Katharine Graham's Washington: A Huge, Rich Gathering of Articles, Memoirs, Humor, and History, Chosen by Mrs. Graham, That Brings to Life Her Beloved City

by Katharine Graham

As a fitting epilogue to a life intimately linked to Washington, D.C., Pulitzer Prize winner Katharine Graham, the woman who transformed The Washington Post into a paper of record, left behind this lovingly collected anthology of writings about the city she knew and loved, a moving tribute to the nation’s capital.

To Russell Banks, it is a place where “no one is in charge and no one, therefore, can be held responsible for the mess.” To John Dos Passos, it is “essentially a town of lonely people.” Whatever your impressions of Washington, D.C., you will likely find them challenged here. Experience Christmas with the Roosevelts, as seen through the eyes of a White House housekeeper. Learn why David McCullough is happy to declare “I love Washington,” while The Washington Post ’s Sally Quinn wonders, “Why Do They Hate Washington?” Glimpse David Brinkley’s depiction of the capital during World War II, then experience Henry Kissinger’s thoughts on “Peace at Last,” post-Vietnam. Written by a who’s who of journalists, historians, First Ladies, politicians, and more, these varied works offer a wonderful overview of Katharine Graham’s beloved city.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, American History, Essays, Dc Comics

832 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting collection. Whether one is interested in politics, journalism, society, or D.C. itself, there's something in this book of interest. I found myself wanting to read more about all sorts of things after reading this.

I loaned it to a coworker after we watched Obama's inauguration together, and she commented on the transition as the Bush family left the White House on the day the Obama family moved in. There's a story in this collection about just such a transition.

It's a large book, and is probably best digested in small chunks, but will keep readers interested.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katharine Graham really loved Washington. She REALLY loved Washington. I think she loved Washington even more than I love it. Which is saying a great deal.

Katharine Graham's Washington is a collection of stories, articles, cartoons, and even a poem or two, each of which says something special about my favorite city. Kay Graham collected them over the course of her lifetime and cherished her collection as lovingly as can be imagined. When she passed away, this collection was found among her possessions ready for posthumous publication, with everything completed, down to the introduction of the book as well as introductions to each section she designated, and even brief remarks or annotations about each piece she chose, explaining her reasons for liking the particular piece and her own reminiscences about the subject matter of the essay in question. In fact, these brief introductory notes to each selection were my favorite part of the book. Kay Graham was intelligent, well-connected, and a very shrewd observer of the Washington scene she loved so much and reading her thoughts was almost more interesting than some of the selections she chose!

The book is broken into different sections, including "Washington Events," "Washington Women," "Washington Humor," "Visits to Washington," and "President Watching." Each section has its outstanding selections, but some of my favorite pieces included:

-Agnes Ernst Meyer's (Kay Graham's mother) diary entries and observations of some of the characters she encountered during a very well-lived Washington life.

-The intensely moving pieces about John F. Kennedy's tragic death and "The Man In The Emergency Room," an essay about the day Reagan was shot, written by one of his closest friends, which made me sob.

-An absolutely hilarious essay describing a day in the life of a "native Washingtonian." I was rolling on the floor during the part about the Secretary of State making an ambiguous remark to confuse the French (just 'cause), which then led the press to speculate that the U.S. would be breaking off diplomatic relations with India and/or selling nukes to Nicaragua and/or going to war with Canada. Oh, and did you hear the one about the security-conscious secretary who left the Pentagon to take a job with a bishop? She filed all of his correspondence under two categories - Sacred and Top Sacred. Oh, just read it. You'll see why I was laughing hysterically on the Metro.

-David McCullough's essay "I Love Washington." I love both Washington and David McCullough.

-"The First Christmas With The Roosevelts," as seen through the eyes of a White House housekeeper... and in fact, every mention of Eleanor Roosevelt, who is one of my favorite historical figures.

-A sweet, funny and touching excerpt from Traphes Bryant's memoir, "Dog Days at the White House: The Outrageous Memories of the Presidential Kennel Keeper," which inspired me to track down a copy of the out-of-print book to give my mother-in-law for Christmas. She's going to love it.

-Essays about Cissy Patterson, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, and the hordes of "government girls" in the "Washington Women" section.

I could go on and on, but the book is over 800 pages... and worth every second I spent reading - no, devouring - it. Read it for yourself and see. Washingtonians will remember why they love this city, why most of us moved here in the first place... and they will feel an urge to spend a few weekend days rediscovering our town, wandering through the monuments or down the National Mall, or just standing and grinning while a motorcade goes screaming by. And those of you non-Washingtonians... well, read this book and I guarantee it won't be long before you pay us a visit.

[Sarah McMullan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot.
For a non journalist to grasp the importance of editorial content & integrity over $$$ is pretty impressive, especially considering she had been sidelined as a woman, to only spend the money & raise the children 😒

[Lisa Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pulitzer Prizer winner and American publisher of The Washington Post Katharine Graham describes in respectful and admiring essay form what makes Washington D.C. distinctly unique; a city of power and protocol c0-mingled with thousands of civil servants. The District of Columbia has more people than 9 states. Graham writes affectionately about her family's influence on her and how her life was transposed. Dinner parties aka social gatherings are legendary for their rules. Politicians, Presidents and First Ladies are elevated to star status because of what they said and did; in this town politics was the main attraction and not the money. The recent release of the movie The Post can't help but renew interest in Graham's legacy; especially since Watergate was a monumental time in her life.

[Guy Priel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book to me. I rarely read biographies, much less autobiographies, but both the subject matter and title impressed me. I have always been a fan of the Graham family and believe the Washington Post rose to its highest level of credibility under the Graham family. She was always fair, honest and unbiased in coverage of everything Washington. This city is more than politics and government and that has always been evident in the pages of the Post, especially under her leadership. Now that the paper is owned by Jeff Bezos and Amazon, it remains to be seen if the coverage of things non-political in this city get covered as fairly. This book was well written by a great journalist who truly understood writing and her place in the city that houses government. Highly recommended.

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this collection of memories of Washington insiders of the 20th. century. Don't be frightened off by that insiders label; these are rich and warm memories, of incoming( Rosalynn Carter) and outgoing(Lady Bird) First Ladies, as well as secret service and staff who served them, and the reporters and others who observed the powerful. The ways of entertaining in old D.C. (Joseph Alsop) and celebrating Christmas in the White House with the Franklin Roosevelts infamously bad housekeeper Mrs. Nesbitt. The menus sounded great though, and that's perhaps my favorite read but I wonder if the turkey was dry! And don't miss Lillian Rogers interaction with the demanding military wife Mamie Eisenhower. A great book to curl up with and delve into the human side of history.

[Susan Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a timely read in 2020. As an incredible witness to so much Washington history, Katharine Graham’s choices for this book give the reader an invaluable insight into a time when Washington succeeded even though perhaps not at first attempt. This is a must read for not just locals or those interested in politics or history, but a first class tutorial in how to best exemplify what governance can be.

[Ana Zhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot of the press. I really liked her personal history book, so was looking forward to reading this one. For someone that has never been to US and with very little knowledge of US politics i found the book quite accessible to read. I found Washington a fascinating place through her book, and it was very interesting how she showed the different layers of Washington, particularly the “wife profession” section. It gave a bit of background regarding “black life matters”, such as the existence of whole neighbourhoods where black people were suppose to live. Sometimes real people can be far more interesting than characters in book s, really liked the section about Alice Roosevelt and her standing on your head section. The arrival of the current queen of England was also fascinating. To be continued...

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much admired Katherine Graham and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Her love and dedication to the DC area is apparent and the writing is strong. She accomplished so much in her lifetime and it was done in time when women were very much second class citizens. A very good read.

[Cwelshhans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish the selection had been more balanced in terms of the time periods picked, but the love for DC comes through and provides some interesting vignettes.

[Nedda · Rating 3 out of 5]

fascinating ..

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't finished this one actually. I checked it out three times from the library and decided to find a paperback copy to finish someday as the hardcover was too bulky. Great stories told in the first person that inform on so many levels. I truly enjoy learning about the traditions and culture of our nation's capital.

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all time favorite book. Katharine's writing style and the amazing information, humor, and history in this book make it the must read for anyone interested in not only America's history but the cultural and social blending from around the world. She gives us so much to think about and offers a perspective few can.

[Anna Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of essays about life in DC from the early 1900s to late 1980s. I think I liked Graham's introductions to each essay as much, if not more, than each essay. Makes me want to further research not only certain eras in DC but also certain personnages and locales.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Graham's influence on Washington was amazing for an unelected private citizen. She encourages me that people can make a difference without needing the resources of a politician and all the shackles that come with them.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds me of my 2nd hometown, DC. Lots of fun vignettes and memories of the District--gives you a nice feel for the city, its inhabitants, and its happenings.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great book of many short stories of history and events in washington d.c.

[Jays · Rating 4 out of 5]

holy crap, i love katherine graham.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lady was a good writer

[Taryn]

As much as it pains me to not finish reading a book, I finally had to give up on this one, and I barely got anywhere in it. It just wasn't as interesting as I expected

[Sarah Leong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the politics of the capital of the US of A, Washington

[Vikki Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more interesting stories about a strong woman in the sixties. Her life was truly interesting...and not without its own struggles.