Award-winning journalist and author who exposed social injustices and explored the human condition through in-depth reporting and storytelling.
David K. Shipler, a renowned American author and journalist, is best known for his poignant and thought-provoking works that have earned him a Pulitzer Prize and a plethora of other prestigious awards. His literary masterpiece, "Arab and Jew: Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land," published in 1986, cemented his position as a leading voice in the world of journalism and nonfiction writing.
Shipler was born on December 3, 1942, in Chatham, New Jersey, to a family with strong educational roots. His mother, Eleanor Karr Shipler, was an English teacher, and her family established the Eleanor Shipler English Award in her honor, recognizing students who demonstrated remarkable persistence. Shipler's grandfather, Edmund J. Karr, was a successful Manhattan businessman.
Shipler graduated from Dartmouth College in 1964 and later served on the college's board of trustees from 1993 to 2003. During his college years, he developed a strong passion for journalism, which eventually led him to pursue a career in the field.
Shipler's journey as a journalist began in 1966 when he joined The New York Times as a news clerk. He rapidly rose through the ranks, becoming a city staff reporter in 1968, covering diverse topics such as housing, poverty, and politics. His exceptional work earned him numerous awards from organizations like the American Political Science Association and the New York Newspaper Guild.
Shipler's experience as a foreign correspondent took him to various parts of the world, including Saigon, where he reported on the Vietnam War, as well as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Burma. His in-depth coverage of these regions showcased his expertise and dedication to delivering high-quality journalism.
Shipler's most celebrated work, "Arab and Jew: Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land," won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1987. This seminal book is a testament to his remarkable storytelling abilities and his capacity to tackle complex, sensitive topics with depth and nuance.
In addition to his Pulitzer Prize, Shipler has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the Overseas Press Club Award, the George Polk Award, and the Sidney Hillman Award.
Shipler has shared his knowledge and expertise with students at various colleges and universities, teaching courses on journalism and writing. Since 2010, he has published the electronic journal, The Shipler Report, and in 2021, he began cohosting the blog Two Reporters.
In 2023, Shipler published a collection of his poems, showcasing his versatility as a writer and further solidifying his position as a master of the written word.
Shipler's personal life has been marked by significant milestones, including his marriage to Deborah I. Shipler, with whom he had three children. His father-in-law, Harold Isaacs, was a renowned reporter and author, as well as a professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Throughout his illustrious career, Shipler has left an indelible mark on the world of journalism and literature. His commitment to telling powerful, thought-provoking stories has inspired generations of writers and journalists, cementing his legacy as a true giant in the field.
83 Years Old
Investigative journalist and author renowned for uncovering the Watergate scandal, exposing government corruption, and writing bestselling books on American politics.
82 Years Old
Investigative journalist and author who uncovered the Watergate scandal, leading to President Nixon's resignation. Known for his in-depth reporting and bestselling books on politics and history.
89 Years Old
Investigative journalist and author known for exposing government secrets and scandals, including the My Lai Massacre and Abu Ghraib torture.
Born in 1889
Co-founder of The New Republic, a pioneering journalist and publisher who shaped American political discourse with his influential writings and opinions. He's most known for his insightful commentary on democracy, politics, and society.
Born in 1908
Pioneering broadcast journalist who exposed Senator Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunt, setting a high standard for fearless reporting.
Born in 1914
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who exposed the horrors of war through his writing, most notably with his book "Hiroshima", which told the story of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima from the perspective of six survivors.
Born in 1900
A Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent who reported from the front lines, providing intimate and humanizing stories of soldiers during World War II.
Born in 1916
Legendary news anchor and voice of authority, known for delivering trusted and unbiased reporting during pivotal moments in American history, including the Apollo 11 moon landing.
