John J. Gross (1935–2011)

There are many things to criticize about this book but I still like it. Ultra short entries from many writers, beautifully laid out on the page, with the emphasis on as many writers as possible being showcased. No attempt was made by the editor to show the dynamic qualities that build emotional power within the text. The only purpose was to display what can be achieved by a short passage or sentence. 993 pp, Index.

Despite the fact that this anthology consists of pieces by thirty-eight white men plus James Baldwin (hey, it was published in 1967), it is an excellent introduction to the history of the 'essay'. I'm quite sure (and would certainly hope) that a selection of the best essays of the last, say, fifty years would have a more diverse author roster. I found Charles Lamb's 'The Superannuated Man', E. B. White's 'Death of a Pig' and Baldwin's 'Stranger in the Village" particularly good.

3/15/22

Filled with odd bits of information, but somewhat dense and difficult reading.