Jacques Barzun in Time

This 1956 cover story was mentioned in Arthur Krystal's recent New Yorker profile of Barzun. Krystal's piece is way better.

Richard K. Betts in Foreign Affairs

How compelling it would be to imagine this is what Donald Rumsfeld once meant by a "smart, lean" and efficient U.S. military. The facts, however, show he didn't mean this at all.

H.L. Mencken on Lincoln's atheism

I thought this was a particularly extraordinary take on Abraham Lincoln - even for H.L. Mencken, who built a legacy on such 'contrarian positions.' I'll be absolutely clear about this: I am a big admirer of both Mssrs Lincoln and Mencken, so to see the two mix with such a satisfying result is a real treat.

Louis Goddard on Amis's 'Dead Babies'

I've been meaning to link to this great review Louis Goddard wrote for Flak a few weeks ago. Finally, the strength of my wi-fi connection and openness of schedule collude to make it happen.