Book review of Citizen Reporters

by Stephanie Gorton (Author)

Updated at: 12/01/2025

In Citizen Reporters, Stephanie Gorton chronicles the explosive rise and dramatic fall of McClure's Magazine, a Gilded Age publication that redefined American journalism. At its helm were two unlikely figures: S.S. McClure, an ambitious Irish immigrant, and Ida Tarbell, a groundbreaking female journalist. Together, they built McClure's into a powerhouse, publishing investigative pieces that exposed corruption, including Tarbell's landmark exposé of Standard Oil. This compelling narrative explores the magazine's impact, its influence on writers like Willa Cather and Arthur Conan Doyle, and its ultimate demise, offering a timely reminder of investigative journalism's vital role in a functioning democracy and the enduring power of truth to challenge authority.

Citizen Reporters: S.S. McClure, Ida Tarbell, and the Magazine That Rewrote America

4.5 / 112 ratings

Review Citizen Reporters

I absolutely loved "Citizen Reporters: S.S. McClure, Ida Tarbell, and the Magazine That Rewrote America"! As someone who's already spent a fair bit of time exploring the Gilded Age and Ida Tarbell's incredible work, I went into this book wondering what fresh perspective it could offer. And honestly, I was blown away. Stephanie Gorton masterfully synthesizes existing information, creating a narrative that's both deeply researched and incredibly engaging. This is no easy feat; books about this period can easily get bogged down in the minutiae, losing the reader in a sea of facts. But Gorton expertly avoids this pitfall. Her writing is rich and vibrant, full of depth and fascinating detail without ever feeling overloaded or tedious.

What truly impressed me was Gorton's ability to weave together the stories of McClure and Tarbell, highlighting their individual strengths and their complex, sometimes fraught, professional relationship. We get a real sense of the energy and ambition that fueled McClure's Magazine, and how it became a powerful force for change. The author vividly portrays the magazine's meteoric rise, its impact on American journalism, and its ultimately dramatic downfall. It's a compelling story of success, ambition, and the inevitable consequences of pushing boundaries. The book masterfully captures the spirit of the Progressive Era, showcasing the bravery and dedication of journalists who dared to challenge power, even in the face of fierce opposition. Reading about Tarbell's courageous takedown of Rockefeller and Standard Oil is still thrilling, even knowing the outcome. Gorton's prose makes you feel the tension, the risk, and the ultimate triumph.

Beyond the central figures, the book also offers a fascinating glimpse into the literary world of the time, introducing us to the many authors published by McClure's. It's a reminder of the magazine's far-reaching influence, not just on investigative journalism but also on American literature itself. The book reads like a gripping historical novel, yet it’s meticulously researched and grounded in factual accuracy. It's a testament to Gorton's skill as a writer and historian.

While I appreciated the depth of the biography, I did have one minor quibble. Gorton's portrayal of McClure's manic behavior as simply "manic depressive disorder" felt a bit simplistic, especially considering his incredibly traumatic childhood. I wondered if exploring the potential link to PTSD, given the hardships he endured, might have provided a more nuanced understanding of his personality. His childhood of near-starvation certainly suggests a potential link between his experiences and his later instability, a perspective that could have enriched the psychological portrait. But this is a minor point in an otherwise exceptional book.

Overall, "Citizen Reporters" is an entirely recommended read, even for those already familiar with the era and its key players. Gorton offers fresh insights and new interpretations, reminding us of the enduring importance of investigative journalism and the courageous individuals who fight for truth and accountability. I found myself completely engrossed from beginning to end, and I’m already eager to read more of Gorton’s work. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.