Each Pulitzer Prize-winning story -- or series of stories -- appears in its entirety without editing or commentary in the text. In cases where Pulitzers were awarded for a major story along with additional exemplary work during a year, all work cited by the Pulitzer board is included. Interviews at the beginning of each piece delve into the circumstances behind the articles and offer insights into why and how the authors came to write them and what special challenges and experiences they presented. At the end of each story, Garlock offers a brief analysis focusing on the writer's tactics in preparing the piece and the literary lessons to be learned from the effort.

As a study in what makes great journalism or simply as an exercise in reading pleasure, this book will be a welcome addition to any library.