The Buchwald Stops Here

New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1978. Second Printing. Hardcover. Very good/Good. 295, [5] pages. Some wear to DJ edges. Inscribed by the author. Arthur "Art" Buchwald (October 20, 1925 - January 17, 2007) was an American humorist best known for his column in The Washington Post, which in turn was carried as a syndicated column in many other newspapers. His column focused on political satire and commentary. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Outstanding Commentary in 1982. In November 1952, Buchwald wrote a column in which he attempted to explain the Thanksgiving holiday to the French; Buchwald considered it his favorite column, and it was re-run every Thanksgiving during Buchwald's lifetime. Buchwald also enjoyed the notoriety he received when U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower's press secretary, Jim Hagerty, took seriously a spoof press conference report. After Hagerty denounced the article as "unadulterated rot," Buchwald retorted, "Hagerty is wrong. I write adulterated rot." While in Paris, Buchwald became the only correspondent to substantively interview Elvis Presley. Presley's impromptu performances at the Le Lido piano, as well as his singing for the showgirls, became legendary following its inclusion in Buchwald's bestselling book, I'll Always Have Paris. His column appeared in more than 550 newspapers at its height, and he published more than 30 books in his lifetime. Incisive, outrageous, and downright hilarious observations about the body politic and impolitic in the Jimmy Carter age. Buchwald investigates the Sans Souci, famed watering hole for Washington's big game and exposes Santa Claus. Derived from a Kirkus review: With this volume, Mr. Buchwald adds to the long shelf of his collected work. The eminent analyst, pundit, and all around smarty pants dispenses his waggery with profusion. His finger on the pulse of the nation and his elbow in its ribs, Buchwald clarifies such complex issues of our time as fiscal policy, delivery of medical care, and the three martini lunch. Viz.: ""We were given the Panama Canal in perpetuity. That means for life or forever, whichever comes first."" Even such intractable perplexities as the CIA, pollution, and lawyers are not safe from his fearless investigation. With his enlightenment we begin to wonder if officialdom isn't populated with clones of The Three Stooges. His inquiries are assisted by such unlikely fictional creations as Dr. Heinrich Applebaum, Heartongue the Agent, Amy Carter, Bert Lance, and Anita Bryant. True, some of the pieces may be dated, but, like a gross of Paris garters, while they are not all equally snappy, they do hold up. At their best they are a tonic. Like all medicines, these pieces are best not swallowed all at once. Take your time with the latter-day Petroleum V. Nasby.