*Ore af the wittiest of American intellectuals, t/acques Barzun, has whitlen a book about the United States which combines solid reative appreciation, destructive satire, and constructive criticism pretty well equal proportions... A continuously interesting dique of American ideals and practice. It will imitate some of us: amuse most of us, and for many, both here and in Europe serve as a calm and lucid encouragement to appreciate ini cuntry through understanding it better."