Description
Book SynopsisGeorge Bronson Rea, Propagandist brings to life the extraordinary story of a journalist, publisher, engineer, spy, lobbyist, blackmailer and fortune hunter, who represents twentieth century journalism gone awry. Rea’s career as a foreign correspondent and then magazine publisher illuminates essential issues of journalistic ethics that still resonate in today’s world, and provides a fascinating look at international relations and U.S. history from the Spanish-American War to the Great Depression. This is also a who’s who biography including Rea’s connection to: U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover, historic icons William Randolph Hearst, Joseph Pulitzer, J.P Morgan, writer Stephen Crane, China’s revolutionary hero Sun Yat-sen and many others. The biography reveals what made Rea switch from being a trusted “old China hand” to betraying his allies to become a propagandist for Japan’s invasion and take-over of Manchuria.
Trade ReviewLeslie Eaton Clark brings to life the improbable story of George Bronson Rea—journalist, propagandist, lobbyist, and entrepreneur. Rea covered the Spanish-American War, founded the influential Far Eastern Review, and played a significant role in American foreign relations with both China and Japan. Rea’s controversial career, which mingled reporting, financial opportunism, and political lobbying, not only illuminates American foreign policy in early 20th century, but offers a cautionary tale about the importance of objective journalism in our own day. -- Chris Rasmussen, Associate Professor of History, School of the Humanities, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Incorrigible in Brooklyn Chapter 2: The Herald’s Man in Havana Chapter 3: Marching with Generals Chapter 4: Facts and Fakes about Cuba Chapter 5: Taps Chapter 6: The Best Days of Their Lives Chapter 7: A Bittersweet Battle Chapter 8: Earthquake and Financial Panic Chapter 9: The American Group Chapter 10: A 10,000 Mile Dream Chapter 11: A Contemptible German Trick Chapter 12: The Allied Propagandist Chapter 13: The Competition Chapter 14: Love and Influenza Chapter 15: The Conference That Changed Everything Chapter 16: Nefarious Activities Chapter 17: Frenemies Chapter 18: The Maelstrom Chapter 19: Hoover’s Goldmine Chapter 20: Raw Deals Chapter 21: Dejá Vu Chapter 22: The Case for Manchukuo Chapter 23: Epilogue Index About the Author
