RIP Rene Cappon

I never understood why they teach journalism in college. Isn't it a bit like teaching furniture making.

I guess I always felt that everything I needed to know about the craft is contained in Mr. Cappon's 162 pages. The Word may be the best title for a book about good writing. It is by far the best book about writing.

It is doubtful there will be another editor such as Mr. Cappon. His craft was in thinking and constructing with clarity and brilliance. Our craft no longer has time for either.

Our craft is diminished by his passing.

Drink one for him tonight.

 

The original version was published in 1982, my second year at AP. I still have the copy given to me and I go back to it often. It's a good book for those of you starting out in the business (hell, anybody in the business).