War of Words: A True Tale of Newsprint and Murder

Simon Read

ISBN 10: 1402756127 / ISBN 13: 9781402756122

Published by Union Square Press, 2009

May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1402756127I4N00

Synopsis:

When the news business was literally a matter of life and death... A real-life Barbary Coast, War of Words details the bloody birth of the San Francisco Chronicle, when verbal blows traded between two of the towns most powerful men escalated into violence on the streets of 1880s San Francisco. Gun-toting newspaper publisher Charles de Young won circulation wars by spilling ink that destroyed political candidates he didnt like - and Isaac Kalloch, a hellfire preacher whose lust for the ladies equalled his craving to be mayor, was an obvious target. First angry words flew, then bullets, when de Young ambushed Kalloch and shot him. Miraculously, Kalloch survived and won the election, only to see his son enact revenge on his behalf five months later by walking into the newsroom and fatally shooting de Young. The trial lasted 28 days, featured over 200 witnesses and made headlines coast to coast. The verdict? Not guilty, by reason of 'justifiable homicide.' This sensational tale of sex, murder and muckraking enthralled San Franciscans and is sure to captivate modern readers as well.

About the Author: British-born Simon Read is an award-winning newspaper reporter. He is the author of many other books.

Bibliographic Details

Title: War of Words: A True Tale of Newsprint and ...
Publisher: Union Square Press
Publication Date: 2009
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket