On books and arts

In this lively collection, a veteran cultural commentator gathers together a series of his newspaper and review essays, presenting them just as they first appeared. The pieces cover a broad sweep—literature, theatre, music, and visual art—offering sharp, often witty judgments that reveal both the writer’s deep knowledge and his affection for the subjects. By leaving the original phrasing untouched, the book preserves the immediacy of turn‑of‑the‑century criticism, allowing modern ears to hear the same voice that once answered the pressing artistic questions of its day.

One of the most engaging sections turns its focus to the short story, probing what makes the form distinct and valuable. Drawing on examples from contemporary writers, the essay argues that the brevity of a story can sharpen the reader’s intellect, offering a compact arena for imagination, humor, or the uncanny. It celebrates the genre as a laboratory for literary craft, inviting listeners to reconsider the power of a narrative told in a single sitting.