Abe Zaidan's Portraits of Power

A new book by Abe Zaidan, former Akron Beacon Journal political columnist and Washington Post correspondent, was introduced at a book signing on Monday at the Martin University Center on the University of Akron campus.

The book, “Portraits of Power: Ohio and National Politics, 1964-2004,” was written in collaboration with John Green, director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

“Portraits of Power” draws on Zaidan's more than 3,000 news stories, columns and feature articles spanning more than 40 years, and Green's grasp of Ohio and national politics.

Its 90 essays reflect Zaidan's witty and vivid style in covering what is called the age of giants dominated by larger-than-life politicians such as the irrepressible Gov. James Rhodes and wrenching events such as the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State University.

The foreward by former BJ Washington correspondent David Hess notes:

“Abe Zaidan has fished the waters of Ohio politics, from the swirling eddies of Cleveland and Cincinnati to the quiet backwaters of small communities along the great stream that gives the state its name. Hardly any of the state's biggest political fish have eluded his net or dodged the sting of his barbed gaff.

“Most of his trophies are suitably mounted in the collection of columns, news stories, and profiles contained in this anthology of his works, the life record not only of a skilled journalist but also of a social critic and commentator whose values infuse his writing.”

Blog readers will want to check a PDF file from the U of A Press which includes the foreward, an intro by Zaidan, a biography of the author, a table of contents and some excerpts.

The book provided current BJ polticial columnist Steve Hoffman with an easy column for today’s newpaper. Check the column. . [Beacon Journal, Thursday, June 7, 2007, pagA14, col. 1]

Portraits of Power: Ohio and National Politics, 1964-2004

256 pp., 6 X 9
Cloth 978-1-931968-45-4; $49.95
Paper 978-1-931968-46-1; $22.95