As It Happened, Signed by William S. Paley
[Signed by William S. Paley] Paley, William S. As It Happened. First Edition. 1979. Book and dust jacket are both in very good condition. It is inscribed on the half title page, “To Gareth L. Pawlowski, with best wishes, William S. Paley.”
Bill Paley was one of the 20th Century’s great visionaries. Recognizing the potential of ad-supported broadcast early on, he transformed a small network of radio stations into a media juggernaut that ultimately included CBS Television, Columbia Record Company, and a Broadway production company whose hits included My Fair Lady and Camelot. He was no less discerning in his personal life. His wife Barbara “Babe” Cushing Paley was one of the great beauties and most admired tastemakers of her era. They were the rare example of a successful marriage in which each permitted the other to shine with equal brilliance. As a couple, their charisma was off the charts (one-plus-one sometimes equals three). Much of what came to pass is now enshrined in legend, as if pre-ordained. As it was happening, however, required laser-like focus and an eye on the future. Such talents are difficult to translate to the page, but Paley gives it his best shot in this book, written not long after the death of his wife.
“A large part of virtue consists in good habits.”
--William S. Paley