Minnesota Rag: Corruption, Yellow Journalism, and the Case That Saved Freedom of the Press (Minnesota)

Rating:
Summary: Historical Perspective
Review: Journalist, writer, producer, and professor Fred W. Friendly captures a slice of first amendment drama in his historic account of a landmark decision. His lack of objectivity shows, however, in such descriptions as "Morrison was a puritanical Christian of courtly dress and manners" (p. 8) and "Minnesota Rag" in the title. With that aside, Friendly goes on to provide the background of the individuals involved in this case. He tells readers of the prominent characters and their connection to the newspaper in question. Colonel McCormick, from Chicago, who had many more resources available than Jay Near in Minnesota, was drawn to the case due to press protection ramifications. Friendly goes on to describe how events unfolded.