Char Justiss, Reviewer "The Chief: The Life of William Randolph Hearst" By David Nasaw

About the Book:
In “The Chief,” David Nasaw presents an intimate portrait of William Randolph Hearst, famously characterized in the classic film “Citizen Kane,” and whose influence was nearly as great as many world leaders. A brilliant business strategist, Hearst controlled the largest publishing empire in the United States, including 28 newspapers, the Cosmopolitan Picture Studio, radio stations, and 13 magazines. He quickly learned how to use this media stronghold to achieve unprecedented political power. The son of a gold miner, Hearst underwent a public metamorphosis from Harvard dropout to political kingmaker; from outspoken populist to opponent of the New Deal; and from citizen to congressman.
With unprecedented access to Hearst’s personal and business papers, Nasaw details Hearst’s relationship with his wife, Millicent, and his romance with Marion Davies; his interactions with Hitler, Mussolini, Churchill, and every American president from Grover Cleveland to Franklin Roosevelt; and his acquaintance with movie giants such as Louis B. Mayer, Jack Warner, and Irving Thalberg.
Join us as the Rejebian book review series celebrates its 70th season this summer. Rejebian welcomes authors and book reviewers to discuss a new literary work each week.
The speaking portion of the event remains free to the public, but with space limitations due to construction, registration is now required. The event will begin at 7 pm in the historic HPUMC Sanctuary, where the doors will open at 6 pm.
Learn more and register here: www.hpumc.org/events/rejebian-series-presents-char-justiss-reviewer-the-chief-the-life-of-william-randolph-hearst-by-david-nasaw?date=2026-07-29