Chasing History

Chasing History by Carl Bernstein is a riveting memoir that chronicles the formative years of one of America's pioneering journalists. It takes readers on a gripping journey through Bernstein's early experiences that set the stage for his illustrious career. With the declaration, "Carl Bernstein, Washington Star," a young sixteen-year-old senior at Montgomery Blair High School differentiated himself from his peers. Despite not being the top student and nearly missing out on graduation, Bernstein possessed an undeniable talent for writing, an insatiable curiosity, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. These qualities led him into the bustling newsroom of the Washington Star, the afternoon paper in the nation's capital, in the summer of 1960. It was a turning point for a country poised on the edge of significant political and social change and for a young man at the brink of adulthood. Chasing History vividly recreates the world of the early 1960s through Bernstein's eyes as he immerses himself in the journalistic life. Alongside the paper's police reporter, he chases after gruesome crimes, gathers electrifying details at a John F. Kennedy campaign rally, and navigates through the myriad complexities of union rules and the escalating civil rights movement. Each assignment teaches Bernstein important lessons about the life of a newspaperman and allows readers to share in his pride as he secures his first byline and discovers his undeniable talent for journalism. By turns exhilarating, funny, tense, and poignant, Chasing History captures a nation coming into its maturity alongside a young Carl Bernstein. It provides an intimate look at America's capital during a transformative era and offers readers an engaging view of a young journalist striving to make his mark. As Bernstein ventures out on his own after five influential years at the Star, his hard-earned knowledge and experiences resonate profoundly, making readers feel as if they have walked alongside him throughout his journey. The book also includes a collection of photographs, offering a visual narrative that complements Bernstein's vivid storytelling. Each image adds depth to the recollections, making this memoir not only a compelling read but also a visually engaging historical document.