Karl Schriftgiesser (–1988)

327. The Gentleman from Massachusetts: Henry Cabot Lodge, by Karl Schriftgiesser (read 20 Apr 1947) On Apr 28, 1947, I said: "Tonight started reading a biography of Henry Cabot Lodge and I find I don't know my political history as well as I once did. The book seems like an ideal biography." When I finished the book I said: "Tonight finished the biography of Henry Cabot Lodge by Karl Schriftgiesser. Best biography I've read in a long time, in fact, I can think of none better. Revived thoroughly my interest in the politics of his day and in the League of Nations dispute. An excellent book."… (mere)

3314. This Was Normalcy / An Account of Party Politics During Twelve Republican Years: 1920-1932, by Karl Schriftgiesser (read May 27. 2000) Back in April of 1947 I read this author's biography of Henry Cabot Lodge (the old one) and I really liked it. This book came out in 1948, and I was surprised to see it still at the library. It is written in the style of a partisan editorial, full of sweeping generalized statements, practically no meaningful footnotes--all the text slanted in a way I would have loved in 1948. Now it repelled a bit, not that I disagree with the slant, but that it does not make an attempt to prove its slant is borne out by the facts. It tells the political story of the years as a good Democrat sees it. I cannot say I felt I learned much new. I would have loved this book if I had read it in 1948.… (mere)