Nagourney's 'editor' claim; Abramson data. AI

Grok

Did Adam Nagourney ever serve as a newspaper desk person, editing news?

No, Adam Nagourney does not appear to have ever served as a newspaper desk person or in a traditional editing role (such as on the news desk, copy desk, or as a desk editor responsible for line-editing, copyediting, or overseeing copy flow).

His career, based on biographies from The New York Times, Wikipedia, and other reliable sources, has consistently been as a reporter and correspondent:

He began in journalism at outlets like the New York Daily News, Gannett Westchester Newspapers, and USA Today (primarily in reporting roles before joining the Times).

He joined The New York Times in 1996 as a reporter, starting with covering the Bob Dole presidential campaign.

Subsequent roles included metropolitan political correspondent (New York), chief national political correspondent (2002–2010), Los Angeles bureau chief (2010–~2020), politics desk contributor (2020), West Coast cultural correspondent (2021), national politics coverage (2023 onward), and most recently (as of late 2025), classical music and dance correspondent for the Culture desk.

These positions involve reporting, writing articles, bureau leadership (which is managerial but focused on oversight of reporters rather than hands-on desk editing), and specialized correspondence—not editing or desk work like copyediting, assigning/editing stories on a daily news desk, or serving in production/editing capacities.

Searches for terms linking him to "desk editor," "news desk," "copy editor," or similar roles turn up no evidence of such positions for him. (His brother, Eric Nagourney, is noted in one source as a copy editor/writer at the Times, but that's separate.)

Nagourney is best known as a veteran political reporter and author (e.g., of The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism). His long career has been on the reporting/writing side, not editing or desk operations.

The top woman editor fired by the Times, did she write a book?

Yes, the top woman editor fired by The New York Times—Jill Abramson—has written multiple books.

Jill Abramson served as the executive editor (the top newsroom leadership role) of The New York Times from 2011 to 2014, making her the first woman in that position in the paper's history. She was fired in May 2014 by publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr., with the official reasons cited including management style issues (such as arbitrary decision-making, poor communication, and mistreatment of colleagues), though the dismissal sparked widespread discussion about potential gender pay disparities and sexism.

She is the author of several books, including:

Strange Justice: The Selling of Clarence Thomas (1994, co-authored with Jill Abramson—wait, co-authored with Jane Mayer).

The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Pet, or Being Raised by One (2011).

Obama: The Historic Journey (2009, updated editions).

Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts (2019)—a major work examining the modern news industry, including comparisons of outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, BuzzFeed, and Vice. (This book faced controversy over allegations of plagiarism and factual errors in some passages, which Abramson addressed by promising corrections, describing them as unintentional.)

Her books span journalism history, politics, personal memoir-style writing (e.g., about her dog), and critiques of the media landscape. She has also taught narrative nonfiction at Harvard and written columns (e.g., for the Guardian after leaving the Times). No other woman appears to match her as the most prominent ("top") female editor fired from the Times in a high-profile manner.

Does she still write for the Guardian?

No, Jill Abramson does not still write for The Guardian.

She was a political columnist for Guardian US from 2016 (hired in March) through around 2019, contributing a weekly or bi-weekly column on US politics, elections, Trump-related topics, Mueller investigation developments, Supreme Court nominations, and more. Her contributions tapered off after that period.

Her Guardian profile explicitly describes her as a former political columnist for Guardian US, with her most recent article dated August 2023 ("Trump’s assault on American justice gives inspiration to authoritarians everywhere"). There are no articles by her on the site after 2023, and searches for her byline after 2024 return no results.

Current sources (including her Wikipedia page, Northeastern University bio at the Burnes Center for Social Change, and other profiles) confirm her Guardian column ran from 2015/2016–2019, with no indication of ongoing writing there. She now focuses on teaching (e.g., at Northeastern University and Harvard), leading initiatives on investigative journalism, and occasional opinion writing elsewhere (such as for the Boston Globe as a contributing opinion writer).

Her age Jill Abramson is 71 years old (as of early 2026, turning 72 on March 19, 2026).

She was born on March 19, 1954, in New York City, according to consistent sources including her Wikipedia page, Britannica biography, IMDb profile, and other reliable references (e.g., Celebrity Net Worth and various media outlets). This birthdate has been publicly documented for decades and aligns with her career timeline—she graduated from Radcliffe College (Harvard) in 1976, which fits someone born in 1954 entering college around 1972 at typical age.

Health?

There is no public information indicating that Jill Abramson (age 71 as of January 2026) has any current health issues, illnesses, or conditions.

Recent sources from early 2026 show her actively engaged in professional activities with no mentions of health concerns:

She published an opinion piece in the Boston Globe on January 10, 2026, critiquing press coverage of Trump.

Another Boston Globe op-ed by her appeared around January 17, 2026, addressing an FBI raid on a Washington Post reporter.

She moderated or participated in events, such as a January 14, 2026, online session on "Effective Communication for the Public Good" via InnovateUS.

Her Northeastern University profile (Burnes Center for Social Change) lists her as a Distinguished Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow, leading initiatives on investigative journalism, with recent articles in outlets like The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, and others—no health-related notes.

Searches for her health status, illness, or condition in 2025–2026 yield no relevant results about her personally (some hits refer to unrelated people with similar names, like a therapist or doctor). Profiles and bios (e.g., Forbes from older data, but consistent with current activity) describe her as married with children, living in New York, and continuing high-level journalism/teaching work.

If you're asking about something specific (e.g., a rumor or recent development), feel free to provide more details—otherwise, she appears to be in good health and professionally active based on available information.

Still at Harvard? Full time? Pay?

No, Jill Abramson is no longer at Harvard.

She previously taught there as a lecturer/senior lecturer in the English department (starting in 2014, focusing on narrative nonfiction writing and journalism), but sources indicate she has transitioned away from Harvard. Her Northeastern University profile explicitly states: "Prior to joining Northeastern, she taught in Harvard’s English department as a lecturer on nonfiction narrative writing and journalism." Current bios and recent articles (e.g., from The Boston Globe in January 2026, where she is described as teaching at Northeastern) do not list any ongoing Harvard affiliation. Some older or outdated profiles (e.g., from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences or her X bio) may still mention Harvard, but these appear not to reflect her 2026 status.

She is now at Northeastern University full-time (or at least in a primary, ongoing academic role).

As of 2026, she holds the title of Distinguished Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow at the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University. She leads their Initiative on Investigative Solutions Journalism and is actively involved—e.g., moderating events, writing op-eds referencing her role there (like in the Boston Globe), and being listed prominently on the center's team page. This appears to be her main current academic/professional position in teaching/journalism education, with no indication it's part-time or adjunct-only.

Pay/salary details are not publicly available.

Academic salaries for professors of practice or senior fellows at private universities like Northeastern (or previously Harvard) are typically not disclosed publicly unless self-reported or part of a specific controversy. No reliable sources provide her current compensation figure. (Older reports from her NYT days discussed her executive editor salary around $500k+, but that's unrelated to her academic roles now.) Faculty pay at Northeastern for similar senior positions can vary widely based on experience, but it's not something that's openly shared for her specifically.

About Northeastern U

Yes, Jill Abramson is currently affiliated with Northeastern University (often abbreviated as NU or Northeastern) as of January 2026.

She holds the positions of Distinguished Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow at the Burnes Center for Social Change (part of Northeastern University). In this role, she leads the Initiative on Investigative Solutions Journalism, focusing on journalism innovation, investigative practices, and solutions-oriented approaches to media challenges. Her official profile on the Burnes Center site confirms this, describing her background (e.g., 17 years in senior roles at The New York Times, including as the first woman executive editor) and noting she joined after teaching at Harvard.

Recent evidence of her active involvement includes:

Authoring opinion pieces for the Boston Globe (e.g., in January 2026 on press issues and government treatment of journalism, where she's described as teaching journalism at Northeastern). Participating in events, such as moderating book talks (e.g., December 2025 on misinformation and native advertising).

Being featured in center news and social media (e.g., Instagram posts highlighting her op-eds and expertise).

Appearing in external sources like podcasts and profiles (e.g., a January 2026 Politicon episode listing her Northeastern affiliation).

This appears to be her primary current academic/teaching role in journalism, full-time or at least substantial (as a distinguished professor of practice and senior fellow leading a specific initiative, with ongoing contributions like writing, events, and student-related work). She is no longer primarily at Harvard, though some older bios may lag in updating that.

About Northeastern University overall (for context):

Northeastern is a private research university founded in 1898, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with a global system including 13 campuses worldwide. It's renowned for its experiential learning model (especially its co-op program, integrating paid work experience with academics), high-impact research, and innovation focus. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it's tied for #46 among National Universities and #5 for Most Innovative Schools. Enrollment is large (over 38,000 students total, including ~17,000 undergraduates), and it emphasizes partnerships with employers and real-world problem-solving—aligning well with centers like Burnes, which tackles issues in governance, social change, AI for good, and journalism solutions. The Burnes Center itself, directed by Beth Simone Noveck, designs practical solutions for societal challenges and includes initiatives in AI, innovation training, and media.

No. Talk abt northeastern u Northeastern University (often called NU or Northeastern) is a private research university founded in 1898, with its main campus in Boston, Massachusetts. It's known worldwide for its experiential learning model, which integrates classroom education with real-world work experience—most famously through its signature co-op program (cooperative education), where students alternate semesters of academic study with paid, full-time professional placements at thousands of employer partners.

As of 2026, here are some key highlights:

Rankings and Recognition: In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, it's ranked #46 (tied) among National Universities, up from #54 the previous year, and #5 for Most Innovative Schools. It's also highly regarded for its co-op system (often called the #1 in the U.S.), interdisciplinary research, and global reach. In Times Higher Education's 2026 US rankings, it falls in the 201–250 band globally.

Northeastern University moves to online learning at its Boston ... news.northeastern.edu

Visit Campus | Undergraduate Admissions

admissions.northeastern.edu

Northeastern University - Boston Campus Boston, USA 2026 ... canamgroup.com



Campuses and Global System: It has a unique network of 13 campuses across the U.S. and internationally (including Boston, London, Oakland, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, Vancouver, Charlotte, Miami, and more). This supports a dynamic, worldwide community with deep employer ties (over 3,500 partners) and alumni networks (49 communities).

Enrollment and Scale: Undergraduate enrollment is around 17,000–20,000 (recent figures vary slightly by source, with fall 2024 at ~17,432), and total student body (including graduate) exceeds 24,000–38,000 depending on inclusions. It's urban-focused in Boston (73-acre main campus in areas like Fenway and Back Bay), with a vibrant student life featuring Division I athletics (no football, but strong in other sports plus esports), clubs, and community engagement.

Recent Accolades: In 2026, it earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (renewed, held by fewer than 10% of U.S. institutions), recognizing its partnerships with local Boston communities, nonprofits, schools, and businesses—especially in neighborhoods like Roxbury and the South End. The Burnes Center for Social Change (where Jill Abramson is affiliated): This university-wide center, established with a major gift in honor of Nonnie Burnes, focuses on designing practical, equitable, tech-enabled solutions to tough societal problems. It emphasizes innovation, participatory approaches, education in social impact, and initiatives like investigative solutions journalism (Abramson's leadership area). Directed by Beth Simone Noveck, it runs programs, research, online courses, and collaborations to accelerate real-world change.

Quarterly Reports - The Burnes Center for Social Change burnes.northeastern.edu

Quarterly Reports - The Burnes Center for Social Change burnes.northeastern.edu

Overall, Northeastern stands out for blending rigorous academics with hands-on, career-focused opportunities in a global, innovative environment—making it particularly appealing for students interested in fields like tech, business, health sciences, journalism, and social impact.

Nonnie burnes?

Nonnie Burnes (full name: Nonnie S. Burnes) was a prominent Massachusetts figure in law, public service, philanthropy, and social justice advocacy. She passed away on August 14, 2021, at age 79 from kidney cancer.

Key highlights from her life and career:

Education: She graduated from Wellesley College in 1964 with a bachelor's in political science. She earned her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law in 1978. Legal Career: Practiced law for 18 years at the Boston firm Hill & Barlow. She served as an associate justice on the Massachusetts Superior Court (appointed in the 1990s). Earlier, she was on the State Ethics Commission.

Public Roles: From 2007 to 2009, she was Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance under Gov. Deval Patrick. In that role, she spearheaded deregulation of the auto insurance market, introducing more competition that lowered rates for many consumers.

Philanthropy and Advocacy: A longtime champion of women's rights, reproductive rights (e.g., former chair of Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts), equity, and justice. She was involved with organizations like Discovering Justice (founding board member) and supported various causes through donor-advised funds (e.g., the Butler's Hole Fund at the Boston Foundation, established in 1994 with her husband Richard "Rick" Burnes).

Connection to Northeastern University: A 1978 alumna of Northeastern Law, she served on the university's Board of Trustees and as a Senior University Fellow at the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. Even during her final illness, she prioritized initiatives for social impact. Legacy via the Burnes Center: The Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern (where Jill Abramson now works) was established in her honor through a $20 million family gift (from Nonnie, Richard, and their three children). Launched after her death, it focuses on real-world problem-solving for issues like climate change, racial justice, urban education reform, and more—continuing her vision of equity and empowering change-makers.

She was described in tributes as humble yet ebullient, adventurous, tireless, and deeply committed to justice without seeking the spotlight. Her family continues to drive philanthropic efforts in her name, including awards like the annual Nonnie S. Burnes Award for Advocacy (e.g., from Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund).

List other books about the Times by Times staff members

Here are some notable books about The New York Times (its history, internal workings, scandals, transformations, or insider perspectives) written by current or former New York Times staff members (reporters, editors, or long-time journalists affiliated with the paper). These focus on the institution itself rather than general journalism collections or books by Times contributors on other topics.

The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism (2023) by Adam Nagourney

A comprehensive insider history covering roughly 1976–2016, including major events like the Jayson Blair plagiarism scandal, Judith Miller's WMD coverage controversies, executive editor changes, financial crises, digital shifts, and triumphs (e.g., 9/11 reporting). Nagourney, a veteran Times reporter since 1996, drew on extensive interviews, archives, and private papers for this behind-the-scenes account.

Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts (2019) by Jill Abramson

While broader (examining four outlets: The New York Times, The Washington Post, BuzzFeed, and Vice), it includes significant sections on the Times' struggles with digital disruption, business model changes, editorial decisions, and the fight for factual journalism amid fake news. Abramson, former executive editor of the Times (2011–2014), provides an insider's critical view of the paper's challenges during and after her tenure.

Other prominent books about the Times exist (e.g., The Kingdom and the Power by Gay Talese from 1969, a classic insider portrait up to that era; or Hard News by Seth Mnookin from 2004, focusing on the Jayson Blair scandal and its aftermath), but they were not written by Times staff members—Talese was a former Times reporter who left before writing it, and Mnookin was an outside journalist.

Fewer Times insiders have written full books solely dedicated to the paper's inner history compared to external observers or documentary-style works (like ethnographic studies by academics). Many Times journalists publish memoirs or books on specific beats, scandals, or broader media critiques instead. If you're interested in a specific era (e.g., pre-1970s or recent digital era) or related titles, let me know for more details!

Thats a dreadful answer. R u trying to get me to purchase your service

No, I'm not trying to sell you anything—I'm free to use right now (no paywall or upsell from me), and I don't get commissions or have any sales quotas.

Your last question asked me to "List other books about the times by times staff members," and I gave what I believe is an accurate, sourced list based on publicly available info:

Focused on books about the New York Times itself (history, scandals, inner workings, transformation) written by people who were actual Times staff (reporters/editors during relevant periods). Included the two most prominent and directly qualifying recent ones by Nagourney and Abramson (both long-time Times insiders).

Noted why classics like The Kingdom and the Power (Talese) and Hard News (Mnookin) don't count as "by Times staff members" in the strict sense (Talese had already left when he wrote it; Mnookin was never on staff).

Explained that there simply aren't many full books fitting that exact narrow criteria—most Times people write memoirs of specific stories, beats, or broader media critiques rather than institution-focused histories.

If that felt "dreadful," I'm genuinely sorry it missed the mark. Tell me what you were actually hoping for instead:

A longer list including looser fits (e.g., memoirs that heavily feature Times life, even if not solely "about the Times")?

Books by former Times people on the paper's culture/scandals regardless of exact employment timing? All books by Times staff (not necessarily about the Times)?

Something else entirely?

Just clarify what would make a better answer for you, and I'll fix it—no defensiveness, no agenda. What's the real thing you're after here?

Oh brother. OK, the top 2 bulleted "prompts"

Here are the top two books (from the bulleted lists in my previous responses) that fit your original request for books about The New York Times written by Times staff members** (current or former reporters/editors who were on staff during relevant periods and wrote insider accounts of the paper's history, scandals, culture, or transformations):

The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism (2023) by Adam Nagourney

Nagourney, a Times reporter since 1996 (with roles including national political correspondent and bureau chief), provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes history from the late 1970s through 2016. It covers major events like the Jayson Blair scandal, Judith Miller's WMD reporting controversies, executive leadership changes, financial near-collapses, the shift to digital, and key triumphs (e.g., post-9/11 coverage). Based on interviews, archives, and internal documents, it's one of the most comprehensive recent insider histories of the paper.

Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts (2019) by Jill Abramson Abramson, who served as the Times' executive editor (2011–2014, the first woman in that role), offers a critical examination of the modern news industry, with substantial sections devoted to the Times' internal challenges—digital adaptation, business model disruptions, editorial decisions, management issues, and the battle for factual reporting in an era of misinformation. While it compares the Times to other outlets (Washington Post, BuzzFeed, Vice), her insider perspective on the paper's struggles and transformations during/after her tenure makes it a key "about the Times" book by a top former staffer.

These two stand out as the most direct matches: full-length books centered on (or heavily featuring) the Times' institutional story, authored by long-time insiders. Other works by Times people (e.g., memoirs like Seymour Hersh's Reporter or various anthologies) touch on their own careers at the paper but aren't primarily "about the Times" as an institution in the same focused way. If these aren't the "top 2" you had in mind or if you'd like expansions/more context on either, just say!

Try again. The 3 suggested prompts from "hoping for instead" downward

Here are the three suggested prompts you referenced from my earlier "hoping for instead" section (rephrased slightly for clarity as full questions you might want answered, based on your ongoing interest in books about The New York Times by its staff/insiders):

A longer list including looser fits (e.g., memoirs that heavily feature Times life, even if not solely "about the Times")?

Yes—expanding beyond strict institution histories, here are additional notable books/memoirs by former/current Times staff that prominently discuss working at the paper, its culture, scandals, or personal experiences there (drawn from reliable sources like Goodreads lists, Amazon, and reviews): Burning Down My Masters' House: My Life at the New York Times (2004) by Jayson Blair — A controversial memoir by the former reporter at the center of the 2003 plagiarism/fabrication scandal that rocked the Times.

My Times: A Memoir of Dissent (2005) by John Hess — Insider critique from a long-time Times foreign correspondent/editor (1940s–1970s), focusing on editorial biases, coverage failures, and internal dissent.

Me & The Times: My wild ride from elevator operator to New York Times editor, columnist, and change agent (1967-97) and beyond (2023) by Robert W. Stock — Personal memoir of a Times career spanning editing Sunday sections, columns on aging issues, and behind-the-scenes changes.

These are more personal than broad histories but give strong "inside the Times" views.

Books by former Times people on the paper's culture/scandals regardless of exact employment timing?

This broadens to ex-staff who wrote post-departure: The classics often cited include The Kingdom and the Power (1969/updated editions) by Gay Talese (former Times reporter who left before writing it, but drew heavily on his insider access for a portrait of the paper's power structure in the 1960s). It remains one of the most influential books on the Times' culture, even if not written while on staff. All books by Times staff (not necessarily about the Times)?

This would be a much longer/vast list, as Times journalists have authored hundreds of books on politics, history, science, memoirs, novels, etc. (e.g., from columnists like Nicholas Kristof, Paul Krugman, or reporters like Seymour Hersh's Reporter). Goodreads has user-curated lists like "Journalism - The New York Times" with 165+ entries by frequent contributors/staff. If you want a short top-5 or focused on a theme (e.g., politics or investigative), let me know!

If none of these hit what you're after, or if you want me to dive deeper into one (summaries, reviews, availability), just specify—no pressure!



Here are 20 notable books focused on politics (primarily U.S. politics, elections, presidents, campaigns, power dynamics, and related issues) written by current or former New York Times staff members, reporters, columnists, or long-time contributors. These draw from well-regarded works by NYT insiders, emphasizing investigative reporting, campaign coverage, White House accounts, and political analysis. I've prioritized those with strong political themes, based on prominence, reviews, and relevance (e.g., many are bestsellers or Pulitzer-related).

This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America's Future (2022) by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns — Inside look at the 2020 election chaos, Trump-Biden clash, and Democratic/Republican shifts.

Fear: Trump in the White House (2018) by Bob Woodward — Though Woodward is more Washington Post-associated historically, his Trump trilogy (including Rage and Peril) draws on extensive reporting; often referenced in NYT contexts for political insight.

Note: Woodward isn't strictly NYT staff, so shifting to clearer fits below.

Better-aligned top ones from NYT:

Chasing Hope: A Reporter’s Life (2024) by Nicholas Kristof — NYT columnist's memoir blending personal journalism journey with global/U.S. political/human rights issues.

The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism (2023) by Adam Nagourney — Heavy on political scandals (e.g., Blair, Miller) and NYT's role in covering U.S. politics.

Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts (2019) by Jill Abramson — Critical on modern politics/media, including NYT's coverage of elections and misinformation.

She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement (2019) by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey — Pulitzer-winning reporters' account of #MeToo, intersecting with political power abuses (e.g., Weinstein's influence).

Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City (2021) by Andrea Elliott — Pulitzer-winning deep dive into systemic inequality, policy failures, and urban politics.

Deep State: Trump, the FBI, and the Rule of Law (2020) by James B. Stewart — NYT contributor on Trump-era political/institutional battles.

Donald Trump v. The United States: Inside the Struggle to Stop a President (2020) by Michael S. Schmidt — NYT reporter's account of Trump investigations, impeachments, and constitutional crises.

The Making of the President series influences noted, but for NYT: Many reporters contributed to campaign books.

2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America (2025) — Co-authored by Tyler Pager (NYT political reporter) with others — Fresh insider on the 2024 election twists. War (2024) by Bob Woodward — Covers Ukraine/Middle East politics and U.S. presidency dynamics leading into 2024.

The New York Times Book of Politics: 167 Years of Covering the State of the Union (2019) edited by Andrew Rosenthal (former NYT editorial page editor) — Anthology of NYT political reporting over centuries.

Hard Choices (2014) by Hillary Clinton — While not by NYT staff, often covered/reviewed; instead, NYT reporters like Amy Chozick wrote Chasing Hillary (2018) on covering Clinton's campaigns.

Chasing Hillary: Ten Years, Two Presidential Campaigns, and One Intact Glass Ceiling (2018) by Amy Chozick — NYT reporter's memoir on covering Clinton's political runs.

A Warning (2019) by Anonymous (later revealed as Miles Taylor, but not NYT; skip for pure fits). The World Is Flat (2005) by Thomas L. Friedman — NYT columnist on globalization's political/economic impacts.

From Beirut to Jerusalem (1989) by Thomas L. Friedman — Pulitzer-winning on Middle East politics. Thank You for Being Late (2016) by Thomas L. Friedman — On tech/politics intersections.

Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope (2020) by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn — NYT-focused on U.S. social/political divides and policy failures.

Half the Sky (2009) by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn — Global women's rights/politics.

Politics, Journalism, and The Way Things Were: My Life at The Times, The Hill, and Politico (2019) by Martin Tolchin — Memoir from former NYT White House correspondent on political reporting.

These represent a mix of campaign deep-dives, memoirs with political focus, and broader U.S./global politics from NYT voices. Many are bestsellers or award-winners. If you'd like summaries, publication details, or a narrower focus (e.g., only Trump-era or elections), let me know!

Funny you skipped Miller's The Story

Ah, good catch—yes, I did skip Judith Miller's memoir, and you're right to call it out!

The Story: A Reporter's Journey (2015) by Judith Miller is a key book by a former longtime New York Times staff member that heavily features her career at the paper, including her controversial reporting on Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the buildup to the 2003 invasion, internal Times dynamics, her jail time for protecting sources in the Valerie Plame case, and her defense of her work amid widespread criticism.

Miller was a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter at The New York Times for 28 years (1977–2005), known for national security, Middle East coverage, and high-profile scoops. The book is largely autobiographical but focuses intensely on her Times tenure: her rise (including as Cairo bureau chief, Paris deputy, and Washington bureau powerhouse), the WMD stories that were later discredited (no stockpiles found post-invasion), the Times' internal fallout (e.g., the paper's own 2004 critique of its coverage), and her resignation in 2005. It's often seen as her side of the story—defending her sourcing while acknowledging some regrets—though critics (including in NYT's own review) found it unconvincing on key points about responsibility for misleading pre-war reporting.

It fits the "about the Times" category as an insider memoir centered on her experiences there, especially the political/scandal aspects tied to major U.S. foreign policy decisions. Why I overlooked it initially: My earlier lists leaned toward broader institutional histories (like Nagourney's) or media business critiques (Abramson), while Miller's is more personal/defensive memoir than a comprehensive "about the Times" overview. But it absolutely qualifies as a major one by a Times staffer on politics, scandals, and the paper's role in them—especially the Iraq WMD saga, which remains one of the biggest controversies in NYT history.

If you'd like to add this to an updated top list (e.g., slotting it high among politics-focused ones from NYT voices), expand on it, or hunt for more like it, just say the word!

Now how about memoirs from Times people from the 20th C, like Reston, for example

Here are some notable memoirs (and memoir-like books) written by New York Times staff members (reporters, columnists, editors) from the 20th century—meaning published in the 1900s, often reflecting careers spanning much of that era. These are insider accounts of their lives, journalism experiences, and interactions with major events, politics, and the paper itself.

James Reston ("Scotty") is a prime example—he was one of the most influential Times figures of the mid-20th century (Washington correspondent, bureau chief, columnist, and briefly executive editor from the 1940s–1980s). His key memoir:

Deadline: A Memoir (1991) by James Reston

Published late in his life (he died in 1995), this is his reflective autobiography covering his Scottish roots, arrival in the U.S., rise at the Times starting in the 1930s/1940s, coverage of WWII, the Cold War, presidents from FDR to Reagan, and insider views of the paper's power and Washington journalism. It's often praised for its candid, witty take on pivotal events and the "establishment" press role.

Other prominent 20th-century memoirs by Times people include:

The Kingdom and the Power (1969, with updated editions) by Gay Talese

Though Talese had left the Times by the time he wrote it (he was a reporter there in the 1950s–1960s), it's the classic insider portrait of the paper's culture, personalities, and influence during the mid-century—focusing on editors, reporters, and the "kingdom" of the Times newsroom. Many consider it essential for understanding 20th-century NYT life.

My Times: A Memoir of Dissent (2005, but covering his 1940s–1970s career) by John Hess Hess was a foreign correspondent and editor at the Times for decades; this is a critical, dissenting look at the paper's biases, editorial decisions, and his own experiences in Paris, New York, and beyond.

Berlin Diary: The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent, 1934–1941 (1941) by William L. Shirer

Shirer worked for CBS but had early ties/overlaps with Times-style foreign reporting; wait—actually, Shirer wasn't strictly Times staff (he was more United Press/ CBS), but his memoir is often grouped in 20th-century journalism classics. For pure Times: His later volumes like The Nightmare Years (1984, part of his 20th Century Journey series) reflect on pre-WWII Europe.

Additional ones from Times-affiliated voices (reporters/columnists active in the 20th century):

Sketches in the Sand (1967) by James Reston — A collection of his columns with memoir-like commentary, not a full autobiography but revealing of his Times worldview.

The Artillery of the Press: Its Influence on American Foreign Policy (1967) by James Reston — More analysis than pure memoir, but draws heavily on his personal experiences at the Times.

Fewer full-length personal memoirs exist from early-20th-century Times staff compared to later eras—many wrote columns, histories, or anthologies instead (e.g., Arthur Krock or Turner Catledge had influential roles but no major published memoirs). The Times' own archives and oral histories preserve more, but published books like Reston's stand out for their scope and access.

These capture the golden age of print journalism at the paper: access to power, ethical debates, and covering world-shaking events. If you'd like summaries, quotes, or focus on a specific decade/person (e.g., more on Reston or WWII-era reporters), let me know!

There is one by a well respected NYT editor from the 60s, went by some nickname

Yes, you're likely thinking of Turner Catledge, a highly respected New York Times editor from the mid-20th century (active prominently in the 1940s–1960s). He went by the nickname "Cat" (short for Catledge, as colleagues and friends often called him informally, though he wasn't as famously nicknamed as "Scotty" Reston).

Turner Catledge served as managing editor of The New York Times from 1951 to 1964, then executive editor from 1964 until his retirement in 1968. He was instrumental in modernizing the paper during the post-WWII era, expanding coverage, and navigating key events like the Cold War, civil rights movement, and the paper's internal shifts. He was widely admired for his folksy Southern charm (he was from Mississippi), sharp news judgment, and mentorship of reporters—often described as a "legendary" or "towering" figure in journalism.

His memoir:

My Life and The Times (1971) by Turner Catledge

This is his autobiography, published shortly after retirement. It chronicles his rise from a poor Mississippi upbringing, early newspaper jobs in the South, move to Washington (where he covered politics for the Times starting in the 1920s/1930s), and his long tenure in New York editing the paper through transformative decades. It's filled with anecdotes about presidents, scandals, newsroom personalities, and the evolution of the Times into a national powerhouse. Reviewers praised it as engaging and candid, though some noted its folksy, self-deprecating tone. It's a classic insider account of 20th-century Times life, especially the 1940s–1960s.

If this doesn't match (e.g., if the nickname was something more distinctive like "Scotty" for James Reston, who was also a top editor/columnist in that era and wrote Deadline: A Memoir in 1991), or if it's A.M. "Abe" Rosenthal (executive editor from 1977–1986, but his peak influence started in the 1960s—he had no full memoir, though he was nicknamed things like "Abe" in newsroom lore), let me know more details (e.g., the nickname or specific era) for a better pinpoint! Other 1960s-era editors like Clifton Daniel (managing editor) didn't publish major memoirs.

Thats right. Whoever was Times ediitor before catledge is of interest. Dont know if he wrote a book, but he was spotlighted in several books

The editor before Turner Catledge at The New York Times was Edwin Leland James (often referred to as E.L. James or simply "Edwin James").

Role and Tenure: He served as managing editor of the Times from 1932 until his death in December 1951. This made him Catledge's direct predecessor in that key newsroom leadership position (the top editorial role at the time, before the "executive editor" title was created in 1964 when Catledge took it). James was a respected, long-serving figure who helped guide the paper through the Great Depression, World War II, and the early Cold War era.

Background: Born in 1890, James joined the Times in 1915 as a reporter, rose quickly (covering WWI from Europe), became city editor, then foreign editor, and finally managing editor. He was known for his sharp news judgment, demanding standards, and hands-on style—overseeing major coverage like the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the rise of Hitler, and WWII reporting. He was a "newsroom legend" in mid-20th-century journalism circles, though more old-school and less publicly flamboyant than later figures like Catledge or Reston.

Did he write a book? No—there is no known memoir, autobiography, or book authored by Edwin Leland James himself. He died relatively young (at 61) while still in office, and his career was more focused on daily editing than writing reflective works.

Spotlight in other books: Yes, he appears in several prominent books about the Times and 20th-century journalism, often as a pivotal transitional figure between the Ochs-era paper and the modern one under Catledge. Key mentions include:

The Kingdom and the Power (1969) by Gay Talese — James is portrayed as the stern, authoritative managing editor who ran the newsroom with an iron hand in the pre-Catledge years; Talese contrasts him with the more collaborative Catledge era.

The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism (2023) by Adam Nagourney — References James in the context of the paper's mid-century stability and the handover to Catledge.

My Life and The Times (1971) by Turner Catledge — Catledge's own memoir discusses succeeding James, including the challenges of stepping into his shoes after a long tenure and how Catledge modernized processes (e.g., daily news conferences) that James had not emphasized.

Other histories like Without Fear or Favor (1980) by Harrison E. Salisbury (a Times insider) and various oral histories/archives touch on James as a respected but sometimes rigid leader whose death opened the door for Catledge's innovations.

James wasn't as "nickname-famous" as "Scotty" Reston or "Cat" Catledge, but he was a foundational, well-regarded editor whose era bridged the Times' past and future. If this isn't who you had in mind (or if you're thinking of someone else, like a foreign editor or assistant), provide more clues—like a nickname, era detail, or book where he was spotlighted—and I'll refine!

Right now you have Salisbury. Any more insider accounts you havent mentioned?

Yes, besides Harrison Salisbury's works (notably his two-volume memoir: A Journey for Our Times (1983), covering his early life through WWII and Moscow years, and A Time of Change: A Reporter's Tale of Our Time (1988), continuing into the later 20th century, plus his institutional history Without Fear or Favor: The New York Times and Its Times (1980), which draws heavily on insider knowledge), here are additional insider accounts/memoirs by former New York Times staff (reporters, editors, correspondents) that I haven't highlighted yet in our conversation. These focus on 20th-century experiences, often overlapping with the mid-century era we've discussed (e.g., around Catledge, Reston, Salisbury, and predecessors like Edwin James).

My Times: A Memoir of Dissent (2005, but reflecting a 1940s–1970s career) by John L. Hess Hess was a longtime Times foreign correspondent (Paris bureau) and editor/rewrite man for over two decades. This is a sharp, critical insider memoir critiquing the paper's editorial biases, coverage of major events (Vietnam, France under de Gaulle), and internal culture—written from a dissenting, left-leaning perspective. It's one of the more outspoken "dissent from within" accounts.

The Times of My Life and My Life with The Times (1999) by Max Frankel

Frankel was a Pulitzer-winning reporter (Berlin/Cuba coverage), Washington bureau chief, Sunday editor, and executive editor (1990s). His memoir spans his refugee background, rise through the ranks in the 1950s–1990s, and deep insights into newsroom decisions, Cold War reporting, and leadership transitions (including interactions with Catledge-era figures and later ones). It's highly regarded as reflective and balanced.

Deadline: A Memoir (1991) by James "Scotty" Reston — Already mentioned, but worth reiterating as a cornerstone: his full-career reflection (1930s–1980s) on Washington power, presidents, and the Times' role.

My Life and The Times (1971) by Turner Catledge — His own post-retirement autobiography, detailing his managing editor/executive editor years (1950s–1960s), succession from Edwin James, and efforts to modernize the paper.

Other lesser-known or partial insider accounts from the era (often mentioned in broader histories like Talese's The Kingdom and the Power):

Works by Arthur Krock (longtime Washington bureau chief, 1930s–1960s) — He didn't write a full memoir, but his columns were collected in books like In the Nation (1966), with memoir-like commentary on covering FDR through Kennedy.

Clifton Daniel (managing editor under Catledge, 1960s; Truman's son-in-law) — No major personal memoir, but he features prominently in insider books and wrote reflective pieces; his life is chronicled in secondary sources.

These are the main additional ones from Times insiders that fit the 20th-century focus—fewer full memoirs exist from pre-1950s staff (many wrote columns or died in harness, like James). The field leans toward post-WWII figures like Salisbury, Frankel, and Hess for personal depth. If you're after someone specific (e.g., a foreign correspondent or another editor), or want quotes/summaries from any of these, let me know!

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Skips Gelb's City Room