On Their Own: Women Journalists and the American Experience in Vietnam - Hardcover

Hoffmann, Joyce

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 030681059X ISBN 13: 9780306810596

Publisher: Da Capo Press, 2008

Synopsis

Over three hundred women, both print and broadcast journalists, were accredited to chronicle America's activities in Vietnam. Many of those women won esteemed prizes for their reporting, including the Pulitzer, the Overseas Press Club Award, the George Polk Award, the National Book Award, and the Bancroft Prize for History. Tragically, several lost their lives covering the war, while others were wounded or taken prisoner. In this gripping narrative, veteran journalist Joyce Hoffmann tells the important yet largely unknown story of a central group of these female journalists, including Dickey Chapelle, Gloria Emerson, Kate Webb, and others. Each has a unique and deeply compelling tale to tell, and vivid portraits of their personal lives and professional triumphs are woven into the controversial details of America's twenty-year entanglement in Southeast Asia.

About this title

About the Author

Journalist Joyce Hoffmann has written for many publications, including the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She lives in Virginia, where she teaches at Old Dominion University.

Reviews

Journalist Hoffman spent years creating this history, a series of profiles that go deep into the professional lives of female Vietnam War correspondents. The women-some experienced "war dogs," others young and untried-are drawn with honesty, and though each is a product of her background, they were all changed by the physically and psychologically treacherous assignment. While stateside newsrooms were asking women to report lighter stories, Hoffman's subjects plunged into the battle with vigor-even relish-and unstinting dedication. Aside from dozens of new interviews, Hoffman excerpts some stunning journalism; included are Gloria Emerson, a socialite-turned-New York Times correspondent; Beverly Deepe, who planned to stay for two weeks and remained for seven years; photojournalist Dicky Chapelle, self-proclaimed "interpreter of violence," who died in battle; and Liz Trotta, who fought her bosses to become the first female war correspondent on broadcast TV. Hoffman's research presents the Vietnam experience from an unusual angle, and her inside stories of newswomen under fire is harrowing and highly satisfying.
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Edition details

• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 030681059X
• ISBN 13: 9780306810596
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 448