Just a nod to a benefactor. The December issue of the New Criterion contained a long, literate defense of Dianna West’s American Betrayal, which was savagely attacked, repeatedly, by National Review’s Conrad Black.
Never had any use for Conrad Black. He’s a pompous, verbose bully and a frankly silly poseur. NR’s Andrew McCarthy said what had to be said, even if he couldn’t do it at National Review.
Worth everything to read it. Thank you, Barbara. She gave me the subscription. The magazine is a light in the darkness. Next up: Nordlinger on Music. Lesson No. 8,771 in humility for RFL. It’s so nice to read good writing. And you can hold the paper in your hands.
Pleasure’s entirely mine, RL. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying it. First I read Kevin Williamson, second, James Bowman, and then every word in every issue, including all the articles on art I’ll never see, concerts I’ll never hear and architectural matters I don’t understand at all. The New Criterion is the best written and edited publication going, I believe, and I wish it had a wider readership. Can’t bear to think I could outlive it.