Herbert Mitgang

Herbert Mitgang was a renowned American journalist and author, best known for his work as a book reviewer and editor for The New York Times. Throughout his career, Mitgang worked with notable figures such as William Shawn, Harold Ross, and A.M. Rosenthal. His contributions to the literary world were recognized by institutions like the Pulitzer Prize board and the National Book Critics Circle. Mitgang's writing often explored the lives and works of prominent individuals, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck.

● Early Life and Education

Herbert Mitgang was born in New York City to a family of modest means, with his parents having immigrated from Eastern Europe. He developed an interest in writing and literature at an early age, inspired by authors like Mark Twain, Theodore Dreiser, and Upton Sinclair. Mitgang attended City College of New York, where he studied alongside future notable writers and intellectuals, including Daniel Bell and Irving Howe. During his time at City College, Mitgang was exposed to the works of Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and Leon Trotsky, which would later influence his writing and worldview.

● Career

Mitgang began his career in journalism as a reporter for the New York Daily News, covering local events and politics. He later moved to The New York Times, where he worked as a book reviewer and editor under the guidance of Orville Prescott and Charles Poore. Mitgang's reviews often focused on the works of contemporary authors, including Norman Mailer, James Baldwin, and Truman Capote. He also wrote about historical events, such as the Nuremberg Trials and the Cold War, and interviewed prominent figures like Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro. Mitgang's work at The New York Times earned him recognition from the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the National Press Club.

● Literary Works

Herbert Mitgang was a prolific author, writing books on a range of subjects, including history, biography, and literary criticism. His works include The Man Who Rode the Tiger, a biography of Harry S. Truman, and Once Upon a Time in New York, a history of New York City during the 19th and 20th centuries. Mitgang also wrote about the lives and works of notable authors, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and Walt Whitman. His book Dangerous Dossiers explored the world of espionage and intelligence, featuring figures like Allen Dulles and J. Edgar Hoover. Mitgang's writing was praised by critics and authors, including Gore Vidal, Norman Cousins, and Arthur Schlesinger Jr..

● Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Herbert Mitgang received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to journalism and literature. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Institute of Arts and Letters, and served on the board of the PEN American Center. Mitgang's work was recognized by the National Book Foundation, the Library of Congress, and the New York Public Library. He also received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Overseas Press Club, and was honored by institutions like Columbia University and New York University.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Herbert Mitgang was married to Barbara Mitgang, and the couple had two children, Peter Mitgang and Jessica Mitgang. He was a longtime resident of Manhattan, and was involved in various literary and cultural organizations, including the New York PEN Center and the Writers Guild of America. Mitgang's legacy as a journalist and author continues to be celebrated by institutions like the Newseum and the Library of America. His work has been praised by authors and critics, including Joyce Carol Oates, Garrison Keillor, and Christopher Hitchens, and remains an important part of American literary and journalistic history. Category:American journalists