United States: Essays 1952-1992

“In 114 essays written over a period of forty years, Gore Vidal has shown himself to be a masterly, learned, and percipient observer of an unparalleled range of subjects. United States: Essays, 1952-1992 assesses such diverse matters as modern French fiction, the Kennedys, underappreciated writers like Thomas Love Peacock, and the American attitude toward sex. He writes tenderly of authors and people he cherishes-Eleanor Roosevelt, Tennessee Williams, William Dean Howells. Whatever his subject, he addresses it with an artist’s resonant appreciation, a scholar’s conscience, and the persuasive powers of a great essayist.”
—Citation for the 1993 National Book Award

“Gore Vidal, essayist; so good that we cannot do without him. He is a treasure of the state.”
—R. W. B. Lewis, New York Times Book Review

“Gore Vidal is the master essayist of our age, and we should thank the gods that we still have him to kick us around. Long may he flourish.”
—Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World