Once More Around the Block: Familiar Essays

Epstein writes gracefully on such diverse subjects as the place of work in our lives; his pet peeves (unkempt beards, empty language, official incompetence); the sadness of used bookstores; himself as an avid sports fan; pitfalls in public speaking; and the limits of friendship. His essays deftly illuminate shadowy areas of existence often overlooked by writers, and these pieces, reprinted from the American Scholar, show Epstein to be an accomplished essayist. As a debunker of liberal verities, he is in good form even if most of the selections comprise mellow musings. Epstein not only finds Woody Allen's humor tired and predictable, but, calling himself a ""language snob,'' he skewers Norman Mailer, Joan Didion, George Kennan and others. Clearly, Epstein weighs his experiences before setting pen to paper. (May 18)