Customer Reviews

My Trade: A Short History of British Journalism

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With my trade, Marr has created a book that sheds light on all the secrets of the trade that journalists ply. He also recommends several other books (from which he takes examples)and will leave you feeling like you are in for a lifetime of reading. I've already ordered a copy of the book which deals with an editor-in-chief's sacking at the hands of Rupert Murdoch. Marr is not only an expert on his own profession, but also the most well read in the subject.

He is also brutally honest, and can leave you feeling a little cold when he describes the ultimate aim of most journalists. The book at times is also very funny - from being sacked to being hired to being sacked again, but what amazes most is how Marr has condensed his experiences into such a tightly written little book that will keep you up to the early hours.

Fantastic stuff.

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 such marvellous effect on TV, but which did not, for me, lend itself at all to a medium using only the written word. Without the visual and auditory cues (facial gestures, grimaces, hand and body movements, accents etc...) that Marr uses for emphasis, mood-setting, emotional import and so on on TV, the frequent use of a heavily clipped, abbreviated, colloquial delivery often fails to make written sense: I found myself having to read many sentences/passages repeatedly, each incident creating greater irritation.

Further, the absence of decent grammar and punctuation in the style was compounded by typos and plain bad English of a more regular kind. In all, I have rarely read such a poorly edited book (relative to author and subject matter). I finally gave up two-thirds of the way through.

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 history and journalism by someone who is very familiar with both.
He manages to maintain that journalistic objectivity so many strive for but fail to attain, particularly in these days of tabloid, sensationalist journalism. He learned his trade well from established, well-known and respected journalists at a time when it was considered a profession and he continues the tradition.
Well worth the time.

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.

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".

A fine condition book at a dirt-cheap price speedily delivered, and with a friendly Customer Service. I do not expect better - ever.

Marr has produced an entertaining book, his history of journalism looking at significant themes such as ownership, the demise of Fleet Street, the rise of pundits and the peculiarities of the TV interview. There is no index, but his comments on fellow journalists are always mild-mannered anyhow.

He does tackle criticism of journalists (too close to politicians, fictional stories and the preference of TV for pictures rather than facts) but it's not always convincing. And he fails to address the post-moderist critique that all analysis is contingent and relative.