Joseph Mitchell Quotes
Joseph Mitchell (1908-1996) was an American writer and journalist best known for his works of literary journalism. He wrote for The New Yorker magazine for over 40 years, and his works often focused on the lives of the people of New York City. His most famous works include Up in the Old Hotel (1992)…Read More
Joseph Mitchell (1908-1996) was an American writer and journalist best known for his works of literary journalism. He wrote for The New Yorker magazine for over 40 years, and his works often focused on the lives of the people of New York City. His most famous works include Up in the Old Hotel (1992), McSorley’s Wonderful Saloon (1943), and Joe Gould’s Secret (1942). Mitchell was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1963 for his journalism, and he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1980.Read Less
Joseph Mitchell (1908-1996) was an American writer and journalist best known for his works of literary journalism. He wrote for The New Yorker magazine for over 40 years, and his works often focused on the lives of the people of New York City. His most famous works include Up in the Old Hotel (1992), McSorley’s Wonderful Saloon (1943), and Joe Gould’s Secret (1942). Mitchell was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1963 for his journalism, and he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1980.
Joseph Mitchell Career Highlights
- Joining The New Yorker: In 1938, Mitchell joined The New Yorker magazine as a staff writer. This marked the beginning of his long and successful career at the publication.
- Literary Journalism: Mitchell’s writing style was a blend of journalism and literature, which he referred to as “reportage.” He was known for his ability to capture the essence of a person or place through his writing, making his articles more like short stories than traditional news pieces.
- “Up in the Old Hotel”: Mitchell’s most famous work is a collection of his articles published in The New Yorker, titled “Up in the Old Hotel.” The book, published in 1992, is considered a classic in the genre of literary journalism.
- Covering New York City: Mitchell’s writing focused primarily on the people and places of New York City. He explored the city’s diverse neighborhoods and its eccentric characters, giving readers a unique and intimate look into the city’s culture and history.
Key Contributions by Joseph Mitchell
- Elevating Literary Journalism: Mitchell’s writing style and approach to journalism helped elevate the genre of literary journalism. He showed that journalism could be more than just reporting facts; it could also be a form of storytelling.
- Humanizing His Subjects: Mitchell had a talent for humanizing his subjects, no matter how obscure or eccentric they may have been. He was able to capture their essence and bring them to life on the page, making his articles both informative and entertaining.
- Chronicling New York City: Through his writing, Mitchell chronicled the ever-changing landscape of New York City. He captured the city’s history, culture, and people, providing readers with a unique and personal perspective on the city.
What Sets Joseph Mitchell Apart
- Unique Writing Style: Mitchell’s writing style was unlike any other. He blended journalism and literature seamlessly, creating a new form of storytelling that was both informative and entertaining.
- Deep Understanding of New York City: Mitchell’s deep understanding and love for New York City set him apart from other writers. He was able to capture the city’s essence and bring it to life through his writing.
- Ability to Connect with People: Mitchell had a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. This allowed him to gain access to places and people that others may not have been able to, resulting in unique and compelling stories.
Takeaways
- The Power of Literary Journalism: Mitchell’s career is a testament to the power of literary journalism. He showed that journalism could be more than just reporting facts; it could also be a form of storytelling that captures the essence of a person or place.
- The Importance of Understanding Your Subject: Mitchell’s deep understanding of New York City and its people allowed him to write with authenticity and depth. This serves as a reminder to writers to take the time to truly understand their subjects before writing about them.
- The Art of Humanizing: Mitchell’s ability to humanize his subjects is a valuable lesson for writers. It shows the importance of empathy and understanding in creating compelling and relatable stories.
In conclusion, Joseph Mitchell was a pioneer in the field of literary journalism, known for his unique writing style and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. His contributions to the genre and his deep understanding of New York City make him a standout figure in the world of journalism and literature.
Other People
Journalist
1968
Journalist
· USA
1904 - 1963
Journalist
1966
Journalist
· USA
1894 - 1988
