Editors Leckey (a syndicated columnist) and Auletta (a writer for the New Yorker) are in a no-win situation with this second annual collection of the best in business journalism. If someone complains that reporting on small companies, foreign business and investing are underrepresented here—which they are—someone else would certainly have complained if coverage in those areas meant leaving out the offbeat profiles of postprison Michael Milken or kitchen gadget innovator and late-night infomercial pitchman Ron Popeil. And for every reader who wonders why a well-publicized Fortune
cover story on Idea Lab's William Gross is reprinted here, someone else will say that they didn't get a chance to clip it the first time around. Given the inherent difficulties, the editors have done an admirable job of selecting engaging investigative pieces, essays and profiles on subjects as diverse as gene patenting and deadly falling items on discount store shelves. Perhaps their biggest contribution is revealing that some of the best business writing these days isn't found in the traditional business magazines, but in the New Yorker
and the Atlantic. Some readers may quibble that the table of contents should list the magazines these pieces came from, or that the introductions to each article are clunky and unhelpful. Still, this is a fun read—especially for those who don't always keep up with business news. (Jan. 15)
Forecast:Given the events of the past year, this collection could do exceptionally well. These stories paint an accurate picture of our turbulent economy.
