In ""The Evolution of American Investigative Journalism"", James L. Aucoin provides readers with the first comprehensive history of investigative journalism in the United States, including a thorough account of the founding and achievements of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE). He begins by discussing in detail the tradition of investigative journalism from the colonial era through the golden age of muckraking in the 1900s and into the 1960s. Subsequent chapters examine the genre's critical period from 1960 to 1975 and the founding of IRE by a group of journalists in the 1970s to promote investigative journalism and training methods. Through the organization's efforts, investigative journalism has evolved into a distinct practice, with defined standards and values. Emerging investigative reporters and editors, as well as students and scholars of journalism history, will benefit from the detailed presentation and insightful discussion provided in this book.