This is Epstein's fourth collection of literary essays and the first that I have read. Included are essays on Conrad, Musil, Montaigne, Dos Passos, Bierce, Larkin and others. Epstein's style is conversational and at the same time edifying. It is also very personal as he is unafraid to air his own opinions about the authors and works that he reviews. The result, however unexpectedly and puzzlingly lenient or harsh, at least shows that literature is worth arguing over. The resulting prose is pure pleasure to read and I find every time I pick up the book I am impressed with it for that reason. Worth reading, rereading, or just dipping into from time to time. ( )