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My Trade: A Short History of British Journalism
 
 
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My Trade: A Short History of British Journalism [Kindle Edition]

Andrew Marr (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews) |
Digital List Price: £8.05 What's this?
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Product Description

Product Description

How do you decide what is a 'story' and what isn't? What does a newspaper editor actually do all day? How do hacks get their scoops? How do the TV stations choose their news bulletins? How do you persuade people to say those awful, embarassing things? Who earns what? How do journalists manage to look in the mirror after the way they sometimes behave? The purpose of this insider's account is to provide an answer to all these questions and more. Andrew Marr's brilliant, and brilliantly funny, book is a guide to those of us who read newspapers, or who listen to and watch news bulletins but want to know more. Andrew Marr tells the story of modern journalism through his own experience. This is an extremely readable and utterly unique modern social history of British journalism, with all its odd glamour, smashed hopes and future possibility.

Book Description

How do you decide what is a 'story' and what isn't? What does a newspaper editor actually do all day? How do hacks get their scoops? How do the TV stations choose their news bulletins? How do you persuade people to say those awful, embarassing things? Who earns what? How do journalists manage to look in the mirror after the way they sometimes behave? The purpose of this insider's account is to provide an answer to all these questions and more. Andrew Marr's brilliant, and brilliantly funny, book is a guide to those of us who read newspapers, or who listen to and watch news bulletins but want to know more. Andrew Marr tells the story of modern journalism through his own experience. This is an extremely readable and utterly unique modern social history of British journalism, with all its odd glamour, smashed hopes and future possibility.
See all Product Description

Product details

  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 793 KB
  • Print Length: 436 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0330411926
  • Publisher: Pan Books; 2 edition (18 Sep 2009)
  • Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
  • Language English
  • ASIN: B003DWC6NG
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #37,590 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

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Andrew Marr
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
90 of 91 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Andrew Marr has achieved something that is oddly rare - he has written an entertaining history of journalism. I say "oddly rare" because you would think that journalists - people who write for a living - would write interesting books about their trade. The truth is that they can be weighed down with endless stories involving names that no one has heard of and another opportunity gets missed. Marr's book is very refreshing - he is certainly not above self-criticism and most importantly, the book does what all the best books of its kind do - it imparts a lot of information without you realising it.
The book is funny, informative, opinionated and most of all a fine read (which is more than can be said for some of our national press these days).
Buy it.
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Excellent 11 Aug 2005
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a detailed, informed, sceptical and sometimes very funny account of British journalism, from its 17th century origins to the present day. Marr, who is the BBC's political correspondent and used to edit The Independent, has had a varied journalistic career and, in carefully planned chapters, offers excellent insights into such questions as what editors do, the underlying truths and untruths of political journalism, the way papers and our perceptions of news have changed down the years, the personalities of journalists, the roles of columnists and specialist correspondents, broadcast news and its politics and spirit, plus much more. Along the way we meet a range of memorable characters from Daniel Defoe to Kelvin MacKenzie of The Sun, and from Rupert Murdoch to the Dimbleby clan. Marr sheds some really valuable light on the nature of British media, and this feels above all like a truthful account as well as a detailed and enjoyable one. This book is indispensable for journalists and would-be journalists, and for anyone interested in the news and how it gets made.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Tony Jackson VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover
If you are a journalist, a wannabe journalist or just interested in current affairs then this book will make a fascinating read for you. It can be dipped into , although I have read it cover to cover, to find remarkable insights into the "fourth estate" past and present.
And he doesn't limit himself just to facts - conclusions and judgements about his own trade are made very honestly. And his (sometimes hilarious) anecdotes about what happens behind the scenes make compelling reading.
I find Marr (the BBC's Political Editor) intriguing and he is one of the few people on television who is consistently worth listening to . He clearly has an amazing network and knowledge which lead to a very high standard of journalism. He has kept that up with this tome.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Perfect Writer's skill for Speaking.
Note this is a review of the AUDIO BOOK VERSION.

Andrew Marr quotes the old joke 'He has a perfect face for .... Radio'. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mr. Glenn Cook
An enjoyable, iteresting history
Although scholarly in approach, research and historical accuracy, it is not scholarly in tone; it is an enjoyable, relatively undemanding read but full of fascinating insights into... Read more
Published 9 months ago by RR Waller
The ultimate insider's guide
With my trade, Marr has created a book that sheds light on all the secrets of the trade that journalists ply. Read more
Published 12 months ago by TheCountofMonteCristo
Colloquial Style Needs Visual/Auditory Medium.
Although very interesting, at times fascinating, in itself, this book was ruined for me by the regular, although not all-pervasive, use of the colloquial style that Marr uses to... Read more
Published 17 months ago by V Heilbuth-Hall
MARRvelous
Even a bigger fan after reading this wonderful explanation of the fascinating business of journalism. A must read for those both in and out of the "trade".
Published on 5 April 2010 by A. Murray
Highly rated service.
A fine condition book at a dirt-cheap price speedily delivered, and with a friendly Customer Service. I do not expect better - ever.
Published on 30 May 2009 by Antony R. Macer
Behind the scenes look at journalism
The work of journalists, perhaps moreso than that of other professions, is often viewed in a stereotypical light. Read more
Published on 16 Dec 2005
a great book on journalism and politics
Although this books begins almost as a conventional history of journalism and newspapers - as good as that is - it soon moves on to a much more intersting mix of personal story and... Read more
Published on 7 Nov 2005 by "raster250"
Very Informative
I rate Andrew Marr very highly as a journalist and was sorry when he stepped down as the BBC's Policitcal Correspondant. Read more
Published on 3 Sep 2005 by Paul Johnson
Very interesting and entertaining
I bought the audio CD - something to listen and chuckle to in the car on the way in and out of work. Really enjoyed it! Shall miss Andy Marr as BBC Political Ed.
Published on 31 Aug 2005 by "aaron1977"
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Popular Highlights

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The answer is that stories about ordinary life in Britain are being pushed aside by stories that are easier to write in the office &quote;
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Alfreds principles were simple. The news should be interesting, short and always told from a human angle. &quote;
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Subs are more inclined to be learned, to hold strong political and religious opinions, and to be either morose or ferocious; and they never get out of the office. &quote;
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