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Four Decades of Essays, Reviews, Hand Grenades, and Hurrahs: A Literary Tour de Force

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In the realm of literary criticism, few contemporary writers have commanded the respect, admiration, and, at times, controversy that Gore Vidal has. His incisive essays, insightful reviews, and thought-provoking commentary on literature, culture, and society have earned him a reputation as a literary provocateur and a master of the written word. His latest collection of essays, "Four Decades of Essays, Reviews, Hand Grenades, and Hurrahs," encapsulates the essence of his literary prowess and offers readers a multifaceted exploration of the intellectual and cultural landscapes of the past four decades.

Critical Mass: Four Decades of Essays, Reviews, Hand Grenades, and Hurrahs

by James Wolcott

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4360 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	514 pages

The Essays: A Journey Through Ideas

The essays in this collection span a wide range of topics, from literary analysis and cultural commentary to political satire and personal reflections. Vidal's keen eye for detail and his ability to dissect complex issues with surgical precision are evident throughout. His essays on literature delve into the works of giants such as Shakespeare, Melville, and Dickens, offering fresh perspectives and challenging conventional interpretations. In his cultural commentaries, he tackles issues as diverse as the Vietnam War, the rise of the internet, and the changing face of American society.

One of the most striking features of Vidal's essays is his willingness to challenge prevailing wisdom and to question the status quo. He is not afraid to voice unpopular opinions and to provoke his readers into thinking critically about the world around them. His essay "The Decline and Fall of the American Empire," published in 1987, was a prescient analysis of the flaws in American foreign policy and a warning about the dangers of hubris. His more recent essays, such as "The New Barbarians" and "The Tyranny of Good Intentions," continue to challenge conventional thinking and to offer a much-needed dose of intellectual rigor in an often polarized world.

The Reviews: Critical Insights and Literary Appreciation

In addition to his essays, Vidal is also known for his insightful book reviews. His reviews are not merely summaries of the books he discusses; they are often master classes in literary criticism. Vidal's ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a work, to contextualize it within the larger literary landscape, and to offer his own unique perspective is a testament to his deep understanding of literature and his love of reading.

In his review of Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children," Vidal praises Rushdie's imaginative storytelling and his ability to create a "mythic and historical panorama of India." However, he also critiques Rushdie's tendency to "overwrite" and his sometimes "overly self-conscious" style. Similarly, in his review of Toni Morrison's "Beloved," Vidal acknowledges Morrison's powerful storytelling and her ability to explore the horrors of slavery, but he also expresses reservations about the novel's "digressing" narrative structure.

The Hand Grenades: Literary Dynamite

The "hand grenades" in this collection are Vidal's most provocative and controversial pieces. These essays are often vitriolic attacks on individuals, institutions, and ideologies that Vidal finds repugnant. His targets have ranged from politicians and celebrities to religious leaders and literary critics. Vidal's hand grenades are not intended to be subtle; they are meant to shock, to provoke, and to challenge the reader's assumptions.

One of the most infamous hand grenades in the collection is "The Holy Terror," a scathing attack on the televangelist Jerry Falwell. Vidal accuses Falwell of being a "fraud" and a "bigot" and of using religion to promote his own political agenda. The essay caused a major uproar when it was first published in 1986, and it remains a powerful indictment of the hypocrisy and intolerance that often accompany religious fundamentalism.

Another memorable hand grenade is "Gore Vidal on Edward Said," a critique of the renowned literary critic Edward Said. Vidal takes issue with Said's postcolonial theory, arguing that it is "an intellectual fraud" that "ignores the complexities of human history." The essay is a testament to Vidal's willingness to engage with and challenge even the most respected figures in the literary world.

The Hurrahs: Appreciations and Celebrations

While Vidal is known for his critical and sometimes acerbic wit, he is also capable of great appreciation and warmth. The "hurrahs" in this collection are his tributes to writers, artists, and activists who have made significant contributions to culture and society. These essays are often moving and insightful, offering readers a glimpse into Vidal's own literary and personal values.

One of the most touching hurrahs in the collection is "The Man Who Changed My Life," a tribute to Vidal's lifelong friend and mentor, Christopher Isherwood. Vidal describes Isherwood as "a man of courage, integrity, and unwavering optimism" and credits him with introducing him to the world of literature and ideas. The essay is a beautiful testament to the power of friendship and the lasting impact that one person can have on another's life.

Another notable hurrah is "The Artist as Citizen," an essay in which Vidal celebrates the role of art in society. Vidal argues that artists are not merely entertainers but also "citizens" who have a responsibility to speak out against injustice and to hold those in power accountable. The essay is a powerful reminder of the importance of art and culture in a free and democratic society.

"Four Decades of Essays, Reviews, Hand Grenades, and Hurrahs" is an essential collection for anyone interested in literature, culture, and society. Gore Vidal's incisive essays, insightful reviews, provocative hand grenades, and heartfelt hurrahs offer readers a multifaceted exploration of the intellectual and cultural landscapes of the past four decades. Vidal's wit, erudition, and intellectual honesty shine through on every page, making this collection a must-read for anyone who values critical thinking, literary excellence, and the power of the written word.

Critical Mass: Four Decades of Essays, Reviews, Hand Grenades, and Hurrahs

by James Wolcott

4.3 out of 5