William Randolph Hearst : The Early Years, 1863-1910

William Randolph Hearst is one of the most influential figures in American journalism. First with the San Francisco Examiner and then with the New York Journal and later other papers, Hearst helped create the modern newspaper with its personal-interest features and its emphasis on sensationalism. This is the most complete biography of Hearst's early newspaper days and his truncated political career which involved running unsuccessfully for New York Mayor and Governor and for U.S. President. Written with a broad narrative sweep and based on previously unavailable letters and manuscripts, William Randoph Hearst illuminates the character and era of the man whose life inspired Citizen Kane and left an indelible mark on American journalism.