David Sarasohn: The Multifaceted Career of a Journalist and Historian
David Sarasohn is a distinguished figure in the Pacific Northwest's intellectual and journalistic landscape. Based in Portland, Oregon, he has balanced a career that spans rigorous academic history, magazine writing, and high-impact daily journalism. Currently serving as a columnist and managing editor for The Oregonian, Sarasohn is known for his ability to blend deep historical context with sharp contemporary analysis.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Columnist and Managing Editor at The Oregonian.
- Academic Background: PhD in American History from UCLA.
- Former Positions: Professor of History at Reed College and writer for Oregon magazine.
- Published Works: Author of two historical books focusing on the Progressive Era and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- Specialties: Current affairs and incisive restaurant reviews.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Before becoming a staple of Portland's daily news, Sarasohn established a strong academic foundation. He earned a PhD in American History from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which provided the scholarly rigor that informs his writing today. This expertise led him to a role as a professor of history at Reed College, a liberal arts college known for its academic intensity.
Transitioning from the classroom to the page, Sarasohn also contributed as a writer for Oregon magazine, further refining his voice and his connection to the regional narratives of the state.
Contributions to The Oregonian
At The Oregonian, Sarasohn occupies a dual role as managing editor and columnist. While he is highly regarded for his columns on current affairs, he has gained a specific reputation for his restaurant reviews. These pieces are frequently described as pithy—brief and full of meaning—and incisive, offering readers a sharp and direct critique of the local culinary scene.
Published Literary Works
Sarasohn's passion for history extends beyond the classroom and the newspaper. He has authored two significant books that explore different facets of American history:
- Party of Reform: Democrats in the Progressive Era (University Press of Mississippi, 1989): An examination of political shifts during the Progressive Era, a period of widespread social activism and political reform in the United States.
- Waiting for Lewis and Clark (Oregon Historical Society Press, 2005): A work focusing on the historical anticipation and impact of the famous expedition.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | PhD in American History, UCLA |
| Current Employer | The Oregonian |
| Academic Tenure | Professor of History, Reed College |
| Notable Books | Party of Reform (1989), Waiting for Lewis and Clark (2005) |
| Writing Focus | Current affairs, History, Restaurant reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David Sarasohn's current role?
David Sarasohn is currently a columnist and the managing editor for The Oregonian newspaper in Portland, Oregon.
Where did David Sarasohn earn his doctorate?
He earned his PhD in American History from UCLA.
What books has David Sarasohn written?
He authored "Party of Reform: Democrats in the Progressive Era" (1989) and "Waiting for Lewis and Clark" (2005).
Did David Sarasohn work in academia?
Yes, he previously served as a professor of history at Reed College.
What is David Sarasohn known for besides current affairs?
He is well-known for his pithy and incisive restaurant reviews published in The Oregonian.