THE WORLD SHE EDITED Katharine S. White at THE NEW YORKER

There's plenty of meat in these 20+ hours chronicling the life and career of THE NEW YORKER'S defining editor, Katharine White. But much could have been condensed. The author has thoroughly researched White and the magazine, and Christa Lewis's forceful narration keeps to a good pace, even through the sluggish opening hours. The narrative comes together in the 1930s when the magazine, under White's editorship, emerged as a cultural force. One can hear Lewis savoring the insider details. For example, nearly bankrupt, THE NEW YORKER was saved by the timely repeal of Prohibition--and the consequent resumption of liquor advertising. White is an interesting and impressive figure, and Lewis does her full justice. D.A.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]