Author, Historian Tony Horwitz Dies

Bill Eville Tuesday, May 28 2019 - 10:07am

<p>The West Tisbury author and historian Tony Horwitz died suddenly in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Mr. Horwitz was 60.

The West Tisbury author and historian Tony Horwitz died suddenly in Washington, D.C., on Monday, his wife Geraldine Brooks confirmed.

Mr. Horwitz was 60 and had been on tour for his new book, Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide.

Through a long career that began as a journalist and continued through numerous books, Mr. Horwitz wrote as he lived, leading with the gift of a raconteur who championed the underdog but included all voices equally in his stories. As a journalist he reported from war zones around the world for the Wall Street Journal, New Yorker and New York Times, and won a Pulitzer Prize for his series in the Wall Street Journal about low-wage workers in America.

His many books were historical in frame and personal in execution as he walked, sailed, flew, crawled, rode on horseback and mule through the backyards of history, mixing past and present in narratives as humorous as they were enlightening.

He was born on June 9, 1958, in Washington D.C. He was educated at the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University and the Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Right from the start he educated himself on his subjects by walking in their footsteps, even before he became a writer.

“I went straight from college to work as a union organizer in Mississippi,” he wrote in an essay for the Vineyard Gazette about his beginnings. “This was perhaps the worst career choice you could make in 1981, when Ronald Reagan took office and promptly busted the air traffic controllers union. White Mississippians were even more hostile to unions — and to snot-nosed Yankees coming South to “stir things up” among the mostly black workforce I’d been sent to organize.”

That first experience revealed to him he was perhaps better suited as a writer than an activist, although the two remained intertwined in all his work. After his year as an organizer he gathered the material into a feature article.

“To my delight and surprise, a weekly in Jackson printed the piece and paid me $50. I still remember the lead sentence: ‘Booker Price is a one-armed, one-toothed preacher from Its, Mississippi.’ The weekly went out of business shortly after, but I had my first clip, and on the strength of that I applied to journalism school.”

After a successful career in journalism, Mr. Horwitz turned to writing best-selling books, sailing the seas with Captain James Cook in Blue Latitudes, exploring the Middle East in Baghdad Without a Map and Other Misadventures in Arabia, and roaming the Australian Outback in One for the Road.

A trip to Plymouth Rock was the inspiration for A Voyage Long and Strange about the explorers of the New World, and the sound of musket fire near his Virginia backyard propelled him forward on the subject he first became enamored with as a child and to which he frequently returned: the American Civil War.

He embedded himself with Civil War reenactors for Confederates in the Attic, and looked beyond the myth and legend to track down the real story and character of abolitionist John Brown for Midnight Rising. For his most recent book Spying on the South, published this spring, he retraced the journey of Frederick Olmsted, who before he became the nation’s best known landscape architect wrote dispatches for the New York Times while traveling in the pre-Civil War south.

In Spying on the South, Mr. Horwitz combines the history of Olmsted’s travels and impressions with his own reportage on today’s socio-political landscape. An openly liberal reporter in a mostly conservative landscape, Mr. Horwitz befriends and talks to people of all persuasions, in their kitchens and town halls, their bars and cafeterias, a testament to both his skill as a writer and his generosity of spirit.

Mr. Horwitz moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 2006, with his wife Geraldine Brooks, where they raised their two children Nathaniel and Bizu. He lived full-time in West Tisbury, gave readings around the Island whenever a new book came out and led interviews of other authors, including a discussion with Michael Pollan at last year’s Author Series. He was scheduled to appear at this summer’s Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival, among other things. He was also an avid participant in the longstanding summer Chilmark softball game.

In his essay for the Gazette about his year as a union organizer and his first published piece, he summed up his vocation this way: “Thirty years later, I still don’t know my way around a chainsaw, and all trees look pretty much alike. But I’m grateful for my brief career as a union organizer, because it taught me that everyone has a story. All I had to do was listen, ask questions and write it down, which is what I’ve been doing ever since.”

Comments

Sally and I are so shocked

Hans Solmssen Chilmark

Sally and I are so shocked and saddened by the news. A great and fun man. We will really miss him.

As a Horwitz follower, the

Fred Rollenhagen ORWELL VT

As a Horwitz follower, the news is sad. For seeing your name, Hans, I am glad...

So sorry to learn of a

Al Felzenberg Palm Beach, FL

So sorry to learn of a favorite author’s passing. I just purchased his last book.

Sad.

My sympathies and gratitude to his family.

I knew him from Sidwell days.

Elizabeth Frost Sainty Washington, DC

I knew him from Sidwell days. So sad that someone so bright would leave the world too soon. My sincere condolences to the family...

So sad to hear of this.

Sue Morris clifton park NY

So sad to hear of this. Sending loving thoughts to the family.

beautifully rendered,

Holly Gleason somewhere on the road

beautifully rendered, lovingly tendered...
you captured a life cut short to soon, a man so engaged in reporting, writing, living.
eloquent, my friend, and true.

I was deeply saddened by the

Lynn Cabot Puro Saddle river , New Jersey

I was deeply saddened by the passing of
Tony. We used to play Sunday Chilmark soft ball and often shared alternated second bas. He hade a wonderful sense of humor and made the games more fun. I really will mis him. I read his books and was inspired with his writing. Condolences to his wife Geraldine and his family. Lynn Cabot-Puro

This is devastating news. I

Martha Holland

This is devastating news. I adored Mr. Horwitz's work. He was such a gifted storyteller and commentator. The world is a better place for his having been in it. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

This is heartbreaking and

Sig Van Raan West Tisbury

This is heartbreaking and shocking news. Tony was a stalwart part of our Sunday morning softball game in Chilmark - a goofy, funny,and spirited player who loved being one of the guys on the team - He was likewise a friend, a gifted writer and more than anything a beloved father and life partner to Geraldine. My sincere condolences to Geraldine Brooks and his two sons - fine young men who made Tony so proud.
Sig Van Raan -

Our family is heartbroken.

Nancy Parrish

Our family is heartbroken. Tony was such a force for good. Always filled with such joy and happiness. All of our love to Geraldine and the boys. .

What a great guy !! Our

Susan & Howie Bromberg Providence

What a great guy !! Our sincerest condolences to his entire family.

Deepest condolences to his

Marcus Michael West Tisbury

Deepest condolences to his family. Always enjoyed and looked forward to spending time with Tony. I never knew what he would say next but I knew it would be interesting, thought provoking, and entertaining. Miss him already. I’m sad.

Devastating news! I was

Roberta Siegel Chicago

Devastating news! I was fortunate to meet Tony at the 135 Gettysburg re-enactment. We had corresponded by email and I brought my Confederates in the Attic for him to sign, which he did with a personal inscription. He was not sure if he would be there as his wife was going to Israel and he had two sons to look after. But he was there and a delight, sitting amongst piles of his awesome book. Years later I realizes that Geraldine Brooks, a favorite author was his wife. My deepest condolences to her and the sons on the sudden loss of their beloved husband and father. May he RIP and his memory be a blessing.

My heart goes out to you and

Wendy wolf Chilmark

My heart goes out to you and the boys. What a tragedy.

Picking up a book called Blue

Jane Davis Manchester, NH

Picking up a book called Blue Latitudes changed my life. Worked in book stores for years,
read hundreds of books but few as captivating as Tony's. His work was so full of personality. A true, irreplaceable original.

Impossible and heartbreaking.

Steve Fischer and Paul Sutherland Chilmark

Impossible and heartbreaking. We just saw him on the train to NYC. Tony was a charming guy, energetic, a wonderful writer and historian. He’ll be particularly missed at the MV Book Festival this year. Our deepest sympathy to Geraldine and their boys.

One of the most astute and

Asberry Butler Baltimore,Maryland

One of the most astute and interesting storytellers of our times, his genius is yet to be recognized. My sincere condolences to his family, he has done you proud!

Devastating loss of a dear

Jeanne Barron West Tisbury

Devastating loss of a dear friend, neighbor and force for truth and justice. Tony was wonderful in every way, he will be missed deeply.

My family is so stunned. We

Talia Moser Richmond VA

My family is so stunned. We've been passing his books around for years. Tomorrow night we were to thank him in person for his latest, at a signing at antebellum Tredegar Ironworks-turned-Civil War Museum. We extend deepest sympathy to his family and community. He did leave the world a better place.

It would have been my

Danita Rountree Green Richmond, Va

It would have been my pleasure and honor to interview Tony and moderate the book discussion afterward tomorrow night at the ACWM. I spoke with him and his publisher on Thursday. He was looking forward to being with us and being part of Richmond's unfolding narrative of such an important time in our history. I'm deeply saddened.

Oh no, Tony leaves too soon.

Sandra Kingston Boston

Oh no, Tony leaves too soon. Wonderful father, husband, soulmate of creative good.

This is sad news indeed.

graham wride Dundee, Nova Scotia

This is sad news indeed. About five years ago I took a short holiday to Lithuania and spent half of a week holed up in a little flat in Vilnius reading 'Confederates in the Attic', so enthralling I couldn't put it down. A great loss for his family and many fans.

Rarely do life’s surprises

Ed Swan Sarasota

Rarely do life’s surprises leave you so saddened as Tony’s passing. He was a friend and an intellectual door opener. His presence was joyous and stimulating, whether at the gym or over dinner. He will be truly missed.

I knew his parents many

Martha toomey Rhinebeck

I knew his parents many decades ago. They were so proud of him. Bragged all the time. This is very sad.

What a huge loss for the

Jim Ketcham San Francisco

What a huge loss for the Vineyard and the entire world. Tony was that incredibly rare individual who could both raise awareness about important national and global issues and also improve the quality of life of everyone in his daily path. His 'chronicling' of the Chilmark Sunday morning softball game was priceless. He hilariously lampooned everyone and anything always saving his most savage jabs for himself. Wow---I just cannot believe he is gone.

The sadness I feel can’t be

Mitchell Kaplan MIAMI, Florida

The sadness I feel can’t be adequately expressed. I send my deepest sympathy to Geraldine and his sons.

Horrified to hear this. He

Ruth Holmes Whitehead Nova Scotia Canada

Horrified to hear this. He interviwed me once for four or five hours. Best interview of my last fifty years of research. He was such a GREAT investigator and writer, it was a pleasure I ever treasured.
I found some nifty info on Captain Cook a few weeks ago, and wanted to send it to him.
My deepest condolences to his wife, another great investigator and writer.

My sincere condolences to

John. Alley West Tisbury

My sincere condolences to Geraldine and the family.

Geraldine Brooks: Let our

Carolyn O'Daly Edgartown

Geraldine Brooks: Let our beloved Island community wrap its arms around you to help you through your grief.

Devastated!

Jerry Murphy Tashmoo

Devastated!
One of the funniest people I ever met. Will miss him immensely on summer Sunday mornings playing softball in Chilmark, his sarcastic comments during the game, and more so his witty recap of the game that evening.
My deepest condolences to his family.

Oh my God! I am in a state of

Irene Deychakiwsky Berryville VA

Oh my God! I am in a state of shock! He was one of my favorite writers and when I heard his interview on NPR the other day, I immediately ordered his latest book. Rest in Peace, Sir. You were one in a million!

Oh my God! I am in a state of

Irene Deychakiwsky Berryville VA

I may not have Mr Horowitz,

Jon Upham Akron, Ohio

I may not have known Mr Horowitz, like some of the other commenters but my sympathies are passed on to his family. I first became acquainted with him as Confederates In The Attic was an assigned text for a Civil War American History college class I was taking about 16 years ago or so. I instantly was captivated by this book and it gave me a more intense interest in the Civil War and such. Then a few years later he ( Mr. Horowitz) was coming to the local community of Hudson, Ohio about 15 minutes north of me to speak on his research primarily related to the new book he was writing about John Brown the famous abolitionist as John Brown spent a portion of his life in both Hudson and also Akron. It was great to hear this author in person, Mr. Horowitz will be definitely missed and again my sympathies to his family

Our world is a better place

Mary Gay Shipley Blytheville

Our world is a better place because of Tony. I am saddened by his departure.

My heart goes out to

Gabrielle whitcombe West Tisbury

My heart goes out to Geraldine, Nathaniel and family.Tony was such a brilliant, insightful and witty soul. I'm saddened and shocked.A tremendous loss for the community and the world.Rest in peace.

And my deepest condolences to

Gabrielle Whitcombe West Tisbury

And my deepest condolences to Visit as well. I am so sorry.

Heartbreaking to hear about

Maria Mansfield Richardson Charleston, South Carolina

Heartbreaking to hear about Tony Horwitz.

I met Tony on the piazza of the old Pinckney Street Cafe on a warm spring evening in Charleston, SC in 1996. He was in Charleston conducting research for his book “Confederates in the Attic” and invited me to watch him in a Civil War re-enactment the following day. We exchanged contact information and Tony and his wife Geraldine Brooks accepted several invitations to be featured speakers at my summer program - the Governor’s School of South Carolina at the College of Charleston.

A brilliant researcher and writer, Tony had a ready smile and a heart of gold. He will be missed and I send love and condolences to Geraldine and their two children.

Heartbroken by this loss.

Jesse Dutra Nantucket

Heartbroken by this loss. Tony was a funny, charismatic talented man with so much to give. He will be missed. My prayers go out to Geraldine, the boys and his family. I am very fortunate to met him and happy to know his legacy will carry strong with his boys and stories

Our entire family is mourning

Hadley Dutra Nantucket

Our entire family is mourning the loss of this warm, extraordinary person. I feel lucky to have met Tony. He will be sorely missed.

This is horrific news! I

Holly Nadler OAK BLUFFS

This is horrific news! I loved all his books but Bagdad Without A Map was my favorite travel book of all time! So sorry, Geraldine!

Oh I am so sad to hear this!

Carol Martin Edgartown

Oh I am so sad to hear this! My daughter and I saw Tony speak at the Chilmark Community Center last year. My heart goes out to Geraldine and his sons...

This is the saddest news. My

Cynthia Parzych Glastonbury, CT

This is the saddest news. My copy of his new book, ordered a few days ago after I heard him interviewed on NPR, just arrived today. What a writer! Confederates in the Attic inspired me to write books about the Civil War. I feel like I've lost a close friend; we've lost a great American voice. Rest in peace, and condolences to his family.

I turned my car on recently,

Jane Norton Chilmark

I turned my car on recently, and the radio was tuned to WCAI, our local NPR station, when I heard Tony's voice talking about his new book. Since it never takes too long to get anywhere here, the interview on the show wasn't finished when I arrived at my destination. In those few minutes I learned something I never knew about Frederick Law Olmstead - as a former garden designer, I only knew his landscape design history. I was fascinated, but thought, that's okay. I'm sure that his fellow islanders will hear him tell these stories in person once he's back on the rock.

My condolences to Geraldine, Nathaniel, Bizu, and the entire Sunday morning Chilmark Softball Crew.

This terrible news makes me

deborah forest hart oak bluffs

This terrible news makes me unspeakably sad. Condolences to Geraldine and his sons.
How is it that just last night I again looked forward to crawling into bed to spend a few moments before drifting off, traveling with Tony on his latest adventure----and now he is forever, for real, gone? A loss to us all.

So sad to hear of Tony’s

Ron & Barsha Tolin Vineyard Haven

So sad to hear of Tony’s passing. Sending love & prayers to the family.

Just stunned. My dad, the

Miranda Edison Menemsha

Just stunned. My dad, the late commish of softball Bill Edison, adored him. Will truly be missed on and off the field.

Wonderful person and terrific

Robert Skydell Granada, Nicaragua

Wonderful person and terrific writer. Tony's books were delightful reads but also often made me reconsider many of my knee-jerk beliefs(OK- prejudices about the South). I imagine he had the same affect on countless others as well. His natural ebullience made his words sparkle that much more.
Deepest sympathies to Geraldine, Nathaniel and Bizu

I did not know Tony Horowitz

sheila roberge Exeter NH

I did not know Tony Horowitz but his books were some of the best I had ever read. I wanted to know him and share a beer and talk about his travels and his incredible research. He captured historical figures in ways that few writers ever have. So very, very sad for his family and for all of us.

I am so very sorry to hear of

Michael Hawkins China Grove,NC

I am so very sorry to hear of his passing.I met Tony in the mid-90's when one of his stops while doing research for his book Confederates in the Attic was here in very nearby Salisbury,NC.He took the time to come to my home & did an interview with me that did make the book.I am the Mike Hawkins with a 4 page interview in chapter 2 that to my surprised got some good remarks from not only the book readers but critics also;& they were all positive.Even as I look back on that now,I have yet to figure out how Tony put that into print to receive such positive remarks.He & I were also about the same age as I was born March 31,1958.I had always hoped that I would see him again to thank him for how much that article changed my life in the world of Civil War buffs.Prayers for his family & may he RIP.

Geraldine, we are stunned and

Charles and Katherine Frazier Asheville

Geraldine, we are stunned and heartbroken for you and the boys. For all of us. There are no words...

Author, Historian Tony Horwitz Dies

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