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MEDIA ADVISORY: MU Journalism Professor Tells Story of Legendary Investigative Reporter

September 26th, 2009

Story Contact: Christian Basi, 573-882-4430, BasiC@missouri.edu

WHAT: MU Professor Steve Weinberg, will hold a signing for his book “Taking on the Trust: The Epic Battle of Ida Tarbell and John D. Rockefeller,” which has recently been distributed in paperback by W.W. Norton publishing company.

In the book, Weinberg details the story of one of journalism’s original muckrakers, Ida Tarbell, and her unique investigative reporting style that helped bring down Rockefeller’s Standard Oil monopoly. Tracing this historic conflict through the archives of Tarbell and Rockefeller, Weinberg gives a detailed, heavily researched account of the ambitious reporter’s battle with the 19th century oil tycoon.

WHO: Weinberg is a professor at the Missouri School of Journalism. He graduated from MU in 1970, and returned later for a master’s degree. He joined the journalism school as a faculty member in 1978. Weinberg has had eight books published, including, “Trade Secrets of Washington Journalists,” a handbook for journalists in Washington, D.C.; and “Telling the Untold Story,” a writing guide for biographers.

WHERE: Get Lost! Bookshop, 8 S. 9th Street, Columbia

WHEN: 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26.

NOTE: “Taking on the Trust: The Epic Battle of Ida Tarbell and John D. Rockefeller,” is available at Get Lost! Bookshop, or by calling 573-442-3330. The paperback version features new material not included in the original release in 2008.

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