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86th out of 1,803 books
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1,742 voters
Personal History
Winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Biography
An extraordinarily frank, honest, and generous book by one of America's most famous and admired women, Personal History is, as its title suggests, a book composed of both personal memoir and history.
It is the story of Graham's parents: the multimillionaire father who left private business and government service to buy and rest...more
An extraordinarily frank, honest, and generous book by one of America's most famous and admired women, Personal History is, as its title suggests, a book composed of both personal memoir and history.
It is the story of Graham's parents: the multimillionaire father who left private business and government service to buy and rest...more
Paperback, 642 pages
Published
February 24th 1998
by Vintage
(first published 1980)
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I don't always like biographies - they can be very self serving and trite. But I was blown away by this woman. Frankly, I didn't know much about her or her story of taking over the Washington Post upon the death of her husband - a job she really had been preparing for her whole life, if she knew it or not. Katherine Graham is a amazing, strong and wise woman, and she tells her tale in a very honest way, sharing her flaws, her mistakes and her regrets as lessons for the rest of us. She had a seat...more
Another book club book -- I wouldn't have picked it up to read it on my own, but I'm glad I read (most of) it. It was interesting as a social commentary, though there wasn't much personal emotion in it -- strange for an autobiography.
There was too much name-dropping and detail to make this an enjoyable read. It was also hard to sympathize with her at all when she talked about how hard it was to live with just a maid but not a cook, or how she had only one dress as a child (which she wore to ever...more
There was too much name-dropping and detail to make this an enjoyable read. It was also hard to sympathize with her at all when she talked about how hard it was to live with just a maid but not a cook, or how she had only one dress as a child (which she wore to ever...more
I can’t even remember where I found this book. Was it in the used book section of the Brookline Public Library? Quite possibly. In any case, I was on a bio roll.
This book traces Katherine Graham’s life through many distinct stages: her childhood, her marriage to Phil Graham, her emergence as a powerful woman in a man’s world after her husband’s death, and the international persona she became (June 16, 1917 – July 17, 2001).
When I began reading, I knew only the sketchiest of details about Kathari...more
This book traces Katherine Graham’s life through many distinct stages: her childhood, her marriage to Phil Graham, her emergence as a powerful woman in a man’s world after her husband’s death, and the international persona she became (June 16, 1917 – July 17, 2001).
When I began reading, I knew only the sketchiest of details about Kathari...more
Katharine Graham was thrust into the middle of history, much against her own introverted instincts. She was happy to play supportive housewife and mother while her father ran the Washington Post, succeeded by her brilliant, dynamic and bipolar husband, Phil Graham. Phil was a hugely influential figure in Washington; in one manic stretch he almost single-handedly engineered the Kennedy-Johnson presidential ticket.
But as his illness grew increasingly worse (and remained unmedicated), he spiraled...more
But as his illness grew increasingly worse (and remained unmedicated), he spiraled...more
Fascinating book, and although it is no longer the "year of the biography/memoir", one of the best of the genre I have ever read. I first came across Katharine Graham when I read All the President's Men back in college. My wife maintains an extensive collection of biographies of accomplished women, and so remembering her part in Watergate, I gave this book a shot. The book describes her fairly eccentric and wealthy parents, and how they bought the Washington Post in 1937 (as almost an after thou...more
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the memoir of such a public person, who was a journalist, should be told with such historical detachment. Mrs. Graham's focus is on her life only inasmuch as she participated in her times. The life she has to relate is her public one, accompanied by many anecdotes of the rich and famous with whom she was surrounded.
To the extent that she shares her private life, she portrays herself as being very unsure of herself. She is generous towards others and self-de...more
To the extent that she shares her private life, she portrays herself as being very unsure of herself. She is generous towards others and self-de...more
An interesting and historic story...
I've had this book since early 1998. I started it and was flabbergasted to learn that Katherine Grahams' parents lived in my hometown (Alameda, CA) for a short spell. Then, I put the book to the side and never finished it. I finally put my foot down and completed the book from 6/24/01-7/4/01. It's a great book to finish on the 4th of July with all of the Presidential gossip salt n' peppered throughout the book. I found the stories about her parents most intere...more
I've had this book since early 1998. I started it and was flabbergasted to learn that Katherine Grahams' parents lived in my hometown (Alameda, CA) for a short spell. Then, I put the book to the side and never finished it. I finally put my foot down and completed the book from 6/24/01-7/4/01. It's a great book to finish on the 4th of July with all of the Presidential gossip salt n' peppered throughout the book. I found the stories about her parents most intere...more
I read every word of this very long book and I think I'm glad I did. For one thing, Katharine Graham was in the inner circle of the inner circle of events that have defined my life, and I wanted to know the names of people, for instance, involved in Watergate just because I should. Now I don't remember them again, but for a brief shining moment I was an informed citizen. The book is brave and honest and in the constant name dropping, reveals an important take on the major players of the time. I...more
I'm so happy I read this book, and it tied in nicely after reading No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Mrs. Graham was frightfully honest and this is one of the only times that I can say it was truly necessary to the book. I was turned off at first by her description of her grandmother being "the most beautiful woman anyone had ever seen" (or something like that...) because oh, please, hasn't everyone said that about their grandmother in her heyday? And if this is how is starts, where will...more
Mrs. Graham was frightfully honest and this is one of the only times that I can say it was truly necessary to the book. I was turned off at first by her description of her grandmother being "the most beautiful woman anyone had ever seen" (or something like that...) because oh, please, hasn't everyone said that about their grandmother in her heyday? And if this is how is starts, where will...more
I picked this book up at my local second-hand shop. I'm not a huge autobiography reader, but as a former reporter, I was intrigued by the fact that this told the story of pioneering woman in the newspaper business. I was of course familiar with Watergate, but not with the Meyer/Graham family, so most of the material was very fresh to me. The story of her parents early days in California and New York is very unique and yet so universal to the American experience. The story of how her father came...more
This was far more interesting than I thought it would be. Katharine Graham was born into privilege although her parents worked hard to get there. She had nannies and summer houses and debuts and lived the life of housewife for half her life until her husband killed himself which suddenly made her the publisher of the Washington Post. She then had to adjust to running newspapers, magazines and television stations and dealing with Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, the Pentagon Papers, Watergate and a major...more
"Most people go through life without ever discovering the existence of that whole field of endeavor which we describe as second wind. Whether mentally or physically occupied most people give up at the first appearance of exhaustion. Thus they never learn the glory and the exhilaration of genuine effort..."
A remarkable memoir of a woman whose "second wind" came in the 1960s when her husband committed suicide and her family legacy, The Washington Post, fell into jeopardy. Although insecure and wit...more
A remarkable memoir of a woman whose "second wind" came in the 1960s when her husband committed suicide and her family legacy, The Washington Post, fell into jeopardy. Although insecure and wit...more
This book really held my interest from start to finish. Graham has great self-understanding and perspective on her life, and was very honest about her late husband's mental illness, the things that she both admired and resented about her parents, and her own insecurities as an untrained businesswoman in a world that was still completely dominated by men. As a woman in the business world, I completely identified with her. I especially loved the scene where she had to decide whether or not to prin...more
I got this book on the recommendation of an ABA list of "best books" chosen by lawyers.
After much thought, I have decided to abandon this book with over 400 more pages to go. I stopped on page 200. The beginning of the book was rather interesting in its description of growing up a very rich girl in the '20s and '30s, a period that I know little about, which made it intriguing. I like Katharine's voice and it was fascinating to see into the lives of the very rich.
This isn't a bad book, I am just...more
After much thought, I have decided to abandon this book with over 400 more pages to go. I stopped on page 200. The beginning of the book was rather interesting in its description of growing up a very rich girl in the '20s and '30s, a period that I know little about, which made it intriguing. I like Katharine's voice and it was fascinating to see into the lives of the very rich.
This isn't a bad book, I am just...more
I loved this autobiography. I learned so much about the course of women's history in America by her tale of struggling to rise to her father's expectations, her relationship with her husband (who committed suicide), and her delicate handling of publisher of the Washington Post. Beautifully written.
I loved this book. Katherine Graham describes growing up as a spoiled (perhaps ignored) daughter in Mt. Kisco, NY, and her father bought the Washington Post after a successful career in business.
Graham had a few stints as a journalist at her father's paper. Her husband took over running the Post after her father died, and then he, a manic depressive, had an affair and later committed suicide. Graham was very forgiving. The most interesting part was when she took over running the Washington Post...more
Graham had a few stints as a journalist at her father's paper. Her husband took over running the Post after her father died, and then he, a manic depressive, had an affair and later committed suicide. Graham was very forgiving. The most interesting part was when she took over running the Washington Post...more
Another one of my heroes. Katherine Graham stepped into the top position at the Washington Post during a time when extremely few women were in positions of power. Additionally, she survived her husband's mental illness and subsequent suicide with compassion, grace, and strength.
At one point Katharine Graham was pronounced the 19th most important person on the planet. Clearly this could be corroborated by the company she kept. Graham was friends with industry moguls and many US presidents and leaders of countries across the globe. As owner of the Post and Newsweek and many other papers, TV stations and other media she was a power to be contended with. She was at the helm when the Pentagon papers were published and later when the Post broke the Watergate debacle. This bi...more
Don't let the size of this book daunt you; it is both interesting and readable, a very human story. Although I got the idea that perhaps I was only hearing one side of the story sometimes, well how could it be otherwise. I think that Katharine Graham tried to play fair and honest as possible in telling her life story and the story of the Washington Post. She is a very tenacious woman. She took on fights with some very powerful and intelligent people and she never gave up, nor did she lose most o...more
Dec 18, 2007
Abby Drucker
added it
Recommends it for:
everyone who is interested in washington politics
fascinating life - truly amazing what she took on at the washington post and her role with ben bradley to breakt the watergate scandal.. best autobiography i have read ... her relationship and friendship with warren buffett is interesting as well
I enjoyed the political history during the 40s 50s 60s and Ms Graham's unique position to experience close up and personal what was going on behind the scenes
I never felt she revealed herself on any type of intimate level.
I never felt she revealed herself on any type of intimate level.
This book was over six hundred pages and I enjoyed them all. While Katharine Graham's autobiography is ostensibly her own history, it's also the history of our country. Beginning with her father, Eugene Meyer, and his close dealings with the Hoover Administration and going all the way through her own birds-eye view of various presidents, including Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, and, most fascinating of all, Nixon.
Graham's life was supposed to be much different. Married to Phil Graham who r...more
Graham's life was supposed to be much different. Married to Phil Graham who r...more
3 likes · like · see review
All I'm going to say about this book is that it hit home in more ways than one. It helped me to make a decision I'd been putting off because I didn't believe I deserved better, and through the frank honesty Katharine expresses herself with, it helped me to realise I'd been placing myself in a space of naivety and daydreams for something that would likely destroy me. The triumphs, tragedy, and dignity this woman endured and strived for should not be forgotten, and I feel privileged for hearing he...more
Secret to business success:
1. Clearly define your mission.
2. Hire the best people to get the job done.
3. Give the people you hire autonomy and delegate. Trust them to do the job well.
Quote by Theodore Roosevelt:
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows the...more
1. Clearly define your mission.
2. Hire the best people to get the job done.
3. Give the people you hire autonomy and delegate. Trust them to do the job well.
Quote by Theodore Roosevelt:
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows the...more
Another riveting book which was hard to put down. Katherine Graham is an astonishing person who in spite of her gender training, broke through the glass ceiling everytime she had to. Lovely read.
This is a thick one! I believe that you must have some interest in government, journalism and/or politics to stick with Katharine Graham's memoir - but if you do, you will thoroughly enjoy this fascinating history of this intrepid woman's journey that happens to coincide with some of the most remarkable episodes in America's 20th century. From the time she was a child with a powerful, rich father who bought the Washington Post, through the Watergate fiasco and beyone, she truly had a front row -...more
I read this years ago, pre-children, and was so impressed with Graham, a privileged yet meek woman who let her accomplished husband take over her family's Washington Post business, yet re-created herself as a powerful publisher when push came to shove. Under her leadership, the Post went public, took on the Pentagon Papers, Watergate, and the notorious Pressmens' Strike. After a second reading, and now that she has passed on, I see more tarnish on her story, but her writing and growth still shin...more
Feb 12, 2013
Suzanne Feliciano
is currently reading it
So far, I'm really enjoying this book. Not so far into it yet but at the point she has met Phil Graham and they are getting married. She mentions photographers in her mother and father's lives including the photo secessionists - Strand, Stieglitz, Steichen, etc. - and her own meeting and being friends with Ansel Adams upon securing her first job in San Francisco after graduating from University of Chicago. She doesn't say a lot about him but as a photographer, it's nice to learn tidbits about th...more
This is Katharine Graham's autobiography. Much of the book discusses her husband, which I found surprising. The first of the book is about her childhood, youth, and early marriage. The last 150-200 pages tells of her experiences after taking over the Washington Post following her husband's death. She kept a pretty humble voice throughout the book which surprised me. She didn't throw any blame on her husband (which she well could have) and kept her comments supportive and positive, for the most p...more
I found this a wonderful book that began with the author as a wealthy, obedient wife who took over the Washington Post upon the death of her husband and pushed it and herself to the top tier of journalism excellence. It covers the Pentagon Papers, Watergate and the nearly disastrous Local 6 union conflict along with inside glimpses of Presidential personalities and stumbling blocks along the way. An entertaining look at some recent American history, the book is an easy read and a surprising page...more
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Katharine Meyer Graham was an American publisher. She led her family's newspaper, The Washington Post, for more than two decades, overseeing its most famous period, the Watergate coverage that eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Her memoir, Personal History, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1998.
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Dec 11, 2012 03:35am