The memoirs of a reporter, gossip columnist, national newspaper editor are bound to be juicy and 'Crusaders in chains' is no exception. From Oxford University to Fleet Street, Robin Esser met them all and played no small part himself in half a century of history as it unfolded from the sheets of the popular press. The newspaper man's newspaper man charts the golden era of journalism and its decline from the heart of the industry with an entertaining mix of indiscretion and self-deprecation. For Esser it was a journey from one lucky break to another, establishing, along the way, the careers of industry titans like Paul Dacre and Nigel Dempster. However, the smart student of journalism will see a gift for opportunity where others see luck, and the ability to turn any situation to one's advantage, as the hallmarks of a great newspaper operator. These are traits not to be underestimated even in today's era of digital reporters and consumer content. Alongside thrilling tales involving the great and the good, this book serves as a warning to those determined to curb the freedoms of the press and turns on its head the idea that newspapers are in the business of exposing private lives. The reality, as always, is more complex and Esser deftly argues the case that a healthy and independent popular press is the greatest security against further infringements by the state on our democratic rights... Insightful reading for anyone interested in a newspaper career and pure gold for anyone wanting to relive the heyday of the printing press.

The memoirs of a reporter, gossip columnist, national newspaper editor are bound to be juicy and 'Crusaders in chains' is no exception. From Oxford University to Fleet Street, Robin Esser met them all and played no small part himself in half a century of history as it unfolded from the sheets of the popular press. The newspaper man's newspaper man charts the golden era of journalism and its decline from the heart of the industry with an entertaining mix of indiscretion and self-deprecation. For Esser it was a journey from one lucky break to another, establishing, along the way, the careers of industry titans like Paul Dacre and Nigel Dempster. However, the smart student of journalism will see a gift for opportunity where others see luck, and the ability to turn any situation to one's advantage, as the hallmarks of a great newspaper operator. These are traits not to be underestimated even in today's era of digital reporters and consumer content. Alongside thrilling tales involving the great and the good, this book serves as a warning to those determined to curb the freedoms of the press and turns on its head the idea that newspapers are in the business of exposing private lives. The reality, as always, is more complex and Esser deftly argues the case that a healthy and independent popular press is the greatest security against further infringements by the state on our democratic rights... Insightful reading for anyone interested in a newspaper career and pure gold for anyone wanting to relive the heyday of the printing press.