The Story of the Sun: New York, 1833-1918

In Short

This book provides an institutional biography of the New York Sun, tracking its evolution from a bold, low-priced broadsheet into a sophisticated national influence. It documents the paper's pivotal innovations—such as the creation of the newsboy and the "feature story"—and profiles the legendary editors and reporters who shaped its distinct personality. Through a blend of archival research and anecdotal color, the narrative captures the chaotic growth of 19th-century New York City, illustrating how a single publication became a mirror for the nation’s shifting social, political, and cultural landscape over eight transformative decades.

The Story

The Sun begins in 1833, the brainchild of Benjamin Day, who breaks the mold of elite, expensive newspapers by selling his paper for a penny on the street. This decision, radical for its time, invents the newsboy and democratizes the consumption of news. The narrative follows the Sun through its early years of trial and error, highlighted by the "Moon Hoax"—an elaborate, fictional series about lunar civilizations that captivates the public and boosts circulation, demonstrating the power of the press to blur the lines between reportage and entertainment.

As the publication matures, the focus shifts to the era of Moses Y. Beach, who inherits the paper and steers it through the technological advancements of the mid-century, including the adoption of the telegraph and the expansion of reporting networks. The Sun navigates the turbulent waters of the Civil War, struggling with the chaotic, often contradictory flow of battle news while maintaining its identity as a local New York institution with a deep interest in the soldiers of its home regiments.

The true transformation arrives in 1868 with the arrival of Charles A. Dana. Under Dana’s long, intellectual leadership, the Sun gains a reputation for biting, independent editorial commentary and literary rigor. Dana elevates the status of the reporter, viewing journalism as a professional calling rather than a trade. He fosters a culture of "human interest," encouraging writers to find the heartbeat of the city in courtrooms, police beats, and everyday life. The book details the paper’s intense political crusades, particularly its willingness to expose corruption in the Grant administration, proving that it could be a potent, incorruptible force in public life.

The narrative continues through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, covering the shifts in ownership and the changing styles of reporting. It highlights the work of legendary editors like Edward P. Mitchell and the colorful cast of staff members who contributed to the Sun’s unique, often irreverent voice. By the time the account concludes in 1918, the paper has survived the "yellow journalism" era and established itself as an enduring institution. The story ends not merely with a date, but with an analysis of the "tradition" that allowed the Sun to thrive long after its original founders were gone, cementing its status as a vital chapter in the history of American democracy.

How It Unfolds

The penny revolution Benjamin Day launches the paper by selling it for one cent, an act that shatters the tradition of expensive, partisan journalism. By introducing the newsboy to the streets of New York, he makes the Sun accessible to the working class.

The era of invention The paper pioneers early forms of the "feature story" by focusing on sensation and intrigue, as seen in its reporting on the Prophet Matthias. These efforts draw massive readership and establish the Sun as a competitor to established, stodgy morning organs.

The moonlit hoax The Sun publishes a series of articles claiming scientific discovery of life on the moon, a fabrication that sweeps the nation. This event illustrates the newspaper’s early willingness to trade in wonder and satire to capture the public imagination.

The Dana years Charles A. Dana takes the helm and shifts the paper toward high-quality, independent commentary. He establishes a code of conduct for newspapermen, emphasizing precision, fairness, and a belief that humanity is in a state of constant progress.

Crusading and scandal The Sun moves into a period of aggressive investigation, exposing deep-seated corruption in the federal government during the Grant era. It maintains a fierce, often brutal, candor that prioritizes public service over political alliances.

The literary institution In its final decades, the paper evolves into a nursery for literary talent, fostering reporters who treat the news as a craft. It becomes a permanent fixture of New York life, sustained by a deep reservoir of accumulated tradition and institutional pride.

The People

Benjamin Day stands as the primary architect of the Sun, an inventor who thrives on the spontaneity of the news cycle. His eventual regret at selling the paper underscores the deep personal attachment he feels toward his creation. George W. Wisner serves as the paper's first true reporter, providing the grit and editorial focus that gives the early Sun its competitive edge against more established rivals.

Charles A. Dana is the book’s intellectual anchor. He enters the Sun with a background in social reform and literature, turning the paper into a vehicle for his own high standards. He is a mentor and a taskmaster, demanding that his staff balance the "human interest" of the city with a stern, principled adherence to the truth. His personality defines the Sun for decades, and his maxims for journalists serve as the moral framework for the later chapters.

Edward P. Mitchell represents the bridge between the Dana era and the modern newspaper. As an editor, he possesses a deep, nuanced understanding of the Sun's unique spirit. He is the guardian of the paper's history, ensuring that the wit and literary touch established by his predecessors remain intact. The narrative also highlights the "Sun men"—reporters like Will Irwin and Julian Ralph—who embody the relentless curiosity and hard-working nature that keep the institution vital. Together, these figures transform the Sun from a temporary experiment into a lasting cultural entity.

In Its Own Voice

Describing the early doldrums of the news cycle, the editor reveals the desperate, playful hunger for copy that drove the paper’s early content:

"Dull times, these, for us newspaper-makers. We wish the President or Major Downing or some other distinguished individual would happen along again and afford us material for a daily article."

In his later instructions to his staff, Dana articulates the core philosophy that governed his tenure and helped the Sun transcend petty partisanship:

"Get the news, get all the news, get nothing but the news."

Reflecting on the unique, almost sentient quality of a successful newspaper, the editorial staff captures the essence of their institution:

"It is truer, perhaps, of a newspaper than of most other complex things in the world that the whole may be greater than the sum of all its parts."

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an exploration of the "spirit" of an institution. It argues that a newspaper is not merely a collection of ink and paper, but an evolving, living entity defined by the collective personality of those who produce it. The narrative moves beyond a simple chronicle of dates and events to ask how a commercial enterprise becomes a cultural tradition. It investigates the tension between the ephemeral nature of daily news and the permanent need for truth, asking how a publication can maintain a distinct character despite the turnover of its staff. Ultimately, the book posits that the Sun succeeded because it recognized that journalism is a moral profession, one requiring a blend of skepticism, humor, and an unshakable belief in the progress of human affairs.

Why Read It Today

Readers with an interest in media history, the development of American democracy, or the vibrant chaos of 19th-century New York will find this book essential. It provides a rare, behind-the-curtain look at how the modern newspaper was born. The experience of reading it feels like stepping into a busy, smoke-filled newsroom; the prose is brisk and full of the sharp wit that characterized the Sun itself.

However, prospective readers should be aware that the book is a product of its time. Its focus on the internal mechanics of a specific organization can be dense, and some of the period attitudes—including the casual, often harsh treatment of political figures and the sometimes-condescending tone toward social issues—reflect the cultural environment of 1918. The book is lengthy and heavily indexed, functioning as much as a reference as a narrative. Despite these challenges, it offers a deeply rewarding portrait of a vanished era of journalism. It stays with you not because of the specific headlines cited, but because of the romantic, almost heroic view of the reporter’s work that permeates every page. You will walk away with a profound appreciation for the "office cat" of American journalism and the enduring power of a free, independent press to act as a witness to history.