Walter Lippmann and the American Century — 27 A Gate Unlocked

1. 1. Lippmann's dissatisfaction with his column and marriage led him to write A Preface to Morals as a way to deal with his disaffection.
2. 2. Lippmann and his wife Faye had a marriage of convenience, with no children and little emotional connection.
3. 3. Lippmann began an affair with Helen Byrne Armstrong, the wife of his close friend Hamilton Fish Armstrong, in May 1937.
4. 4. Lippmann's letters to Helen during their separation in summer 1937 revealed his deep emotional transformation and commitment.
5. 5. Helen considered leaving her husband Hamilton for Lippmann, but worried about the impact on her daughter Gregor.
6. 6. Lippmann's affair inspired a lyrical column about Amelia Earhart that reflected his own state of mind.
7. 7. Hamilton Armstrong discovered the affair when Lippmann's love letters were mistakenly sent to his office.