They Went That-A-Way--

More fun and games from Chairman Malcolm, a master of the short take in his magazine (Forbes) and books (Fact and Comment, The Further Savings of Chairman Malcolm). This time it's 150 capsule biographies, each based on how the subject died. Died? Yes, died. In alphabetical orderhandy for trivia quarrelswe learn that Alexander the Great and Sen. Joe McCarthy were done in by drink, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin OD'd on fame and drugs, actor James Dean and Gen. George Patton each got it from an oncoming vehicle, George (Superman) Reeves and Ernest Hemingway shot themselves. Saint Lawrence was roasted, Sir Walter Raleigh beheaded, Wild Bill Hickok shot in the back, French revolutionist Marat stabbed in his bath. The Roman historian Pliny died under fire from Mt. Vesuvius, Rasputin was poisoned, shot, beaten and drowned. Rich man Alfred Lowenstein fell from an airplane. This macabre parade, written with freelancer Bloch, is undeniably fascinating, and the bottom-heavy (so to speak) profiles are entertaining and informative. Preferred Choice Bookplan alternate. (June)