Recording History One Column at a Time

They have captured politicians and common people for decades. Once, they circulated as faded strips of paper stored in wallets for years; now they move as email or Facebook attachments in a matter of minutes. Some have used them to line bird cages, while others have called them great pieces of American literature composed daily.  And now, thanks to 3 practicing journalists, more than a 125 of the best newspaper columns of all time have been collected in 1 book for us to read and admire.

Deadline Artists: America's Greatest Newspaper Columns is the newly-published product of John Avalon,  senior columnist for Newweek and The Daily Beast; Jesse Angelo, a top editor at both The Daily and The New York Post; and Errol Louis, the political anchor of NY1 News.

The trio appeared today at The Newseum today to discuss their work and sign copies of their book. The idea for the collection originated after a series of discussions about favorite columns and columnists. "We were stunned that such a book didn't exist, so we decided to put it together," Angelo said.

Despite the scope of the task, the trio said there was little disagreement about the selection, but obviously decisions of what to use and what to exclude was needed. "You know it's a great book  when The Federalists Papers ends up on the cutting room floor," Louis joked.

In fact, in addition to being a collection of great wisdom, keen insight, and fine writing, the book can be viewed for its historical value. "It's really the story of America told in the 1st person," Avalon said.

And indeed, there is a scope of American history demonstrated not only in the topics, but in the history-shaping writers included.  Benjamin Franklin. Frederick Douglas. Theodore Roosevelt. Then, there are literary greats such as Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway and Langston Hughes.  There are column greats from yesteryear - H.L. Menken, Ernie Pyle, Red Smith. There are the 1960s and 1970s game changers - Hunter Thompson, Jimmy Breslin, Bob Green, Mike Royko. And there is no lack of today's best voices - Dave Barry, Maureen Dowd, Mitch Albom, Anne Quindlen.

Of course, the columns can be read in any order, but the compilers arranged entries by category. The 10 themes are:

• War
• Politics
• Sports 
• Humor
• Crime
• Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
• Local Voices
• Hard Times
• Farewells
• The Pursuit of Happiness

Travelers' Tip:
Although the lines at a book signing can be long, if you want to have a few extra words with authors go to the back of the line. That way you avoid the disgusted looks from those behind you who think you are monopolizing the moment.