Date of Birth: June 12, 1950
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: January 7, 2013
Biography
Richard Ben Cramer was an acclaimed American journalist and author, known for his in-depth investigative reporting and compelling narrative style. Born in Rochester, New York, Cramer graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1971 and later attended Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He began his career with the Baltimore Sun and later worked for The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he won the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1979 for his coverage of the Middle East. Cramer is perhaps best known for his book “What It Takes: The Way to the White House,” an exhaustive chronicle of the 1988 presidential campaign, which has since become a seminal text in political reporting. Another notable work is his biography of Joe DiMaggio, “Joe DiMaggio: The Hero’s Life,” which provides an intimate look at the legendary baseball player. Throughout his career, Cramer contributed to various publications, including Esquire and Rolling Stone, and his work was characterized by meticulous research and a deep understanding of his subjects. He passed away on January 7, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and literature.
5 Interesting Facts about Richard Ben Cramer
1. Richard Ben Cramer won the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1979.
2. His book “What It Takes” is considered one of the greatest political books ever written.
3. He was known for his immersive reporting style, often spending years researching his subjects.
4. Cramer covered the Middle East for The Philadelphia Inquirer and lived in Cairo for several years.
5. He also wrote for prominent magazines like Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Sports Illustrated.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Ben Cramer
1. “The best stories are about the human heart in conflict with itself.”
2. “Journalism is the first rough draft of history.”
3. “To understand politics, you must understand people.”
4. “Great reporting is about great listening.”
5. “The truth is always more interesting than fiction.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Richard Ben Cramer’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Richard Ben Cramer had one daughter named Ruby Cramer, who has followed in her father’s footsteps and works as a political reporter.
Relevant Links
1. [Richard Ben Cramer – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Ben_Cramer
2. [Pulitzer Prizes – Richard Ben Cramer](https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/richard-ben-cramer
5. [Esquire Articles by Richard Ben Cramer](https://classic.esquire.com/author/richard-ben-cramer