost hunting television program, corrupt TV executives, and a mix of real and faked hauntings, leading to suspenseful and eerie events. The writing style is described as fun, engaging, and reminiscent of classic haunted house stories, with multiple subplots interwoven adeptly to keep the readers interested.
October 2011•510 pages - #3
Save:A witty, propulsive satire and a pitch-perfect snapshot of 1980s New York - brilliant for its humor and insight, but it’s also a long, cynical parade of egos, so buckle up!
'The Bonfire of the Vanities' by Tom Wolfe is a novel set in New York City during the 1980s, portraying the lives of wealthy individuals, legal professionals, and journalists intertwined by a hit-and-run incident. The story delves into themes of privilege, justice, morality, and the societal issues prevalent in the era, offering a satirical and critical perspective on the materialism and betrayals within investment banking. Through a cast of flawed and multi-faceted characters, the book explores the downfall of a Wall Street elite, Sherman McCoy, and the repercussions that follow in a racially tense environment.
The writing style of Tom Wolfe in 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' is characterized by sharp humor, detailed insights, and a keen observation of societal practices. Wolfe's ability to capture the essence of 1980s New York City, with its excesses, ego, and crassness, is praised by readers. The novel's portrayal of the legal system, press, and various societal strata as depicted through unsympathetic characters and satirical elements adds depth to the story, making it a compelling and insightful read.
At that very moment, in the very sort of Park Avenue co-op apartment that so obsessed the Mayor…twelve-foot ceilings…two wings, one for the white Anglo-Saxon Protestants who own the place and one for...1987•702 pages - #4
Save:A clever, lighthearted romp through scandal, satire, and courtroom chaos. Great for those who appreciate quick wit and political lampoonery. Not a must-read for everyone, but perfect for readers seeking smart, snappy entertainment.
No Way to Treat a First Lady by Christopher Buckley is a political satire that delves into the scandalous aftermath of a cheating president's death. The story follows First Lady Elizabeth Tyler MacMann, who is accused of murdering her philandering husband, leading to a high-profile trial filled with witty banter and clever satire. Buckley's writing style expertly combines mystery and humor, creating a fast-paced and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
The plot of No Way to Treat a First Lady revolves around the trial of Elizabeth Tyler MacMann, where she seeks the help of her former fiancé and renowned defense attorney, Boyce Shameless Baylor, to prove her innocence. Through sharp satire and humorous dialogue, Buckley skillfully exposes the flaws in the American legal system and media circus surrounding high-profile cases. The book cleverly blends real-life events with fictional elements, resulting in a captivating and entertaining read that offers a unique perspective on politics and justice.
There was no ambiguity as to who "her" might be, not after the force twelve media storm of the previous weeks. The country was convulsed. Seven-eighths of the nation's front pages and the evening news...January 2002•324 pages - #5
Save:A smart, chilling murder mystery with plenty of suspense, best enjoyed by fans who like their thrillers twisty and atmospheric - maybe not the most groundbreaking in the series, but still a solid, satisfying read.
City of Endless Night follows FBI Agent Pendergast and NYPD detective D'Agosta as they investigate a series of gruesome murders in present-day New York City. The killer is meticulous, cold-blooded, and takes great satisfaction in his crimes, which involve decapitating his victims. As the body count rises and the killer's motivations are revealed, the pressure mounts for Pendergast and D'Agosta to capture him, leading to a suspenseful cat and mouse chase. The book delves into themes of New York's rich vs poor, with undertones reminiscent of previous books in the series, and features a murder mystery procedural structure that highlights Pendergast's unique personality and skills.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DETECTIVE Squad Vincent D’Agosta stood in the floodlights outside the garage in Kew Gardens, Queens, watching the Crime Scene Unit work. He was annoyed at being called out so lat... - #6
Save:A fascinating, stylish account of real crimes and the women who captivated Chicago - ideal for fans of true crime with a theatrical twist. Perfect for curling up with when you want your history bold and your intrigue beautiful.
'The Girls of Murder City' by Douglas Perry delves into the real-life stories of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, two women involved in murder trials in Chicago during the 1920s. The first part of the book focuses on the crimes, trials, and eventual acquittals of Beulah and Belva, showcasing how they represented the sensationalism of the era. The second part explores how Maurine Watkins developed the play 'Chicago' based on these stories, highlighting her critical eye towards media madness and sensationalism. not only covers the trials but also provides insights into Maurine's career as a crime reporter and her rivalry with other female reporters.
Out in the hallway, young men stood in a haphazard line, trying to look eager and nonchalant at the same time. They were regulars outside the Chicago Tribune newsroom, waiting around each day, hoping...June 2010•309 pages - #7
Save:A juicy, well-researched slice of true crime and media history, perfect for fans of sensational stories and old-school journalism. Expect more newspapermen antics than CSI-style detective work - but it’s a fascinating and thoroughly entertaining ride.
In "The Murder of the Century: The Gilded Age Crime that Scandalized a City and Sparked the Tabloid Wars" by Paul Collins, readers are taken back to 1897 New York City, where a gruesome murder of William Guldensuppe sets off a fierce competition between newspaper giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. The book delves into the sensational murder case, the subsequent investigations, and the intense rivalry between the newspapers, offering a vivid portrayal of the tabloid wars and the role of yellow journalism in shaping public opinion during that era.
Collins weaves together the narrative of the murder mystery with the intense media coverage and the power struggle between Pulitzer's New York World and Hearst's New York Journal. Through detailed research and engaging storytelling, the author captures the essence of the Gilded Age, highlighting the sensationalism, the fierce competition, and the blurred lines between journalism and crime investigation in late 19th-century New York.
IT WAS A SLOW AFTERNOON for news. The newsboys along the East River piers still readied themselves on a scorching summer Saturday for the incoming ferry passengers from Brooklyn, armed with innumerabl...June 2011•332 pages A richly detailed, atmospheric blend of true crime, literary history, and Victorian-era social insight - fascinating for history buffs and detective fiction fans, but potentially overwhelming for those seeking a streamlined mystery story.
England, early morning June 30th 1860, Road Hill House located five miles from Trowbirdge Wiltshire, Saville Kent aged three years ten months was found missing from his bed. Later that same morning he was found by servants in a most disturbing way stuffed down a make shift toilet the boys throat had been cut. Murder on the streets of London was one thing but a child to be taken from a bedroom in a remote area of a middle-class family home while they all slept was quite another. Summerscale's style is straightforward and direct. But that simplicity masks a staggeringly complex interweaving of themes and narratives. She rarely puts a foot wrong. She may perhaps sometimes spend too long on the correspondence received by the regional press and the middle third of the book does sag a little under the weight of historical detail. But overall she judges brilliantly the points at which she can dip out from the central narrative, and the duration of those digressions.
In the early hours of Friday, 29 June 1860 Samuel and Mary Kent were asleep on the first floor of their detached three-storey Georgian house above the village of Road, five miles from Trowbridge. They...2008•389 pages- #9
Save:It’s a classic of New Journalism - part social commentary, part wild character study, and totally unique. Not always easy or comfortable, but unforgettable if you want a look inside the darker side of American dreams.
"Hell's Angels" by Hunter S. Thompson is a comprehensive and objective account of the outlaw motorcycle gang, focusing on the evolution of the Hell's Angels from hobby cyclists to a group of divergent personalities exhibiting anti-social behavior. Thompson's writing style is described as vivid, descriptive, and insightful, providing an optimal reading experience that resonates with force and keen insight. The book delves into the sentiments of Thompson that fueled his creation of Gonzo journalism, showcasing his articulate chronicles of the media's irresponsible reporting on the Hell's Angels and the beginning of Gonzo journalism.
They call themselves Hell’s Angels. They ride, rape and raid like marauding cavalry—and they boast that no police force can break up their criminal motorcycle fraternity. —True, The Man’s Magazine (Au...1966•307 pages - #10
Save:A smart, atmospheric, and unsettling look at what happens when humanity faces the unknown - and itself. Not for adrenaline junkies, but a must-read for thoughtful sci-fi fans.
The Kraken Wakes by John Wyndham is a unique tale of an extraterrestrial invasion that takes place largely unseen, leading to a world succumbing in stages to catastrophe. The story follows a married couple of journalists witnessing a mysterious alien invasion originating from the deepest oceans. Through an interesting mix of historical setting and timeless observations on human nature, the book delves into themes of alien invasion, rising sea levels, and societal collapse, offering a grim and nihilistic perspective on the consequences of encountering a mysterious alien enemy.
THE nearest iceberg looked firmly grounded. Waves, with the whole fetch of the Atlantic behind them, exploded upon it, just as they would upon solid rock. Further out there were other large bergs, als...1953•255 pages
