Book review of The Columnist: Leaks, Lies, and Libel in Drew Pearson’s Washington by Donald A. Ritchie

Nonetheless, Pearson’s skilled travails present loads of drama. Ritchie, previously the official historian of the U.S. Senate and the writer of a number of books on political reporting, weaves the columnist’s many years of political, authorized and journalistic battles right into a brisk and compelling narrative. Particularly poignant is the account of Pearson’s later years, when he bumped into monetary troubles, had an extramarital affair together with his secretary uncovered and was eclipsed by his youthful companion, Jack Anderson, who inherited the column from him. “All one of the best tales are Jack Anderson’s,” Pearson admitted not lengthy earlier than his dying.