Paper Tiger: An Old Sportswriter's Reminiscences of People, Newspapers, War, and Work

by Stanley Woodward, John Schulian (Introduction)

Stanley Woodward (1895–1964) was a veteran sports writer, newspaperman, and sports editor of the New York Herald Tribune ; indeed, some believe he was the greatest of all sports editors. Paper Tiger is his lively and vivid account of his life as an athlete, sailor, war correspondent, and metropolitan journalist.

 

Whether discussing his war experiences, the world of sports, or the tough and exciting world of newspaper life, Woodward speaks with a rare directness. When he doesn’t like something or someone, he makes no bones about it. Yet, despite all of his often acerbic comments, we always have the feeling that the author’s honesty is matched by his fairness. Partisan he may be; vindictive and sour he is not.

 

Although Paper Tiger will appeal especially to sports fans, anyone who wants to know the inside story of newspaper life will find it a fascinating book.

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Tom Madigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woodward is one of my journalism heroes, but his autobiography is a little dry and takes a while to unfold. It's worth it for the little details about journalism in the first half of the 20th century and the occasional bits of light that shine through. The best way to get insight on Woodward the journalist is to read his Sports Page, published during his first tour with the New York Herald-Tribune. It was a constant companion for me throughout college.

[Tom]

Found an older edition of this, which looks interesting from a journalistic standpoint, not just re. sportswriting. Hard-boiled style.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for books on sportswriting in the pre-television era.

[Aaron Bond · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid except for the last thirty pages or so, which read like a newspaper version of I Chronicles.