The pioneering career and fascinating life of one of Toledo's most notable citizens

The Conscience of a City and a Nation is the first comprehensive biography of Paul Block Jr., son of a publishing giant who owned newspapers across the United States. Although Block was passionate about studying chemistry, after his father's death, he stepped in to help run papers the Blocks owned in Pittsburgh and Toledo. Eventually, Block and his family relocated to Toledo, one of Ohio's up-and-coming cities. After working to gain respect from his colleagues at The Blade, Block became well known for his commitment to unbiased journalism. This book traces his long career?his work on the Toledo Tomorrow project, educating the nation about the dangers of atomic secrecy, and his advocacy for civil rights and social justice. During a turbulent time in American history, Block was unafraid to champion causes he believed in.

Making use of archival materials?including Block's letters, records, reports, clippings, and photographs?Murray traces Block's unlikely trajectory and his philosophy about the role journalism should have in influencing change at the local, national, and even global levels. Meticulously researched and engagingly written, The Conscience of a City and a Nation is an important biography about one of Ohio's most influential figures in the 20th century.