From Library Journal
In the first of a three-volume collection, Lasky, former editor of the defunct British periodical Encounter, asserts that sloppy journalism is debasing language and that this, in turn, corrupts culture. To make his point, Lasky collects hundreds of passages from print journalism and then comments on trends in language misuse. Alas, his comments are frequently sneering, as when he claims that a Washington Post reporter is writing "like some aging coquette, trying hard to mime her old come-hither look." This tone of derision permeates the book and distracts from Lasky's argument, creating an atmosphere of contempt rather than instruction. The final chapter, which chronicles the rise of what Lasky calls "the f-word" in common journalistic use, will challenge anyone's assumption of what free speech means. It is unfortunate that getting there is so tiresome, with Lasky so intent on repeating what is bad and ugly in journalism that ultimately the language is diluted even more. Recommended only for academic libraries with extensive journalism collections. Cheryl Van Til, Kent Dist. Lib., Comstock Park, MI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Synopsis
The first volume of an examination of journalism and what it has meant as a source of knowledge and as a mechanism for orchestrating mass ideology. The author concentrates on such topics as poor grammar and syntax in the press, the key issues of accuracy and authenticity, and bias in reporting.