Hope Ridings Miller, the Society Beat, and the Rise of Women Journalists
September 3, 2018
Journalist Dalton brings to light a little-known figure in women’s journalism in this sweet biography of Hope Ridings Miller, who served as society editor for the Washington Post from 1937 until 1944 and as editor-in-chief of Diplomat magazine in the 1950s and later wrote three books about Washington life. Raised in a small north Texas town, Miller moved to Washington, D.C., in 1933 and worked as a freelance reporter before being hired by the Post. After her promotion to society editor, she began her reign as the paper’s insider at Washington’s exclusive galas, banquets, and cocktail parties. Her contacts included First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, who was an old family friend; and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean. Miller’s writing, extensively quoted throughout the book, is detailed and charming, revealing “a consistently positive viewpoint toward all humanity.” Dalton, who is Miller’s first cousin twice removed, claims that Miller’s heyday was a time when “dignity, courtesy, and respect... mattered in our nation’s capital,” but it is doubtful that Miller’s graciousness was shared by those she encountered. Still, this is an entertaining look at a pioneer in both journalism and Washington history. Photos.
September 1, 2018
This biography of Hope Ridings Miller, long-time Washington Post society editor, offers a heady insider's view of the capital's political and social swirl from the 1930s to the 1980s. As a society reporter?never a gossip columnist!?Miller had unique access to Washington power brokers. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt held weekly White House briefings, invitations to balls attended by everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Madame Chaing Kai-shek were guaranteed, and nightly presence at cocktail parties was expected. Miller's natural reticence regarding indelicate matters, determination to put a positive spin on everything, and innate Texas charm resulted in lifelong friendships with government and entertainment luminaries. Her career arc exemplified women's changing impact and role in political journalism. Her reporting changed from descriptions of debutante gowns to support for WWII efforts (especially, championing women in the workplace) to hard news and seasoned, respected editorials. This well-documented, engaging, and loving tribute by a distant cousin does Miller justice and heralds another woman who quietly but effectively affected history.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)
Starred review from October 1, 2018
Mix one-part journalism and one-part politics with a splash of high society and a garnish of glamour and savor a satisfying biographical cocktail of the life and times of Hope Ridings Miller (d. 2005). A cousin of author Dalton's (arts reporter; Times Union) maternal grandfather, Miller was a trailblazer for women in journalism, transforming her love of books and an English degree into a thriving career as society editor for the Washington Post and Diplomat magazine and authoring three books about Washington, DC. Dalton provides not only a vivid portrait of Miller's personal and professional life but also a glimpse into the political, diplomatic, and social scene of the capitol's "golden age." He further details Miller's experiences covering the press conferences of the First Ladies, from the time of Eleanor Roosevelt to Lady Bird Johnson, and describes how she was equally adept at parsing the news of the day and commenting on the fashion, furnishings, and food of a dinner party. VERDICT A delightful and informative read for journalism, diplomatic, and feminist studies students and politics buffs.--Donna Marie Smith, Palm Beach Cty. Lib. Syst., FL
Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.