Joseph Kraft

Joseph Kraft is the author of four nonfiction books: The Struggle for Algeria (1961), The Grand Design (1962), Profiles in Power (1966) and The Chinese Difference (1973). He was a journalist who worked for the Washington Post, as well as the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times. His syndicated column ran in over 200 newspapers; he was a frequent contributor to The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, and other magazines. In addition, Kraft was a speechwriter for John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential campaign.

Kraft served as a cryptographer in WWII. He began his association with The Washington Post in 1951. Known for his scholarly style and fiercely independent views, Kraft had a liberal bent, a sharp eye for detail, and an authoritative voice on national politics and foreign affairs. Among other awards, he won the Overseas Press Club Award for distinguished reporting, the John Jay Award from Columbia University, and the French government made him a Chevalier in the Legion of Honor.

With his wife, the painter Polly Kraft, he was known for hosting elite parties, with guest lists that combined politicians with diplomats, academics, and movie stars.