Jock: The Life and Times of John Hay Whitney

by E.J. Kahn Jr.

Traces the life of John Hay Whitney, who inherited one of America's largest fortunes, served as ambassador to England, and worked as a publisher and Hollywood producer

339 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1981

About the author

Ely Jacques Kahn Jr. was an American journalist and writer. His career with 'The New Yorker' lasted for roughly five decades.

Reviews

[John Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

an Exemplary Life

Well-written account the very interesting life of an exceptionally rich individual who generously contributed to many worthy charities and had a great social conscience, who fully enjoyed his existence and did no harm to others.

[David Tavernier · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Hay "Jock" Whitney, the grandson of William C. Whitney, of Aiken and NYC, was an extraordinary man for an individual coming from great wealth and influence. His ties with my hometown, Aiken, SC. are still evident today, where Green Tree Stable maintained a training facility for his thoroughbreds. Like his grandfather, he astutely knew how to become involved with prominent politicians without making himself any potential target. He was a patriot, a diplomat, an investor in emerging industry (including hollywood productions), and a benevolent philanthropist, holding compassion for the common, righteous man. He often surprised his colleagues with his decisions that were not always the most popular for a man of his social class, but guided by common sense and fair play. He is perhaps best known for his ownership of the New York Herald Tribune, and its travails until its final demise. Highly recommend!

[Mary Graves · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book I read for research purposes on the time period, level of class in American life -- and because I'm archiving and transcribing diaries of a similar person in the same time period.

He's a very interesting person -- and it certainly was an interesting time period -- but I wouldn't have picked it up if I didn't have specific research questions I thought it would answer.