Not So Wild a Dream

The rarest of coming of age stories, one that deals not with the emotional struggles that adolescents face upon reaching social maturity, but instead a story of a generation and a nation (would that we Xers had a representative as articulate and thoughtful as Severeid) coming to terms with their ideological commitments and global responsibilities.

Those who choose to read Sevareid's Not So Wild A Dream will quickly find themselves in an encounter with a great mind and a writer who had command of the English language. Sevareid vividly describes his upbringing on the Northern Plains that naturally conditioned him to be an isolationist of the post World War I variety.Sevareid remained true to his early isolationist convictions when he became involved in the peace movement of the 1930s at the University of Minnesota. He eagerly took the Oxford Oath, promising there was no just reason that could motivate him to take up arms for his country. As a student leader he played a key role in a successful challenge of the ROTC requirement for all male students.Sevareid's early journalism career took him to Paris and he witnessed first hand the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Fascism in Germany. His description of a 1938 visit to Germany at the height of Hitler's power is a masterful account of the totalitarian nature of Nazi rule. Readers will also be impressed with his insightful description of the fall of France to the Nazis in 1940.At this point in his life Sevareid did something that few people ever do. He admited that his earlier isolationist and pacifist views were in error and embraced the notion that war was required to defeat Facism and its frontal assault on the most basic ideals of western civilization.Sevareid's book was published in 1946--a time when most Americans were content to enjoy the fruits of victory after the enormous sacrifice that was made to win the war. But Sevareid was one of the first to write about the nagging issue of how peace would be maintained. His insights concerning the wartime conditions in China and the problems that would likely emerge after the war were clearly visionary.Sevareid's skill as a writer makes this book an excellent tool for teaching about this era. As a professor I often use parts of his book in class to help students understand the attraction of isolationism in the period between the World Wars, or to enable them to understand the essence of Fascist political ideals.

I used to watch Eric Sevareid's sternly eloquent editorials for the Evening News shortly before he reached CBS's mandatory retirement age in 1977 - few had his vision of America's greatness and its flaws. In this eloquent 1946 memoir, Sevareid (1912-92) describes coming of age in North Dakota and Minneapolis, plus his early years in journalism. Sevareid canoed uncharted waters at 17, rode the rails, and was an activist at the University of Minnesota during the Great Depression. After a couple years in newspapers, he joined Ed Murrow at CBS Radio on the eve of World War II, covering the 1940 French collapse, and later parachuting from a falling U.S. warplane into the Asian jungle. This gifted if insecure journalist makes the Depression and war against Fascism seem like the very real struggles they were, rather than as mere facts from some textbook. He also sheds his early idealism for a more practical view of a changing world. The author called Murrow "the man who made me," but Sevareid was a born newsman. Sevareid's dedication and high standards (a rarity in today's news) led another columnist to describe him as "North Dakota's gift to journalism." Readers may also enjoy the memoirs of his CBS colleagues like William L. Shirer, Walter Cronkite and Howard K. Smith. NOT SO WILD A DREAM is dated, but remains an excellent narrative about a man, America, and quality journalism.

An outstanding book in all respects. First, he wrote so damn well. It sounds like his television commentaries, which were so beautifully worded. And for a whole book. Next, he just happened to be discussing some of the most momentous events of the century. The fall of France. The courage of England. India. China during the war. And then his own fascinating story. The 2200 mile canoe trip he took at 17. The forced parachuting into the jungles of India among the Naga tribesman. Next, his commentary: He was only 32 at the time he wrote this book; yet he is so perceptive about many things- a developed world view, a self described "liberal" seeing the collapse of Old Europe and wondering about the future. When I saw him on TV (years ago), I had no idea that this was his background. And, now, he is a forgotten man. So much more- even American atrocities in warfare, a disdain for Gen. Matt Clark and his vanity and news management. So much still very timely. And, still, I think, despite all that he had seen, a hope in the future of mankind. Great book.

I wish this book were required reading in high school. If this book were written today, you'd assume the author (a broadcast journalist) was referring to its not being so wild a dream to become a celebrity. The title comes from "On a Note of Triumph," the CBS broadcast marking V-E Day: "Post proves that brotherhood is not so wild a dream as those who would benefit from its postponement would have us believe." This book follows Eric Sevareid's childhood, to his activism in college and the belief that "war is outdated" or barbarism to his unflinching belief in why fascism had to be defeated. This is every bit a philosophy book as it is a memoir and so eloquently explains how the changes brought about by the defeat of fascism could bring together mankind, reaching from Paris, France, to Sevareid's hometown of Velva. Shows Sevareid's mindset and how important World War Two was in terms of defining a generation. When you read this book, you understand why Tom Brokaw called his book "The Greatest Generation." Stop whatever you're doing and read this book! You'll understand Sevareid, his generation, what America is supposed to be about, why we fought the war and why brotherhood is not so wild a dream! Buy this book!