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In a Cardboard Belt!: Essays Personal, Literary, and Savage

by Joseph Epstein

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1094247,701 (3.61)5
Taking his title from the wounded cry of once-great Max Bialystock in The Producers--"Look at me now! Look at me now! I'm wearing a cardboard belt!"--Epstein gives us his largest and most comprehensive collection to date. Writing as a memoirist, polemicist, literary critic, and amused observer of contemporary culture, he uses to deft and devastating effect his signature gifts: wide-ranging erudition, sparkling humor, and a penetrating intelligence. In personally revealing essays about his father and about his years as a teacher, in deeply considered examinations of writers from Paul Vale;ry to Truman Capote, and in incisive take-downs of such cultural pooh-bahs as Harold Bloom and George Steiner, Epstein presents us with what is surely the best work of our country's most singular talent, engaged with the richness and variety of life, witty in his response to the world, and always entertaining.… (more)
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» See also 5 mentions

Showing 4 of 4
Aristides! ( )
  markm2315 | Jul 1, 2023 |
If you like essays by well read very smart people that read effortless, this is about as good as you can get. the UR of that kind. Title comes from a line from The Producers once Max Bialstock loses all his money he says "Look at me! I'm in a cardboard belt!" ( )
  Smokler | Jan 3, 2021 |
Bailing out of this one pretty early on. I don't like the smarmy, supercilious tone, nor am I particularly interested in the topics. I was seduced by a great cover with strong blurbs. Story of my life. ( )
  satyridae | Apr 5, 2013 |
Fine collection from a fine essayist. I do enjoy an erudite, witty curmudgeon. ( )
  Laurenbdavis | Oct 2, 2012 |
Showing 4 of 4
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Epigraph
The profession of letters is the only one in which one can make no money without being ridiculous.
—Jules Renard, Journal
Look at me now! Look at me now! I'm wearing a cardboard belt.
—Zero Mostel, in The Producers
Dedication
For Arnold Epstein
Yo, Bro
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Seventy.
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Taking his title from the wounded cry of once-great Max Bialystock in The Producers--"Look at me now! Look at me now! I'm wearing a cardboard belt!"--Epstein gives us his largest and most comprehensive collection to date. Writing as a memoirist, polemicist, literary critic, and amused observer of contemporary culture, he uses to deft and devastating effect his signature gifts: wide-ranging erudition, sparkling humor, and a penetrating intelligence. In personally revealing essays about his father and about his years as a teacher, in deeply considered examinations of writers from Paul Vale;ry to Truman Capote, and in incisive take-downs of such cultural pooh-bahs as Harold Bloom and George Steiner, Epstein presents us with what is surely the best work of our country's most singular talent, engaged with the richness and variety of life, witty in his response to the world, and always entertaining.

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