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The Journalist And The Murderer
176 pages, 1990
history
999 booksA seminal work and examination of the psychopathology of journalism. Using a strange and unprecedented lawsuit as her larger-than-life example – the lawsuit of Jeffrey MacDonald, a convicted murderer, against Joe McGinnis, the author of Fatal Vision, a book about the crime – she delves into the always uneasy, sometimes tragic relationship that exists between journalist and subject.
In Malcolm's view, neither journalist nor the subject can avoid the moral impasse that is built into the journalistic situation. When the text first appeared, as a two-part article in The New Yorker, its thesis seemed so radical and it's irony so pitiless that journalists across the country reacted as if stung. Her book is a work of journalism as well as an essay on journalism: it at once exemplifies and dissects its subject.
In 'The Journalist And The Murderer', Janet Malcolm explores the intricate relationship between journalists and their subjects. She highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, who often have to manipulate their subjects to get the story they want. This book will make you question the boundaries of journalism and its ethical implications.
Malcolm shows us how the power of narrative can shape our perception of reality. She digs into the story of Jeffrey MacDonald, a man accused of murdering his family, and journalist Joe McGinniss, who wrote a book about him. The way McGinniss portrayed MacDonald's story had a significant impact on public opinion, showing us how narratives can be manipulated.
Janet Malcolm's book is a deep exploration of the ethical dilemmas in journalism. She questions the morality of journalists who betray their subjects' trust for the sake of a good story. This book will make you see journalism in a new light and question the ethics behind every story you read.
In 'The Journalist And The Murderer', Malcolm explores the thin line between truth and fiction in journalism. She shows us how journalists can easily cross this line, leading to a distortion of the truth. This book will make you question the authenticity of the stories you read and the role of journalists in shaping these stories.
Malcolm takes a look at the role of bias in journalism. She shows us how journalists' personal biases can influence the way they report a story, leading to a skewed representation of the truth. This book will make you more aware of the potential biases in the news you consume and encourage you to seek out multiple sources to get a balanced view.
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Malcolm's book is a masterful piece of journalism, a riveting exploration of the relationship between journalists and their subjects.
John Leonard - Literary CriticJanet Malcolm's The Journalist and the Murderer is a seminal work on the ethics of journalism.
Robert Boynton - Journalism ProfessorMalcolm's book is a powerful exploration of the moral complexities of journalism.
Joan Didion - Author, EssayistThe Journalist and the Murderer is a profound exploration of the relationship between journalists and their subjects.
David Remnick - Editor, JournalistRecommendations
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