The Chief

The Life of William Randolph Hearst

By: David Nasaw

Narrated by: David Colacci

William Randolph Hearst, known to his staff as the "Chief", was a brilliant business strategist and a man of prodigious appetites. By the 1930s, he controlled the largest publishing empire in the United States, including 28 newspapers, the Cosmopolitan Picture Studio, radio stations, and 13 magazines. He quickly learned how to use this media stronghold to achieve unprecedented political power.

The son of a gold miner, Hearst underwent a public metamorphosis from Harvard dropout to political kingmaker; from outspoken populist to opponent of the New Deal; and from citizen to congressman. In The Chief, David Nasaw presents an intimate portrait of the man famously characterized in the classic film Citizen Kane.

With unprecedented access to Hearst's personal and business papers, Nasaw details Heart's relationship with his wife, Millicent, and his romance with Marion Davies; his interactions with Hitler, Mussolini, Churchill, and every American president from Grover Cleveland to Franklin Roosevelt; and his acquaintance with movie giants such as Louis B. Mayer, Jack Warner, and Irving Thalberg. An "absorbing, sympathetic portrait of an American original," The Chief sheds light on the private life of a very public man (Chicago Tribune).

©2000 David Nasaw (P)2021 Tantor

Way too long

The Chief is 736 pages if read. I listened it was 30+hrs. Hurst is a fascinating character in the 19th and 20th century. A million adjectives probably cannot describe the man. But David Colacci sure did try. I would put money on the dashboard that only a few people actually read this book cover to cover. It’s another book added to personal libraries collecting dust. A great look into over the top wealth, propaganda, and eccentricity. Just way too damn long.

Last of the Media Moguls

fascinating person who shaped journalism in this country.Rupert Murdoch must have been a admirer of W.R

definitely worth the read.

nothing is new under the sun it only gets updated. Hearst mirrors facebook tweeter and all of the media today that will do anything to influence our country. but the question is are they helping or hurting society

What a pleasure it was to read (listen to) this book!

Absolutely one of the best biographies I’ve ever read! Hearst was both Good and bad, moral and amoral, and on both the right and wrong side of history, at various times in his life.

But one thing he was not was boring.

I would rate the author, David Nasaw as one of the better storytellers out there.

Great book and a very worthwhile read/listen!

A man bigger than life

I had never read much about Mr. Hearst. This book is an excellent resource regarding his personal and business life. Surely he had his flaws but his influential mark on journalism is irrefutable.