Though I am presently enjoying my final days of vacation, skiing in the most beautiful alpine scenery in the world, with the Matterhorn dominating the the vast expanse, and with the sunshine dancing off of the snow as if in some sort of fairytale, my entire demeanor instantly changed to a sense of overwhelming loss and sadness when I read in a Swiss newspaper that Russell Baker had died. Most people will probably recognize this man as the two-time Pulitzer Prize winner who wrote the “Observer” column in The New York Times for 36 years, wrote numerous books, among them, “Growing Up,” and was the longtime host of Masterpiece Theatre.
But for me, Russell Baker was the man who got me interested in reading newspapers, motivated me to take notice of current events, and taught me how to put my ideas into words. He was insightful and brilliant. He mastered his art with humor, satire, irony, irreverence and, above all, intelligence. I will reread some of his books and columns, which will surely assuage my sadness. If you have never read anything by Russell Baker, pick up any one of his books or articles. You won’t be sorry.
Jonathan Kahane
Westhampton