William Randolph Hearst: The Later Years, 1911-1951

William Randolph Hearst #2

by Ben Procter

William Randolph Hearst was a figure of Shakespearean proportions, a man of huge ambition, inflexible will, and inexhaustible energy. He revolutionized the newspaper industry in America, becoming the most powerful media mogul the world had ever seen, and in the process earned himself the title of "most hated man in America" on four different occasions.
Now in the second volume of this sweeping biography, Ben Procter gives readers a vivid portrait of the final 40 years of Hearst's life. Drawing on previously unavailable letters and manuscripts, and quoting generously from Hearst's own editorials, Procter covers all aspects of Hearst's his journalistic innovations, his impassioned patriotism, his fierce belief in "Government by Newspaper," his frustrated political aspirations, profligate spending and voracious art collecting, the building of his castle at San Simeon, and his tumultuous Hollywood years. The book offers new insight into Hearst's bitter and highly public quarrels with Al Smith (who referred to Hearst papers as "Mudgutter Gazettes") and FDR (whose New Deal Hearst dubbed the "Raw Deal"); his 30-year affair with the actress Marion Davies (and her own affairs with others); his political evolution from a progressive trust-buster and "America first" isolationist to an increasingly conservative and at times hysterical
anti-communist. Procter also explores Hearst's ill-considered meeting with Hitler, his attempts to suppress "Citizen Kane," and his relationships with Joseph Kennedy, Charles Lindbergh, Louis B. Meyer, and many other major figures of his time.
As Life magazine noted, Hearst newspapers were a "one-man fireworks display"--sensational, controversial, informative, and always entertaining. In Ben Procter's fascinating biography, Hearst shines forth in all his eccentric and egocentric glory.

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 2007

About the author

Ben Hamill Procter was a historian at Texas Christian University, where he retired as the Cecil and Ida Green Emeritus Chair in the History Department. He served as president of the Texas State Historical Association from 1979 until 1980. Prior to becoming a history professor he played football with the Los Angeles Rams.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Hearst—Ego writ large. Paraphrased…Hell hath no fury as a suitor scorned. Hearst had a liberal progressive posture while becoming POTUS was remotely possible. In the end, protection of personal wealth and the healing of a savaged ego replaced Hearst's concern for his fellow man. Larger than life, he colored and shaded his times even if he did not shape them. Both volumes of Procter's biography of Hearst are worthy reads…I strongly urge you to do so.
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[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The later years of WRH political and personal life. Disappointing to read that Hearst Castle was built primarily for his girlfriend, not surprsing. That being said Hearst Castle is a place everyone should visit. Absolutely amazing.

[Ken Kuhlken · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enlightening and well crafted biography by a writer well acquainted with Hearst and his newspapers.