Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Jimmy Breslin: The Man Who Told the Truth by Richard Esposito is a compelling biography that delves into the life and career of one of America’s most iconic journalists. Esposito, a former colleague of Breslin, offers an intimate and detailed portrait of the man who became a legend in the world of crime reporting.

The book traces Breslin’s journey from his humble beginnings as a copy boy to his rise as a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist. Known for his gritty, no-nonsense style, Breslin’s columns captured the essence of New York City and its inhabitants, from the powerful to the powerless. Esposito’s narrative is rich with anecdotes and insights, painting a vivid picture of Breslin’s relentless pursuit of the truth.

One of the strengths of this biography is its ability to convey Breslin’s unique voice and perspective. Esposito highlights key moments in Breslin’s career, such as his coverage of the JFK assassination, his correspondence with the Son of Sam killer, and his outspoken criticism of social injustices. These stories are not just recounted but are brought to life through Esposito’s engaging prose and meticulous research.

Esposito also explores Breslin’s personal life, revealing the complexities and contradictions of the man behind the byline. Breslin’s relationships, his struggles with alcoholism, and his unwavering commitment to his craft are all examined with a balanced and empathetic approach. This adds depth to the biography, making it not just a chronicle of a career but a study of a multifaceted individual.

The book is also a tribute to a bygone era of journalism, where reporters pounded the pavement and newsrooms were filled with the clatter of typewriters. 

Jimmy Breslin: The Man Who Told the Truth is a fascinating and well-crafted biography that does justice to its subject. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in journalism, New York City history, or the life of a man who truly told it like it was.

A fantastic biography of a controversial man-about-town. Esposito captures the brash personality of Breslin in all its contradictory glory. A generally sympathetic portrayal of the intellectual of the streets who always (believed) he 'told it like it is".

A pitch-perfect portrait of one of the most important journalists of the late 20th century. Jimmy Breslin redefined the column as he worked the streets of New York and beyond to find real stories about real people. Bre‘s involvement with the Son of Sam killer what is the symbol of all that was good and bad about New York capital journalism in the 1970s as New York struggled to survive. Portrait of the grave digger in Arlington national cemetery redefined the art of the column.