Murray Kempton

About the Author

Murray Kempton was a distinguished American journalist and author whose incisive commentary illuminated the political and social landscapes of mid-20th-century America. Born in 1917 in Baltimore, he began his career as a reporter for the New York Post and later became a prominent columnist for publications like The New York Review of Books and The New Republic. Renowned for his elegant prose and unflinching analysis, Kempton's work often delved into the intricacies of power, race, and public life, earning him a Pulitzer Prize in 1985 for distinguished commentary. His contributions to journalism, including the acclaimed anthology Deadline Artists—Scandals, Tragedies & Triumphs: More of America's Greatest Newspaper Columns, continue to inspire readers and writers alike with their blend of wit, depth, and moral clarity.