Richard Ben Cramer

Franklin Library Richard Cramer books

Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's life - signed first edition - 2000

 

Journalist Richard Ben Cramer

Richard Ben Cramer, born on June 12, 1950, in Rochester, New York, was an American journalist and author best known for his insightful and in-depth political reporting. He made significant contributions to the field of journalism and gained widespread recognition for his literary achievements. Cramer began his career in journalism, working for various newspapers such as the Baltimore Sun and the Philadelphia Inquirer. His reporting skills and commitment to thorough research quickly set him apart, and he became known for his ability to provide readers with in-depth insights into the subjects he covered.

In 1986, Richard Ben Cramer achieved literary acclaim with the publication of his book What It Takes: The Way to the White House. The book, a comprehensive examination of the 1988 U.S. presidential election, delved into the lives and personalities of several candidates, including George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, Michael Dukakis, Joe Biden, and Gary Hart. What It Takes is celebrated for its rich storytelling, detailed character portraits, and the depth of understanding it offers into the complexities of the American political landscape. Cramer's writing style was characterized by its depth, nuance, and narrative flair. He was known for spending extensive amounts of time with his subjects, conducting thorough interviews and research to capture the essence of the people and events he covered. This approach provided readers with a unique and intimate perspective on the individuals and topics explored in his work.

What It Takes

What It Takes: The Way to the White House is a seminal work by American journalist and author Richard Ben Cramer. Published in 1992, the book is an extensive and immersive exploration of the 1988 U.S. presidential election, offering readers an in-depth look at the candidates, their campaigns, and the intricate world of American politics. Cramer delves deeply into the lives and personalities of several candidates who vied for the presidency in 1988. The book provides detailed character portraits of notable figures such as George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, Michael Dukakis, Joe Biden, and Gary Hart. Through extensive research and personal interviews, Cramer aims to capture the essence of each candidate. Known for his narrative flair and storytelling skills, Cramer employs a long-form narrative style, allowing readers to engage with the complexities of the political landscape. The book is not just a straightforward account of events but a rich tapestry of stories and insights. Cramer goes beyond the surface of campaign events, offering readers a nuanced and in-depth analysis of the motivations, challenges, and strategies of the candidates. The book explores the personal and political dimensions of the individuals involved, shedding light on the sacrifices and pressures inherent in seeking the highest office in the land.

To write What It Takes, Cramer invested considerable time conducting interviews and research. He immersed himself in the lives of the candidates, traveling with them, attending events, and talking to campaign staff, family members, and friends. This commitment to thorough research contributed to the depth and authenticity of the book. What It Takes is often regarded as a landmark work in political journalism. Cramer's approach to understanding political figures on a personal level, rather than just through policy positions, influenced subsequent generations of journalists and authors. The book has been praised for its ambitious scope and its ability to humanize political figures. While What It Takes was not an immediate commercial success, it has gained enduring significance for its impact on political journalism and its contribution to the understanding of the human side of presidential campaigns. Richard Ben Cramer's work continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary merit and its insights into the world of American politics.

In addition to his political reporting, Richard Ben Cramer wrote for publications such as Esquire and Rolling Stone and covered a range of topics, including sports. His journalism was recognized with various awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1979 for his coverage of the Middle East. Richard Ben Cramer passed away on January 7, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional journalism and literary achievements. His work, particularly What It Takes, continues to be studied and celebrated for its impact on political reporting and its enduring relevance to understanding the dynamics of American politics.

 

Joe DiMaggio - The Hero's Life

Joe DiMaggio was, at every turn, one man we could look at who made us feel good. In the hard-knuckled thirties, he was the immigrant boy who made it big and spurred the New York Yankees to a new era of dynasty. He was the Yankee Clipper, the icon of elegance, the man who wooed and won Marilyn Monroe the most beautiful girl America could dream up. Joe DiMaggio was a mirror of our best self. And he was also the loneliest hero we ever had.

In this groundbreaking biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Richard Ben Cramer presents a shocking portrait of a complicated, enigmatic life. The story that DiMaggio never wanted told, tells of his grace and greed; his dignity, pride and hidden shame. It is a story that sweeps through the twentieth century, bringing to light not just America's national game, but the birth (and the price) of modern national celebrity.