Ruby A. Black: Eleanor Roosevelt, Puerto Rico, and Political Journalism in Washington [Paperback]

This book presents the story of Ruby A. Black, a feminist who broke new ground for women in Washington journalism in the 1920s and 1930s as a correspondent for a Puerto Rican newspaper and the first biographer of Eleanor Roosevelt. It offers access to the secret correspondence that shows how Black used her friendship with Roosevelt to advance the political career of Luis Mu?oz Mar?n, Puerto Rico's first elected governor. The book describes Blacks effort, ultimately unsuccessful, to become both a well-regarded journalist and a political operative in the nations capital, a feat particularly difficult for a woman. It contends Blacks closeness to Roosevelt proved both a help and a hindrance to Blacks stature as a journalist.Maurine H. Beasley is professor emerita at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Bringing new insight to the world of feminist writer, Ruby A. Black, Maurine Beasley weaves together an intricate story combining the personal and work life of this Washington D.C. journalist. Voices for Media Democracy

Beasley's well-written biography of Black is based on detailed research in the available records and primary sources related to Black's life and career. Beasley does an excellent job of portraying Black's life and explaining the impact she had on the development of relationships between influential people in Washington and Puerto Rico. Although not the primary factor in the outcome of these relationships, Black was a key component in their origination, and Beasley does an excellent job of explaining her role. American Journalism: A Media History Journal

The leading scholar of first ladies and the press, Maurine H. Beasley has written an involving and fast-paced account of the life of Ruby A. Black, an early Eleanor Roosevelt biographer, a gifted Washington reporter, and an advocate for Puerto Rico during the New Deal ear. Public libraries, universities, and general readers will want to own this fine addition tolƒ#