The Higher Jazz

This beautifully written short novel by the great critic is among the best descriptions of the 1920's I've read! All the characters are based on real life people, and taken from the author's own notebooks, as descibed in the notes at the end of the book. Such luminaries as Dorothy Parker, Robery Benchley, and others of the renowned "Round Table" are included, not to mention Mr. Wilson's own love interests, shown quite indiscretely for the time. And the "uncle" in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, is truly bizarre! Also the architectural and travel (mostly train, but some auto) rides are perfectly done too! This is a fine book for the general reader, as well as the 1920's or Wilson afficionado. But perhaps too "R-Rated" for the school-set.

This book is actually an unfinished novel Wilson started to write but put aside before it was published. It contains many ideas that will not surprise people who are familiar with Wilson's literary criticism, particularly his distrust of popular culture. The book is best when it deals with a character that is clearly based on Dorothy Parker, who Wilson knew and liked. It gave me insights to Parker's personality that were fascinating. Even though parts of this book are sketchy and were clearly meant to be expanded, by the end I was caught up in the narrative and found this volume ultimately quite involving. For anyone interested in peek at Jazz age life New York this book is well worth reading.