Priscilla Buckley is probably best known as managing editor of the conservative political journal National Review, founded by her brother, William F. Buckley Jr. But in String of Pearls, we meet young Pitts Buckley, just out of Smith, the United Press Radio News Department's fresh and eager fledgling employee. The atmosphere in UP's New York offices was a heady one; the journalists worked furiously but had time to play practical jokes and treasure the funny stories that haste and tension engender. With the war in Europe winding to a close, it was a demanding, sometimes heartbreaking, and always vibrant period. A few years later, the author accepted a job at the Paris Bureau of United Press. The scars of the prolonged occupation were everywhere, but for Priscilla and her friends, there were laughter and comic misadventures as well. Pt. One. New York 1944-1948 We Were the Lucky Ones Book of Knowledge New York, New York it's a Hell of a Town Collage Girls The Sports Desk Fun and Games Learning the Trade An Ear and Good Timing It's Besch, Pronounced Besch War on the Homefront: Joe Panico Commanding VJ Day A Wild Night Mary Frances and Ensign Raffles Old Friend and Good The Music Man Wars Over Marvin Lorber's Story Home is the Sailor Moving On Woops Pt. Two Paris: 1953-1956 Supper with Ed Corey De wo Desitia My Colleagues George Sebrees Escape The French Empire is Albeet, All of it. Ken Miller Vanishing News Sources The Bushwa Gontiem won't Do There's a Word for It Vlt's War Have a New Wagrum Normandy Weekend Taxi Drivers Live Here I Go Genteel The Milkman Track 38 Track 39 Track 40 Track 41 Track 42 Track 43 Track 44 Track 45 Track 46 Track 47 Track 48 Track 49 Track 50 Track 51 Track 52 Track 53 Track 54 Track 55 Track 56 Track 57 Track 58 Track 59 Track 60 Track 61 Track 62 Track 63 Track 64 Track 65 Track 66 Track 67 Track 68 Track 69 Track 70 Track 71
"Buckley…brings to her slender volume a lovely, ladylike, wry touch…This endearing little peep at her early life will delight."
"[Gavin] reads in an upbeat style suitable to Buckley's adventurous spirit and bright outlook. Buckley's charming reminiscences about her years as a young reporter in Europe are packed with anecdotes about world figures and events." "Recalling 'characters' she worked with, practical jokes, and the hard work of radio reporting, [Buckley] recounts the arduous and sometimes hilarious life she led before her thirty-seven-year stint as managing editor of her brother William's National Review."
"Buckley comes across as both a hardworking newswoman and a refined person…Recommended."
"A breezy memoir…Contains lovely descriptions of France and many amusing accounts of journalism at its most frenetic."
"Order a croissant and brush up on your French history-you're in for a treat with the most agreeable tour guide in the world!"
"Buckley recounts with wit and charm and shrewdness the years when she was in the thick of it…The book is such a welcome invitation into her life, one can only hope for a sequel."
