As the Best American Essays series steadily increases in recognition, reaching out to an ever wider audience, critics continue to hail it as one of our most entertaining and provocative forums for contemporary experience and thought. Appealing to more diverse and numerous writers than ever before, the essay form belies its reputation as archaic and dull as it engages some of the liveliest and most relevant issues of our time. Joseph Epstein brings to this year ?s collection the keen wit and astute judgment that have earned him his reputation as one of America ?s premier essayists. In a volume that combines humor with the topical, Barbara Grizzuti Harrison takes on the ?political correctness ? of the Frugal Gourmet ( ?You might think it takes a genius to drape the rags of piety over conspicuous consumption. It doesn ?t It takes the Frugal Gourmet ?) and Philip Weiss gives step-by-step instructions on how to get out of a locked car trunk ? should the need arise. Malcolm X, the Kennedy assassination, racial prejudice at an exclusive Connecticut country club ? thorough the personal visions of the individual writers included here emerges a poignant and telling portrait of contemporary American life. In addition to Cynthia Ozick, Anthony Burgess, Shelby Steele, Joseph Brodsky, and Lewis Thomas, the collection includes a host of new voices, writing on such disparate topics as hair, cuteness, baseball, and psychiatry. One of the series ?s most valuable contributions to American culture is its recognition of new talent. This year ?s volume showcases the finest and most memorable essays of the year, from established writers and newcomers alike. - Dust jacket.