Interview

This second compilation of interviews from the late 1960's to early 1980's is nearly as good as the first. This time we hear from a diverse group that includes political figures like Ed Koch and William F. Buckley, writers such as Alex Haley and the philosopher Sartre, and entertainers like Johnny Carson, Groucho Marx, Henry Fonda, etc. Once again the interviews are frank and revealing, leaving readers with more focus and at times greater or lesser respect for the subject. I particularly enjoyed reading Ed Koch speak of running New York City, and Alex Haley describing the trials of researching and writing ROOTS, particularly once bill collectors were breathing down his neck. Additionally, Johnny Carson was more serious than expected, Groucho Marx delights with stories of his (and his brothers') rambunctious youth, and Henry Fonda mixed humility with disgust for conservative politics. Playboy may sell products via female nudity (sorry, none here), yet its interview is one of the best and most complete available - why don't more publications follow suit?

A collection of execellent interviews. All interviews are skillfully done by notable figures - e.g., Alex Haley interviewing Miles Davis. All subjects are iconic figures, and the interviews provide insight into the complex people that they are, or were. An excellent gift.

This book has been out of print some time, but I frequently buy them used, as it is one of the most amazing books you'll find. It is a collection of stories of real expeditions, endeavors, and the like, that were troubled, failed, and where great adversity existed. The story, "In Extremis" about Robert Scott's failed expedition in Antartica is on of the most noble testaments to that which is good in mankind -- in the most overwhelming and dire circumstance imaginable. Particularly his letters to the parents and wives of his friends who suffer the same fate. There's also a story of a ship's crew stranded on an island in the Bering straits, suffering from scurvvy, of Lewis and Clark meeting some plains indians, who are near starvation, and the story of when Livingston met Stanley. Livingston had taken ill and been robbed and abandoned by those he traveled with in a caravan, in deep africa, and along comes another Britishman! Great read. Everyone I give this book to loves it and tells me it's their treasured possession.