Suddenly: The American Idea Abroad and at Home 1986-1990

A successor to The Morning After: American Successes and Excesses: 1981-1986 (Free Pr., 1986), this new collection completes Will's pungent assessment of the Reagan years and considers the beginning of the Bush era. He is generally sympathetic with government policies since 1980, though he does not hesitate to criticize the frequent lack of foresight or action in many crucial areas. He has grouped his newspaper columns thematically around major foreign and domestic issues, providing a reflective overview of the 1980s. Will devotes groups of essays to such topics as abortion, the Bork nomination, the 1988 presidential campaign, and a gleeful look at the "suicide of socialism" in Europe. His writings are satisfying, stimulating, and a joy to read, whether one agrees with his political positions or not. Among the unexpected gems in this collection: observations on cats, the Rolling Stones, Stephen King, Sidney Hook, and, yes, baseball. Recommended.
- Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.