William Safire

American journalist and presidential speechwriter (1929–2009)

William Lewis Safir (December 17, 1929 – September 27, 2009),[1] better known as William Safire[2] (/ˈsæfaɪər/), was an American author, columnist, journalist, and presidential speechwriter.

William Safire
Safire receiving the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom
Safire receiving the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom
BornWilliam Lewis Safir
(1929-12-17)December 17, 1929
New York City, New York, United States
DiedSeptember 27, 2009(2009-09-27) (aged 79)
Rockville, Maryland, United States
OccupationAuthor, columnist, lexicographer, journalist, political speechwriter
NationalityAmerican
GenreNon-fiction
SubjectPolitics
SpouseHelene Belmar Julius

He was best known as a long-time political columnist for the New York Times and the author of "On Language" in the New York Times Magazine, a column on popular etymology, new or unusual usages, and other language-related topics from its inception.

Safire died from pancreatic cancer at a hospice in Rockville, Maryland, on September 27, 2009, aged 79.[3]

References

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  1. McFadden, Robert D. (2009-09-27). "William Safire, Nixon Speechwriter and Times Columnist, Is Dead at 79". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
  2. Safire, William (1986). Take My Word for It: More on Language. Times Books. ISBN 978-0-8129-1323-1. p. 185.
  3. Folkenflik, David. "Political Columnist William Safire Dies At 79". NPR. Retrieved 2013-10-17.