A Long Row of Candles: Memoirs and Diaries 1934-1954

by Cyrus Leo Sulzberger II

A long row of candles;: Memoirs and diaries, 1934-1954 [Hardcover] C. L Sulzberger (Author)

Genres: History

1061 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Cyrus Leo Sulzberger II (October 27, 1912 – September 20, 1993) was a U.S. journalist, diarist, and author, and a member of the family that owns the New York Times. During the 1950s and 1960s, he was that newspaper's lead foreign correspondent.

Reviews

[Dirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a foreign correspondent and a member of the family that owned the New York Times, Sulzberger offers a carefully observed insider's view of the critical events and major players that shaped a tumultuous period in American and world history. This book is for those who are not afraid of heavy lifting, because Sulzberger tries to cover everything and shows no interest in editing himself for brevity. Also, a reader would be well advised to keep a serious dictionary handy, because the vocabulary can be intimidating. When I encountered the word "apodictic," I couldn't find it in any of the three one-volume dictionaries I owned. It wasn't until I got my hands on the 20-volume Second Edition of the OED that I found that word.

[Joan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say I started reading a book with the title A Long Row of Candles: Memoirs and Diarie with the expectation of being so entertained. Sulzberger was a journalist who covered the world beginning in the 1930s. He has a wonderful way of telling a story about memorable people. He is funny as all get out and I find myself reading passages to my husband to make him laugh. You don't have to like history but that is just adding to the pleasure.

[Kem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but another book that requires a true commitment, because it is really long and can be dry in spots.

[Ana-Maria Bujor]

This is a huge book. I read it around the house because it's just too heavy to carry in my backpack. But it's totally worth it if you have an interest in 20th century history. Part political manual, part history book, part gossip magazine, part memoir, this book is a collection of interactions the author had with some of the most important world leaders of the time, such as Churchill, Tito, Eisenhower, De Gaulle or Franco, as well as a cast of colorful characters including ambassadors, soldiers, spies, fellow journalists and so on. It gets a bit dreary at times, especially when discussing EDC back and forth, but overall it was a great read that kept me interested until the end. Indeed the time of giants is long gone and I feel a bit jealous at the author for having had all of these experiences. I can only wish I could end up traveling as much. And for that I enjoyed the book a bit even more.
History lover? Check it out. Not a fan? Maybe don't invest your time in this brick.

[JerryDeanHalleck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Huge diary/autobiography by the Publisher/Correspondent for the NYT's. Sulzberger saw everyone and went everywhere during these crucial 20 years, and was especially close to Eisenhower while in Paris during the 1950-1952 time period. Cyrus hated Taft, and encouraged Ike to run in 1952.

Its amazing how many King, PMs, Dictators, High level Generals, and Ambassadors, had "private lunches" or "Private talks" with Sulzberger.

The writing is factual and concise - but nothing more than that. Its journalese. And Sulzberger keeps his own views on the back burner. Despite being a strong Liberal Democrat, Zionist, and Globalist - he's more interested in recording what the VIPs said and what he saw, than putting on his own spin.

I'd say about 20 percent of the book is interesting. The other 80 percent is dated, or covers events that have been written about by better authors and historians..