“The New New Journalism” by Robert S. Boynton presents a comprehensive exploration into the evolution of American literary journalism since the 1960s, building upon the foundation laid by Tom Wolfe and others who championed the original New Journalism movement. This book, published in 2005, profiles a generation of journalists who have continued and expanded upon the narrative techniques and deep reportorial practices characteristic of their predecessors. Through in-depth interviews with 19 leading practitioners, including Ted Conover, Susan Orlean, and Jon Krakauer, Boynton elucidates the methodologies, philosophies, and intricacies of what he terms “The New New Journalism.”
These journalists distinguish themselves by their immersive reporting methods, often spending extensive periods with their subjects, delving into the complexities of the topics they cover, and employing narrative techniques more commonly found in fiction to craft compelling nonfiction stories. The book emphasizes the rigorous approach to factual accuracy and the ethical considerations these journalists navigate in their quest to tell true stories that are as engaging as they are informative.
Boynton’s analysis begins with a historical overview, tracing the lineage of literary journalism from its precursors in the early 20th century to the New Journalism of the 1960s and 70s, and finally to the contemporary scene. He identifies a shift in focus from the flamboyant style and celebrity culture that partly defined the earlier movement to a more subdued, yet deeply investigative approach that prioritizes the stories of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. This shift reflects broader changes in American society and the media landscape, including the rise of digital media and the changing economic conditions of print journalism.
The heart of the book lies in its detailed portraits of the journalists themselves. Through these interviews, Boynton reveals how each writer approaches their craft, from the initial conception of a story idea to the exhaustive process of reporting, writing, and revising. He delves into the personal motivations that drive these journalists to pursue their stories, often at great personal cost and risk. The profiles also highlight the diverse subjects these journalists tackle, ranging from the intricacies of subcultures and communities to the broad sweep of political and social movements.
Boynton does not shy away from the challenges and criticisms faced by the New New Journalists, including debates over the subjective nature of their narratives, the potential for exploitation of subjects, and the tension between storytelling and journalistic objectivity. He argues, however, that these journalists have developed sophisticated methods to address these concerns, striving to maintain the delicate balance between being closely involved with their subjects and retaining enough distance to ensure journalistic integrity.
The book concludes with a reflection on the future of literary journalism in an era of rapidly evolving media. Boynton suggests that despite the uncertainties facing the publishing industry, the fundamental human desire for compelling, well-told stories ensures that there will always be a place for the kind of in-depth, narrative-driven journalism that the New New Journalists exemplify.
In “The New New Journalism,” Boynton offers a rich and nuanced understanding of a significant current in American journalism. By focusing on the practitioners who are reshaping literary journalism for the 21st century, he not only pays homage to their work but also provides valuable insights into the art and craft of storytelling within the nonfiction realm. This book serves as both a critical study and a celebration of a genre that continues to push the boundaries of how we understand the world and each other through the medium of written word.
[Written and illustrated with the help of ChatGPT 4 and Dall-e 2.]