1900-08-03 00:00:00
A Journalist and The Book: Introduction
Ernie Pyle, who was born August 3, 1900 outside Dana, Indiana, did not set out to be an author of five books.
1939-01-02 14:36:36
Pyle's Path to Book Publication
All of Ernie Pyle’s books were based on his newspaper columns which were edited to be read as a book. Journalism professor Owen V. Johnson recently stated as a guest on the “Hoosier History Live” radio show that the increasing readership demand for Pyle’s columns can be found in the archives. His column ran six days a week at 1,000 words per column. Pyle’s readership developed during the 1930’s as a roving reporter called the, “Hoosier Vagabond.” He covered the entire western hemisphere during these years. Author Ernie Pyle’s path to book publication did not appear to follow Robert Darnton’s Communications Circuit. Readership of Pyle’s writing was well established prior to book publication. However, publication of his books did reach new readers. Book clubs were established, multiple translations were published, and a famous movie was made based on his second book, Here Is Your War (1943). (A recording of Owen V. Johnson on “Hoosier History Live” can be found on www.erniepyle.org )