James Gordon Bennett, Jr., sometimes known as "the Younger," was born into the world of journalism. His father had built for his son a virtual empire based on the first sensational newspaper in the United States, the New York Herald. The Younger, raised in Europe almost entirely removed from his father, had by the time of early manhood established a reputation as a playboy. His lavish life-style and escapades have been accorded more space in the history books than his journalistic accomplishments. In contrast to his father, who wished to be a recorder of the news, James G. Bennett, Jr., had a flair for making it happen.

Because of his arrogant and domineering personality, combined with his enthusiasm for yachting, his colleagues often referred to the younger Bennett as "the mad Commodore"; it was not beneath him to use his status to motivate, intimidate, and persuade those who...