Jon Franklin: A Celebrated Journalist Who Intertwined Storytelling and Science
Jon Franklin, a renowned journalist, and author, passed away on January 21, 2024, in Annapolis, Maryland, at the age of 82. Franklin’s remarkable career was marked by two Pulitzer Prizes for his medical-based stories, as well as his ability to captivate readers with his storytelling prowess. This article delves into Franklin’s life, career highlights, writing style, and lasting impact on journalism and literature.
Early Life and Education
Jon Daniel Franklin was born on January 13, 1942, in Enid, Oklahoma. His father was a journeyman electrician, and his mother was a homemaker. Franklin’s family moved frequently due to his father’s job, which influenced his later writing style and ability to adapt to different environments.
Journalism Career
Franklin dropped out of high school in 1959 and joined the Navy, where he worked for the Navy’s All Hands magazine. After leaving the Navy in 1967, he enrolled at the University of Maryland under the GI Bill, graduating with a degree in journalism in 1970. In 1972, Franklin joined the Baltimore Evening Sun as a science writer, a role that would define his career.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Stories
Franklin’s groundbreaking work earned him two Pulitzer Prizes, solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller. In 1979, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for “Mrs. Kelly’s Monster,” a story that explored the limits of medicine and the fragility of life. In 1985, he received the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism for “The Mind Fixers,” a seven-part series on the dawn of molecular psychiatry and the mysteries of the brain.
Writing Style and Approach
Franklin’s writing style was characterized by his ability to immerse readers in the heart of the story, making them feel like they were experiencing it firsthand. He focused on the human element of scientific and medical stories, weaving together personal narratives with scientific data and research findings. Franklin’s writing was known for its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and attention to detail.
Mrs. Kelly’s Monster: A Case Study
“Mrs. Kelly’s Monster” remains a seminal work in journalism, captivating readers with its intimate portrayal of Edna Kelly’s struggle with a life-threatening medical condition. Franklin’s minute-by-minute account of Edna’s brain surgery and the agonizing struggle of the medical team created a sense of immediacy and suspense. The story highlighted Franklin’s ability to balance scientific accuracy with emotional resonance.
The Mind Fixers: Exploring the Frontiers of Psychiatry
“The Mind Fixers” delved into the emerging field of molecular psychiatry, shedding light on alternative treatments for mental health conditions. Franklin’s series explored the use of specialized drugs and techniques to regulate brain function, offering hope to those struggling with mental illness. The series later formed the basis for Franklin’s book, “Molecules of the Mind: The Brave New Science of Molecular Psychology.”
Academic Career and Later Life
In 1986, Franklin transitioned from journalism to academia, teaching at various universities, including Towson State University, the University of Maryland, Oregon State University, and the University of Oregon. He continued to write and publish books, including “Guinea Pig Doctors” and “The Wolf in the Parlor: The Eternal Connection Between Humans and Dogs.” In 1994, Franklin and his wife, Lynn Scheidhauer, established WriterL, an early internet forum for discussions about literary journalism and story sharing.
Impact and Legacy
Jon Franklin’s work has left an indelible mark on journalism, inspiring generations of journalists and writers to embrace storytelling as a means of conveying complex scientific and medical information. His Pulitzer Prize-winning stories are still studied in journalism schools and writing classes, serving as examples of excellence in narrative journalism. Franklin’s ability to humanize scientific and medical topics made him a pioneer in the field, paving the way for a new era of science writing that resonates with readers.
Jon Franklin’s passing is a significant loss to the world of journalism and literature. His legacy lives on through his award-winning stories, his books, and the countless journalists and writers he influenced. Franklin’s work exemplified the power of storytelling to illuminate the human condition and bridge the gap between science and society.