Herbert Eugene “Herb” Caen (1916–97) was an American journalist and humorist, best known for his long-running column in the San Francisco Chronicle. His witty observations on the city’s culture, politics, and social life earned a devoted readership, cementing him as San Francisco’s unofficial voice.
Born in Sacramento, California, Caen began his career writing a radio programming column for the Chronicle (1936.) Two years later, he launched his daily column, which ran—except for brief interruptions—for nearly six decades. His short, punchy style and humorous anecdotes shaped San Francisco journalism. He briefly moved to The San Francisco Examiner (1950–58) before returning to the Chronicle, where he wrote until his death. His impact was so profound he received a special Pulitzer (1996) for his contributions.
Caen authored Baghdad-by-the-Bay (1949,) One Man’s San Francisco (1976,) and The Best of Herb Caen: 1960–75 (1991.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Herb Caen
A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew.
—Herb Caen
Topics: Experience, Wisdom
The only thing wrong with immortality is that it tends to go on forever.
—Herb Caen
Topics: Immortality
The clock doesn’t matter in baseball. Time stands still or moves backwards. Theoretically, one game could go on forever. Some seem to.
—Herb Caen
Topics: Baseball
The trouble with born-again Christians is that they are an even bigger pain the second time around.
—Herb Caen
Topics: Christians, Christianity
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