Peter Arnett

Easton Press Peter Arnett books

Live From The Battle Field - signed first edition - 1994

 

 

 

Peter Arnett biography

Peter Arnett, a distinguished war correspondent and journalist, was born on November 13, 1934, in Riverton, New Zealand. His career spanned several decades, during which he reported on some of the most significant events in modern history. Arnett initially gained international recognition for his coverage of the Vietnam War. He reported for the Associated Press (AP) and earned the Pulitzer Prize in 1966 for his reporting on the conflict. His coverage included the famous Battle of Hue in 1968, providing firsthand accounts of the intense fighting and its impact on both military and civilian populations.

In 1971, Arnett made headlines again when he received the Pentagon Papers from Daniel Ellsberg, a former military analyst, and reported on their contents. The Pentagon Papers were a classified Department of Defense study detailing the United States' political-military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967. Arnett's reporting on the leaked documents contributed to public awareness and the broader discourse on the Vietnam War. Arnett's career continued to evolve, and he became one of the most recognizable faces in broadcast journalism. He joined CNN (Cable News Network) at its inception in 1980 and played a pivotal role in the network's early success. Arnett's reporting style and on-the-ground coverage distinguished CNN as a reliable source for breaking news.

One of the most notable moments in Arnett's career occurred during the Gulf War in 1991. He gained exclusive access to Iraq and conducted an interview with Saddam Hussein, making him the only Western journalist to interview the Iraqi leader during the conflict. However, Arnett faced controversy for his reporting on the war, especially when he suggested that civilian infrastructure damage in Baghdad was a result of allied bombing. This led to his departure from CNN. Despite the controversies, Peter Arnett remained active in journalism, contributing to various publications and networks. His experiences and insights were documented in his autobiography, Live from the Battlefield: From Vietnam to Baghdad, 35 Years in the World's War Zones, published in 1994.

Peter Arnett's career reflects a commitment to reporting from the front lines of history, often at great personal risk. His contributions to journalism, particularly in war reporting, have left an indelible mark on the profession, and his work continues to be studied and remembered for its impact on shaping public understanding of complex global events.

 

 

Live From The Battle Field

Peter Arnett, a distinguished war correspondent renowned for his daring frontline reporting, penned his compelling memoir Live From The Battlefield: From Vietnam to Baghdad - 35 Years in the World's War Zones to chronicle his remarkable journey through some of the most tumultuous periods in recent history.

Arnett's fascination with journalism emerged early in his life. His career took flight when he joined The Associated Press (AP) as a reporter, setting the stage for his future as a fearless war correspondent. Arnett's breakthrough came during the Vietnam War, where his courageous reporting earned him widespread recognition. His coverage of the Vietnam conflict was marked by a rare blend of integrity, empathy, and a commitment to truth, often defying immense danger to deliver accurate accounts of the battlefield. Live From the Battlefield offers a riveting firsthand account of Arnett's experiences in Vietnam, where he provided unfiltered insights into the realities of war, human suffering, and the complexities of conflict. His vivid narratives not only captured the horrors of warfare but also shed light on the resilience and courage of ordinary people caught in its crossfire. Arnett's career continued to flourish as he ventured into other war zones, including the Middle East. His reporting during the Gulf War, particularly his exclusive coverage from Baghdad for CNN, solidified his reputation as one of the preeminent war correspondents of his time. Despite facing scrutiny and controversy at times, Arnett remained steadfast in his commitment to impartial reporting, earning him both accolades and criticism.

In Live From the Battlefield, Arnett offers readers an intimate glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and ethical dilemmas inherent in war journalism. Through his lens, readers are transported to the heart of conflicts, where they witness the raw realities of war and the profound impact it has on individuals and societies. Beyond the front lines, Arnett's memoir delves into the personal sacrifices and emotional toll of his chosen profession, providing a poignant reflection on the human cost of bearing witness to history's darkest moments.

Live From the Battlefield stands as a testament to Peter Arnett's unparalleled courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to truth in the face of adversity. It is a compelling narrative that not only chronicles the evolution of modern warfare but also pays homage to the resilience of the human spirit amidst chaos and turmoil.