– Jon Franklin, Pioneering Apostle of Literary Journalism, Dies at 82
– Jon Franklin, Literary Journalism Pioneer, Passes Away at 82.
Jon Franklin, an influential figure in narrative journalism, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. His wife, Lynn Franklin, revealed that his death followed a recent fall at their home, and he had also been battling esophageal cancer for the past two years. Franklin was known for his contributions to the nonfiction style of storytelling, which he believed should maintain the traditional values of accuracy and objectivity.
One of Franklin’s most notable achievements was winning the first Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 1979. His two-part series for The Baltimore Evening Sun, titled “Mrs. Kelly’s Monster,” captivated readers with its vivid account of a surgeon’s struggle to save a woman’s life. The story shed light on the advancements and challenges of modern medicine, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
In 1985, Franklin received his second Pulitzer Prize in the newly established category of explanatory journalism. His seven-part series, “The Mind Fixers,” delved into the intricate world of brain chemistry and explored potential alternatives to psychoanalysis. Inspired by his own experiences with a psychologist, Franklin’s work was praised for its snappy style and entertaining cynicism. The series was later adapted into a book titled “Molecules of The Mind: The Brave New Science of Molecular Psychology.”
Franklin’s contributions extended beyond his award-winning writing. He published several books, including the influential guide “Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction.” In this work, he shared his insights on storytelling, emphasizing the importance of understanding the world through the experiences of others. Franklin believed that stories had the power to transport readers to different lives and perspectives, providing a valuable means of comprehension.
Despite some critics’ concerns that stylistic elements might overshadow substance, Franklin defended literary journalism as a complement to the values of honesty, accuracy, and objectivity. He acknowledged that not every story warranted a literary approach, but when done properly, it could greatly enhance the reader’s understanding and engagement.
Born on January 13, 1942, in Enid, Oklahoma, Franklin’s early education was shaped by the novels of Fitzgerald and Hemingway, as well as the stories found in The Saturday Evening Post. Encouraged by his father, he found solace in writing, using a typewriter to express his emotions rather than resorting to physical confrontations. After serving in the Navy as a journalist, Franklin pursued a career in journalism, eventually earning a degree from the University of Maryland in 1970.
Following his successful career as a journalist, Franklin transitioned into academia, becoming a professor and chairman of the journalism department at the University of Maryland. He dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring aspiring writers, leaving a lasting impact on the field of feature writing.
Jon Franklin is survived by his wife, Lynn Scheidhauer, and two daughters from his previous marriage. His legacy as a master storyteller and advocate for narrative journalism will continue to inspire and influence future generations..
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Jon Franklin
Pioneering Apostle of Literary Journalism
Dies at 82
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