Collecting Himself: James Thurber on Writing and Writers, Humor, and Himself

In gathering material for this collection of the late humorist's works, Rosen, literary director of Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, had the cooperation of Rosemary Thurber, her father's executor. The book is a heady mix: laser-sharp critcism of shoddy, pretentious plays and novels balanced by insightful praise of worthy ones; comments, more in anger than in sorrow, on New Yorker founder Harold Ross and others whom Thurber considered to be over-zealous editors; essays on humor, etc. The anthology includes an abundance of reprinted material but also pieces not previously published--every entry a reminder of Thurber's (1894-1961) sublime wit. And given the dearth of political humor today, it's a special treat to read ``How to Tell Government from Show Business'' among the rareties here. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Oct.)