Richard Ben Cramer was an American journalist and writer whose work focused on political reporting and in-depth analysis of electoral campaigns. His investigative approach and ability to portray complex human stories make him a key figure in modern journalism. Cramer's account of presidential elections is considered a seminal study of the political process.
An American Iliad in the guise of contemporary political reportage, What It Takes penetrates the mystery at the heart of all presidential campaigns: How do presumably ordinary people acquire that mixture of ambition, stamina, and pure shamelessness that makes a true candidate? As he recounts the frenzied course of the 1988 presidential race -- and scours the psyches of contenders from George Bush and Robert Dole to Michael Dukakis and Gary Hart -- Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Richard Ben Cramer comes up with the answers, in a book that is vast, exhaustively researched, exhilarating, and sometimes appalling in its revelations. "From the Trade Paperback edition.
The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team
388 pages
14 hours of reading
Vengeance is a true story that reads like a novel. It is the account of five ordinary Israelis, selected to vanish into "the cold" of espionage secrecy -- their mission to hunt down and kill the PLO terrorists responsible for the massacre of eleven Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972.This is the account of that secret mission, as related by the leader of the group -- the first Mossad agent to come out of "deep cover" and tell the story of a heroic endeavor that was shrouded in silence and speculation for years. He reveals the long and dangerous operation whose success was bought at a terrible cost to the idealistic volunteer agents themselves."Avner" was the leader of that team, handpicked by Golda Meir to avenge the monstrous crime of Munich. He and his young companions, cut off from any direct contact with Israel, set out systematically to find and kill the central figures of the PLO's Munich operation, tracking them down wherever they lived.The mechanics, the horror, the day-by-day suspense of what they did surpass by far anything John le Carré or Robert Ludlum could imagine, as they themselves were tracked in turn (and some killed) by PLO assassins, changing identities constantly, moving from country to country, devoting their young lives to the brutal task of vengeance.Vengeance is a profoundly human document, a real-life espionage classic that plunges the reader into the shadow world of terrorism and political murder. But it goes far beyond that, to explore firsthand the feelings of disgust and doubt that gradually came to torment each member of the Israeli team, and that in the end inexorably changed their view of the mission -- and themselves.Vengeance opens a window onto a secret world, a book that at the same time inspires and horrifies. For its subject is an act of revenge that goes to the very heart of the ancient biblical questions of good and evil.
Exploring the life of Ted Williams, Richard Ben Cramer reveals the complexities of the baseball legend beyond his athletic prowess. Through meticulous research and personal anecdotes, Cramer uncovers Williams' character, values, and the struggles he faced, portraying him as not only a remarkable player but also a deeply human figure. This biography delves into the intersections of fame, talent, and personal challenges, offering a nuanced perspective on one of baseball's most iconic figures.
Joe DiMaggio's life unfolds through the lens of fame, exploring his journey from a Yankees rookie in the 1930s to a national icon, intertwined with his marriage to Marilyn Monroe. Award-winning journalist Richard Ben Cramer delves into the complexities of DiMaggio's existence, revealing how media shaped his celebrity status and the dual nature of fame—its ability to elevate and devastate. Cramer's investigative prowess brings to light startling revelations, presented in his distinct, unflinching writing style.
This biography offers an intimate portrait of George H. W. Bush, the 41st president and patriarch of a prominent political family. Author Richard Ben Cramer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, draws from extensive research, including insights from "What It Takes," to provide a comprehensive view of Bush's life and legacy. The work delves into his character, political journey, and the complexities of his presidency, making it a significant contribution to understanding modern American politics.
