BOOK REVIEW MARCH, 2016
MARY MCGRORY
The First Queen of Journalism
AUTHOR: JOHN NORRIS
The pen is mightier than the sword!
(Coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in the play: Richelieu; or the Conspiracy, 1839)
She was neither frail or diminutive, tall or robust. She was moderately slim of figure and had an attractive face with a bright smile that mesmerized those surrounding her. But, when she put pen to paper a lion was loosed upon the journalistic stage. The facade was gone and the real
Mary McGrory was revealed. John Norris captures the essence of this woman in a very astute manner, leaving no stone unturned as to her acumen as a reporter nor the knotty personalities
that could emerge without warning. Mary appeared to be complex yet simple; forgiving yet unrelenting; sympathetic yet self-righteous to a fault. Her eye was always on the informational
ball and the messages that erupted were absorbed and internalized by many.
Ms. McGrory was born in Boston to an Irish father who filled her head with wondrous, romantic visions and a German mother who affirmed life within stern boundaries. She was the first
member of her family to attend college and started her career in writing by becoming a book reviewer. Within a relatively short period of time, she was assigned to the Army – McCarthy
hearings in 1954 whereby a number of senior military officers were denigrated by McCarthy and accusations were thrust at President Eisenhower as to his dedication to uprooting Communism in
this country. Mary discovered her literary trademark at this time, giving people the facts as she saw them, making it easier for the average reader to digest and understand. A journalist of the
people was born! This country became her oyster, so to speak, but she immersed herself in the political arena, stepping on toes and opening the eyes of many who chose to climb that ladder.
She coasted into a world that was almost surreal, whereby she was sought after by dignitaries, influenced the behavior of many in politics, was propositioned by a man in position, revered by
her colleagues. All of which was accomplished on a stage that was specified for men only. In addition, she supported and volunteered in an orphanage, providing solace and safety for many
lost waifs.
She helped people make sense of public life. She humanized the players on the stage. She took what people knew and used it to help them understand how they felt. She looked at the world with
eager, discerning eyes, even after decades in the business. John Norris’ portrayal of her performance exalts Ms. McGrory in fine fashion. America was her stage, admirers of her superior talent as a journalist her audience, her pen a mighty sword!
