Arthur Lubow

Richard Harding Davis (he would inevitably correct anyone who failed to use “Harding”) was a amazing, larger than life individual. Certainly Richard Harding Davis would have thought so. After reading this wonderful biography, a reader might also agree. The reader may find him likeable, or admirable, or despicable. What they will not find him to be is ordinary.

Lubow’s book is not a staid, academic tome, although it is scrupulously noted and researched. It is storytelling with style and authority. Davis was famous not only as a writer, journalist, war correspondent and playwright, he was equally (or perhaps more so) famous for being Richard Harding Davis. Lubow captures not only Davis the person, but also the times he lived in. His writing is lively and stylish but never loses focus or quality. He is even handed with Davis, maintaining an mostly objective tone. He avoids being cynical but doesn’t hold back from being a bit judgmental at times. Some might be put off by Lubow’s style, but I found that it added to my enjoyment of the book. Davis is not a person about whom people were ambivalent; he was admired, disliked, praised and parodied. He was at times arrogant, rude and snobbish. Yet he was also a loving son and husband, good friend, sensitive and moral. He was above all else, interesting. And so is this book.… (mehr)