I set out reading this book to understand Hearst's efforts to undermine the hemp industry. Sadly, this was not even mentioned, through no fault of the author. Instead, it followed Hearst's life in a relatively linear fashion: starting with his wealthy yet difficult upbringing, through the formation of his vast publishing empire, to his restless old age. Along the way the book tells fascinating tales of his involvement in American high society and influence on American politics of the first half of the 20th century. To people looking for answers as to where modern publishing and journalism have their origins, look no further than The Chief. ( )

On balance, just about the best and most balanced biography of Hearst of the many that are out there. Nasaw has the advantage of time, which has allowed the animosity directed against Hearst in his lifetime to die down, and offer a somewhat more objective view of the subject. I prefer this to Swanberg's biography. This particular biography has been liberally cribbed for other bios, as well. ( )

5244. The Chief The Life of William Randolph Hearst, by David Nasaw (read 8 Feb 2015) (Bancroft Prize in 2001) Because on 23 Mar 1986 I read W. A. Swanberg's biography of Hearst when this biography came out in 2000 I figured I need not read it. But recently as I thought about Hearst's political effort culminating in seeking the Democratic nomination for President in 1904, I thought I would find this book of interest--and I was right. Some of my reaction was the same as when I read Swanberg's book--revulsion at his hopelessly extravagant spending and rejoicing at his near bankruptcy in 1937--but it was good to read the book and while reading about his acquisitions of art and such was not interest-holding much of the account as to his political activity and how he dictatorily ran his publishing empire was of high interest. And there were times when I laughed out loud, such as when I read that he returned to the USA from abroad on Nov. 2, 1936, and predicted publicly that Landon would be elected President. I was appalled at his living openly with his mistress, while holding himself out as a defender of morality. One can be glad that no other publisher was ever so dominant and it was indeed satisfying to read about his near financial collapse in 1937. The book was awarded a Bancroft Prize in 2000 and is the 36th such winner I have read. But since two Bancroft prizes have been awarded each year since 1948 one can see that there are lots of such winners which I have not (yet) read. ( )

Fabulous and well-documented book on what Wm. Randolph Hearst's life must have been like: habits of collecting things including real estate, a few wives, millions of dollars worth of antiques. Much like a Gatsby character. He made multiple trips to Europe to buy period pieces and had a penchant for amazing NY nightlife... Intellectually Hearst was unmatched: he honed his craft watching others in both east and west coast film studios, and, to his credit, he watched which way the wind blew with media so he could maximize his power getting the word out to the people. Newspapers came first, then film. He had power that way, much like today's media moguls might strategically position themselves for the next web 2.0 development. I very much enjoyed this writer's treatment of this powerful man, Hearst, who would prefer to be named "Metro" on the MGM logo of all his films. Recommend without reservation.