Peter Jennings
Peter Jennings (Peter Charles Archibald Ewart Jennings) was born on July 29th, 1938. Peter passed away August 7th, 2005 at 67 years old. Peter Jennings was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Jennings attended Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.
Peter Jennings was a Canadian-American TV journalist famously known as the key anchor of ABC World New Tonight from 1983 until his death in 2005. Despite not completing his studies, Jennings curated himself into one of the most influential journalists in the history of American television.
His book
In Search of America and the 9/11 attacks significantly influenced his decision to become a dual citizen of the United States and Canada in 2003. The book vividly captures the complexity and contradictions of America itself. For example, one chapter showcases the power of capitalism and illustrates how brilliant minds have shaped the market and another shows the impact of the modern diet and how traditional cuisine has faded into oblivion.
The book also challenges how historical books have often overlooked different figures but yet later examine the discussion on immigration and its challenges and importance.
At the core of this book is the focus on the male experience. The book includes a deeply moving story of an undocumented woman working tirelessly to support her family. While references to women largely center around beauty pageants and historical societies, these moments still reflect important aspects of cultural identity and recognition.
Additionally, the book also sparks meaningful discussion about political perspectives. It extensively explores conservative values then presents a description of liberal activism and showcases how individuals in the 1970s fought for civil rights, environmental protection, and consumer rights. This contrast invites readers to reflect on different viewpoints and the ongoing dialogue that shapes America’s future.
Jennings also team up with Todd Brewster to write
The Century, a companion book for a documentary series by the same name. The book was a
New York Times bestseller in December 1998 a month after it was released. The vast scale of the book and the documentary series was a major challenge for its developers. The project underwent three major shifts in narrative style and multiple efforts to cancel it altogether. By the time it was broadcast, every interviewee who had shared their firsthand experiences of World War I had passed away.
The book itself poses questions such as what was it like to see the Wright Brothers fly for the first time. To hear a voice crackle over the radio? To endure the horrors of World War I trenches? To lose everything in the 1929 stock market crash or witness the rise of rock and roll? To watch the Berlin Wall, divide a city, and nearly three decades later, see it crumble as people fought for freedom?
For seven years, a team from ABC News searched archives worldwide for rare and striking photos, consulted top historians, and interviewed hundreds of people who lived through key moments of the 20th century.
The result is
The Century, a remarkable book that complements the ABC News and History Channel documentary series. It explores the major events and themes of the last hundred years, from technological breakthroughs to cultural revolutions, from moments of joy to times of great violence.
The book includes 500-rare photos and tells history through the perspectives of those who experienced it. Overall,
The Century is more than just a record of the past, it’s a keepsake that preserves the stories of the past and ourselves for future generations.
Peter Jennings: Lists & Other Mentions
- The Century was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1998.
Peter Jennings: F.A.Q
When was Peter Jennings Born?
Peter Jennings was born on July 29th, 1938.
When did Peter Jennings die?
Peter Jennings died on August 7th, 2005 at 67 years old.
Where was Peter Jennings Born?
Peter Jennings was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What was the first book Peter Jennings wrote?
The first book written by Peter Jennings was The Century, published in 1998.
What was the most recent book Peter Jennings wrote?
His most recently released work was Becoming Modern America: 1901-1936 (a short story) on September 22nd, 2009.
How many books has Peter Jennings written?
Peter Jennings has written 5 books excluding contributions to anthologies. 3 books in The Century for Young People Series, 2 books in the Non-Fiction Books.