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Citizen Hearst: A Biography of William Randolph Hearst
William Randolph Hearst: just a name today, but once the mightiest force in American journalism. His income was $15 million a year (when it meant something)--yet he teetered constantly on the brink of financial disaster. He was a paradox: conservative on some issues, a radical reformer on others (he advocated eight-hour work days and women's rights).
He fanned the flames that led to our war with Spain (to boost his newspaper circulation, detractors said). He built a remarkable castle on the Pacific coast, now one of California's largest tourist attractions. He played politics, made movies, left his heirs a communications empire...but until this book no one had taken his measure.
"Engrossing! For reading pleasure no biography can top CITIZEN HEARST!" (The New York Times)
576 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1961
About the author
W.A. Swanberg
28 books1 followerA graduate of the University of Minnesota, William Andrew Swanberg worked as a journalist for newspapers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and as an editor for Dell Publishing. After serving in the Office of War Information during World War II, Swanberg worked as a freelance writer and an author of a number of scholarly biographies.
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July 27, 2026This biography was widely praised at the time of its publication, 1961, as an engrossing, sharply detailed, and balanced portrait of the powerful and paradoxical American media tycoon. The book explores Hearst's sensational journalism, political maneuvers, and extravagant spending and was praised by publications like The New York Times as a deeply absorbing biography that captures the immense scale of Hearst's life and public influence. Other reviewers highlighted Swanberg's skill in showing Hearst as a walking contradiction—simultaneously a conservative and a radical reformer, and a billionaire teetering on financial ruin. There was also drama over the refusal of a Pulitzer Prize even though the advisory board recommended it for the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Biography, but Columbia University trustees blocked it because they felt Hearst was an unworthy subject, leaving the category as "No Award".
The truth is David Nasaw’s later biography "The Chief" is the biography anyone should read now - it has superseded this book.
The truth is David Nasaw’s later biography "The Chief" is the biography anyone should read now - it has superseded this book.
July 27, 2016
I took a break from reading in order to create time for other things. However, what is dear to somebody never departs. The philosophy is true with relation to books and my life. When I resumed studying my books, it was with 'Citizen Hearst' by W. A. Swanberg. It is a top notch political thriller.
It is an autobiography of Wilson Randolph Hearst. Am not an American therefore I might ger a benefit of doubt for not knowing who he was previously before my interaction with the novel. However, one thing I would agree to is that I found him to be an extra-ordinary individual. I can relate his personality to other people like Clarence Darrow who surprisingly, is mentioned in the story as a supporter.
Hearst wss loved and hated with the same amount of passion. He was generous and at the same time very selfish. He loved and hated others with the same intensity. He succeeded and failed at the same time during his life. What he managed to leave behind is a name which had the power to change America if not the world.
He gained fame through his newspapers which had a circulation of about three million. The advertisement fee he made from the business elevated him to the level of becoming a millionaire in his own right. Moreover, he also became a renowned political figure who could make and break careers.
In here is a story of a powerful man who never knew when to stop. He could go to any lengths in order to satisfy himself and achieve his goals. He succeeded in dragging America to a war with Spain. On the other hand, he failed to do the same to France. At the end of it he had as many enemies and little friends.
It is an autobiography of Wilson Randolph Hearst. Am not an American therefore I might ger a benefit of doubt for not knowing who he was previously before my interaction with the novel. However, one thing I would agree to is that I found him to be an extra-ordinary individual. I can relate his personality to other people like Clarence Darrow who surprisingly, is mentioned in the story as a supporter.
Hearst wss loved and hated with the same amount of passion. He was generous and at the same time very selfish. He loved and hated others with the same intensity. He succeeded and failed at the same time during his life. What he managed to leave behind is a name which had the power to change America if not the world.
He gained fame through his newspapers which had a circulation of about three million. The advertisement fee he made from the business elevated him to the level of becoming a millionaire in his own right. Moreover, he also became a renowned political figure who could make and break careers.
In here is a story of a powerful man who never knew when to stop. He could go to any lengths in order to satisfy himself and achieve his goals. He succeeded in dragging America to a war with Spain. On the other hand, he failed to do the same to France. At the end of it he had as many enemies and little friends.
July 28, 2012
I've never really known much about William Randolph Hearst, aside from the fact that he was the inspiration for Citizen Kane and he owned some newspapers. What I didn't realize is how powerful a figure in American history he actually was.
This is a very engrossing biography that covers the man's entire life without coming off as dry or scholarly at all. The history of "yellow journalism" and the Spanish-American war were especially interesting, being topics I've never known much about.
There are times when the author expresses his contempt for the subject a little too obviously (revealing a bias that could cloud the whole work), but let's face it: the man was a giant douche. Sure, he was "complicated", he "meant well", he had "mommy issues", but he was also an entitled, war-mongering hypocrite who built his empire by claiming to stand up for "the people" only to actively work against those same people once he became rich and influential. Why did I read a 600-page biography of a giant douche? Who knows. I guess it made me smarter, or something.
This is a very engrossing biography that covers the man's entire life without coming off as dry or scholarly at all. The history of "yellow journalism" and the Spanish-American war were especially interesting, being topics I've never known much about.
There are times when the author expresses his contempt for the subject a little too obviously (revealing a bias that could cloud the whole work), but let's face it: the man was a giant douche. Sure, he was "complicated", he "meant well", he had "mommy issues", but he was also an entitled, war-mongering hypocrite who built his empire by claiming to stand up for "the people" only to actively work against those same people once he became rich and influential. Why did I read a 600-page biography of a giant douche? Who knows. I guess it made me smarter, or something.
April 4, 2015
William Randolph Hearst, baron of early 20th century newspaper publishing, was early to recognize the power of journalism in shaping the course of world events. He is probably best known for stirring up American public opinion against Spain's presence in Cuba in the lead up to the Spanish-American War. Hearst was so steadfast in his opposition to Spain that he resorted to making up lies in his newspapers, principal among which was the New York Journal-a sort of latter day New York Post. He is famous for the instructions he gave one of his photographers in Cuba before the war: "You furnish the pictures and I'll furnish the war."
Citizen Hearst, a 1961 biography by W.A. Swanberg, does a superb job of dissecting the life of this American enigma, a man so obsessed with attaining political power and riches that he resorted to lowest-common denominator journalism despite his Harvard pedigree and upper class upbringing (his Dad was a Senator from California). His dream was the Presidency, and he worked up to that goal by running and eventually winning a seat in Congress-despite his crippling fear of public speaking, which he eventually got over. He never became President but he undoubtedly was one of the most famous and influential figures of his day. He amassed a fortune that allowed him to do whatever he wanted and buy whatever suited his whimsical tastes of the moment. This included building his own palace at San Simeon, California, personally seeing to its every architectural detail and ensuring that the site's manicured gardens, zoo, and forests were constantly tended to by a staff of hundreds of people. He was so obsessed with collecting precious historical artifacts from his spending sprees around the world that he ran out of room to store them, eventually buying a warehouse in the Bronx and stuffing it with crates of containing Greek statues, paintings, and precious manuscripts.
Swanberg expends a lot of ink analyzing Hearst's love life, which included an estranged wife and a young actress named Marion Davies, whom Hearst doted upon and attempted to made a Hollywood star, despite her sub par acting and singing ability. This aspect of his life is immortalized in Orson Welles's Citizen Kane, a thinly veiled biopic considered among many critics to be the best movie ever made.
I found the book to be a highly enjoyable and worthwhile read not only because it is full of anecdotes capturing Hearst's eccentricities and extravagance but because of its historical value. Hearst's life spans an important period of American history--a time that saw America coming into its own as a world power. The story is also a cautionary tale. Hearst so overextended himself financially that when the Depression he had to be bailed out by his mistress. He was inconsistent in his political views, starting out as a muckraking publisher railing against the trusts and later becoming a hardened capitalist opposed to any taxes. Hearst was an important figure in American history, but his flaws got the best of him.
Citizen Hearst, a 1961 biography by W.A. Swanberg, does a superb job of dissecting the life of this American enigma, a man so obsessed with attaining political power and riches that he resorted to lowest-common denominator journalism despite his Harvard pedigree and upper class upbringing (his Dad was a Senator from California). His dream was the Presidency, and he worked up to that goal by running and eventually winning a seat in Congress-despite his crippling fear of public speaking, which he eventually got over. He never became President but he undoubtedly was one of the most famous and influential figures of his day. He amassed a fortune that allowed him to do whatever he wanted and buy whatever suited his whimsical tastes of the moment. This included building his own palace at San Simeon, California, personally seeing to its every architectural detail and ensuring that the site's manicured gardens, zoo, and forests were constantly tended to by a staff of hundreds of people. He was so obsessed with collecting precious historical artifacts from his spending sprees around the world that he ran out of room to store them, eventually buying a warehouse in the Bronx and stuffing it with crates of containing Greek statues, paintings, and precious manuscripts.
Swanberg expends a lot of ink analyzing Hearst's love life, which included an estranged wife and a young actress named Marion Davies, whom Hearst doted upon and attempted to made a Hollywood star, despite her sub par acting and singing ability. This aspect of his life is immortalized in Orson Welles's Citizen Kane, a thinly veiled biopic considered among many critics to be the best movie ever made.
I found the book to be a highly enjoyable and worthwhile read not only because it is full of anecdotes capturing Hearst's eccentricities and extravagance but because of its historical value. Hearst's life spans an important period of American history--a time that saw America coming into its own as a world power. The story is also a cautionary tale. Hearst so overextended himself financially that when the Depression he had to be bailed out by his mistress. He was inconsistent in his political views, starting out as a muckraking publisher railing against the trusts and later becoming a hardened capitalist opposed to any taxes. Hearst was an important figure in American history, but his flaws got the best of him.
September 29, 2018
I had always wanted to read a biography of Hearst. I really did not enjoy this one at all. The paragraphs are not linked together well; the author can be writing about Hearst's sons in one sentence and immediately hop to something else he did, so no flow. Also, there is a disclaimer about not having access to a many papers because they are still in the possession of the Hearst family - why say that? To make up for your gaps? I would prefer to have read good description of what was available as well as probing commentary on his life. Only at the very end (and I mean the last two or three pages) is there a serious attempt to analyze Hearst's behaviors, and even that seemed hackneyed. I hope to read another biography soon that isn't just a list of details but a way to see the man, and the people around him. His treatment of Marion Davies in life, for example, was marvelous, unlike his treatment of her in death. Why was that? Is there no analysis for why, after he built San Simeon with her, he did not leave it to her, or at least, allow her to stay there. There is just not enough depth in the writing to come away feeling like you knew any of these people. Maybe a multi-volumed biography would be better.
June 29, 2010
Father of Yellow Journalism, incited people to riots, war and hysterics for fun and/or profit. The last half of the book was a wonderful insomnia cure. Wouldn't have liked him much but I have always been fond of San Simeon.
February 12, 2026
While the author may have intended to give a fair and unbiased portrait of the man, it's clear he chose to be more favorable than some other authors. And since this was written only 8 years after Hearst died, the people available to interview were often reluctant. I did appreciate the thoroughness give to Hearst's early career, but that meant fewer first hand accounts from that period.
November 5, 2017
A born-rich, billionaire (in 2016 dollars) playboy, tax-dodging, real estate investor (among other things) in NY, who specializes in fake news and lacks party loyalty, wants to become president on an inconsistent, populist "America first" platform; is accused of fascist sympathies.
August 20, 2022
Very comprehensive review of one of the more influential individuals in American history. Swanberg elegantly made the case that Hearst was in fact two people - one evil, one good.
Fulfilling read.
Fulfilling read.
July 26, 2017
William Hearst wanted to be president in his day. The Trump comparisons are amazing. I took me a month to get through all 636 pages but it was very interestingl.
March 18, 2020
Lots of interesting details about Hearst's private life and public journalism. Mostly critical, but fair.
October 12, 2020
Life at the top of the food chain with William Randolph Hearst, the son of a well-traveled mining millionaire, who rapidly developed a taste for silver spoons and a talent for exploiting (or, when necessary, fabricating) controversial news. Best-known as the mastermind responsible for a nationwide newspaper conglomerate, Hearst also dabbled in film, art and politics, though the enemies he made in that first venture would haunt him in the others. Hearst was no dimwit, so it's amazing that it never occurred to him: throwing stones and inventing stories to boost circulation might cause some backlash, should he also some day run for office.
Not to spoil anything, but he did try, many times, and the receipts kept coming until he was a thoroughly-beaten old man. A strong contender early in life, influential and popular despite his inexperience as a public speaker, Hearst's political fortunes soured as his presentation improved. He progressed from hot presidential hopeful to perennial also-ran to failed mayoral candidate and nearly every descending step in-between. A constant, seething loser who never met a bridge he wouldn't gladly burn for personal gain.
Despite extravagant tastes and a dramatic, high-rolling lifestyle, Hearst the man was something of a wet blanket. He kept very few close friends, regularly contradicted himself or conveniently changed positions, harbored no journalistic integrity... that pressing urge to spend big and spend often superseded his need for any sort of personality. And even then, he drew satisfaction from the purchase, not the quarry: most of his collection was doomed to rot in a faceless warehouse somewhere until, inevitably, bankruptcy sent it to the auction house.
His editorial decision to promote news as entertainment, not information, might have benefited the paper's short-term bottom line, but it also planted the seeds that would eventually poison the whole industry. We're still paying for it today.
Not to spoil anything, but he did try, many times, and the receipts kept coming until he was a thoroughly-beaten old man. A strong contender early in life, influential and popular despite his inexperience as a public speaker, Hearst's political fortunes soured as his presentation improved. He progressed from hot presidential hopeful to perennial also-ran to failed mayoral candidate and nearly every descending step in-between. A constant, seething loser who never met a bridge he wouldn't gladly burn for personal gain.
Despite extravagant tastes and a dramatic, high-rolling lifestyle, Hearst the man was something of a wet blanket. He kept very few close friends, regularly contradicted himself or conveniently changed positions, harbored no journalistic integrity... that pressing urge to spend big and spend often superseded his need for any sort of personality. And even then, he drew satisfaction from the purchase, not the quarry: most of his collection was doomed to rot in a faceless warehouse somewhere until, inevitably, bankruptcy sent it to the auction house.
His editorial decision to promote news as entertainment, not information, might have benefited the paper's short-term bottom line, but it also planted the seeds that would eventually poison the whole industry. We're still paying for it today.
September 10, 2021
Swanberg was a distinguished biographer but in this case his subject matter cost him the Pulitzer for biography. This is a detailed biography of a seminal character of the 20th. century.
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November 8, 2010Swanberg has written a readable, very entertaining biography of William Randolph Hearst. This is a serious work, despite the title's allusive reference to the classic movie. Is well-researched, comprehensive, full of interesting detail, and amazingly objective - something not easily achieved with a figure as controversial as Hearst. Although he is probably now best remembered either as the character on which Orson Welles based his film, "Citizen Kane", or as the "yellow journalist" who instigated the Spanish-American war, Hearst was much more, was a significant figure in the history of America. He was a powerful political and cultural force throughout the first half of the twentieth century. His newspaper and magazine empire had a powerful influence on the thought of the nation, on its self-understanding. It shaped both the prevailing culture and the political debate of that time. It influenced the outcome of elections. Hearst himself was a political figure, controlled politicians, often ran for office myself, even sought the White House without success. Luckily there was never a President Hearst - he remained just a "Citizen". Nevertheless, he was a giant, was larger-than-life. This book is centered completely on his life. It is definitely not a "Life and Times" biography. The focus is completely on Hearst. Events are discussed only in their relationship to him. The World Wars, the Depression, etc., are viewed only from the perspective of Hearst. Major events are considered only if they impacted him or if he and his media responded to them. Otherwise, they are ignored. And the author pays little attention to his subject's legacy. Does not assess, for example, what influence his style of journalism had on the modern media. The focus is completely on his personal life. Only there does the spotlight shine; everything else is in the shadows. Perhaps this is understandable. Hearst lead a very rich, a very fascinating life. And Swanberg interviewed many who knew him, who were generous in sharing their reminiscences. Collected just a few years after Hearst's death, these anecdotes are always entertaining, memorable, often jaw-dropping. And they are the heart of the book. Swanberg, even after recounting Hearst's life in exhaustive detail, has difficulty in defining his character, in providing a coherent assessment of his personality. The best that he can give is the suggestion that Hearst remained a very bright, good-hearted child all his life - but a very self-centered one, a brat, rich enough to think he could have everything he wanted, ambitious enough to think he could control everything, but wanting, most of all to be respected, loved. This is rather unsatisfying. And, despite Swanberg's efforts, Hearst is still an enigma. He cannot be easily summarized, categorized. But this is what makes this book spellbinding. It presents a vast quantity of puzzle pieces, and the reader is tempted to put them together himself - wants to understand Hearst, get a handle on him, wants to know what made him tick, but fails. The puzzle cannot be solved. Hearst was sui generis.
February 26, 2016
I found this paperback in the free library at the Clifton Heights borough hall. It's spine was cracked several places and many pages were dog-eared. While I read it, the cover came off and many pages are threatening to come out. So, this copy is a "well-loved" copy but I am not one of those who loved it, although I read it (and even read the damn bibliography, too, 'cause that's the kind of nutcase I am.)
I will admit that one of the most off-putting aspects to this book was it's tiny print. If the print was large, I may have thought kinder of it.
The prose is dense, heavy on quotes and innuendo and not much in the way of details. Swanburg fully acknowledges that this is a skimpy biography of a very event filled life and crazy wealthy family. Since this was published in the 1960s, there is nothing about Patty Hearst, which would have livened things up a bit.
Donald Trump very much reminds me of W. R. Hearst, except Hearst liked animals and was able to keep a relationship going for more than a few years. Hopefully, Trump's success in politics will mirror Hearst's.
I found it to be a good book to read to get me drowsy enough to fall asleep. Now, my battered copy is helping to hold up the goldfish's air pump to a proper height (it's a cranky air pump.) It's a better use for the book than reading it.
I will admit that one of the most off-putting aspects to this book was it's tiny print. If the print was large, I may have thought kinder of it.
The prose is dense, heavy on quotes and innuendo and not much in the way of details. Swanburg fully acknowledges that this is a skimpy biography of a very event filled life and crazy wealthy family. Since this was published in the 1960s, there is nothing about Patty Hearst, which would have livened things up a bit.
Donald Trump very much reminds me of W. R. Hearst, except Hearst liked animals and was able to keep a relationship going for more than a few years. Hopefully, Trump's success in politics will mirror Hearst's.
I found it to be a good book to read to get me drowsy enough to fall asleep. Now, my battered copy is helping to hold up the goldfish's air pump to a proper height (it's a cranky air pump.) It's a better use for the book than reading it.
November 29, 2024
This was a fascinating read about an equally fascinating man. Apparently this book was recommended for the Pulitzer Prize but was then rejected because Hearst was considered to o unsavory as a subject. Swanberg seems to be a little known author currently, but his writing style is excellent. He wrote many well-researched biographies including ones on other newsmen such as Henry Luce of Time Magazine and Joseph Pulitzer. I recommend this book highly.
June 15, 2008
I loved the tongue in cheek! I handed it off to my mother-in-law and she couldn't finish it. (We have a good relationship). So, you either get the approach or not, editor's note). I've yet to check out what else Swanberg has done, but his voice in attending to this bizarre family is consistent and brilliant. You want to know the true Citizen Kane? Read the book!
July 7, 2007
Hisatory keeps repeating itself... Trashy journalism, rich man tryng to buy presidency with a third party, felt like I had lived throught the same occurances. But they happened more than 1/2 a century ago...
August 24, 2011
A must read for all aspiring journalists. It's important to understand where the term yellow journalism comes from. Hearst had a huge impact on journalism in America that still resonates today. His wealth was breathtaking, which adds to the fun as well as complications.
March 19, 2014
Quite the character. A madman and possibly a genius. Many characters overlap from Hearst to Runyon. Will lead you to reading more bios and revisiting your hostory books. Also, whenever I start to feel guilty about spending too much money I can now just say "Well at least I'm no Hearst!
August 2, 2016
It was sort of interesting, but I had high expectations because this book was recommended by a tour guide at Heart's Castle. I was expecting Hearst to be more powerful than he turned out to be. The book is well-written; Hearst just isn't as interesting as I thought he would be.
March 4, 2008
5 stars just because Hearst Castle is my favorite place ive been, taking a total of about 10 tours
August 24, 2008
Everyone should watch the classic film, Citizen Kane.
Everyone should visit the Hearst Castle on the coast of California.
And, everyone should read this biography of William Randolf Hearst.
Everyone should visit the Hearst Castle on the coast of California.
And, everyone should read this biography of William Randolf Hearst.
September 28, 2008
An in depth biography of a difficult and contradictory person, who, in many ways seems to be a forerunner of several aspects of contemporary media and politics.
August 19, 2009
This was actually the first biography I ever read. It turned me on to biographies, which I have enjoyed ever since.
December 26, 2009
very good look at this fascinating figure
February 28, 2010
It was a compelling biography on a larger than life individual. Definitely a fun read, and a good look into the era he lived in and largely influenced.
August 19, 2010
Very interesting. A long life with so much history! Author presented in a fair manner. Enjoyed the book very much although long; he lived a good long life.
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May 22, 2012read pre 2003
February 6, 2013
What a life. One of the great romances in American history was that of Hearst and Marion Davies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews