MILES GONE BY A Literary Autobiography

Instead of a traditional memoir, William F. Buckley, Jr., assembled a collection of writings in which, he says, “I figure directly.” That ranges from childhood reminiscences to a novel excerpt that represents his wartime experience, all narrated in Buckley‘s familiar erudite style. Most fascinating are heartfelt accounts of his friendships with former Communist spy Whittaker Chambers and liberal writer Murray Kempton, as well as a rollicking account of his New York mayoral run. He also shares interesting stories about his admiration for his son, Christopher’s, literary career, skiing, sailing, and his wine cellar. Although there are a few slow spots—most notably a section on “God and Man at Yale”—Buckley reads his own essays with a wit and joy worthy of listeners’ attention. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 08]