Passionate observers across the political/intellectual spectrum confront the downward spiral of American life, art, and thought. With vigor, wit, learning, common sense, and urgency, twenty-three essayist―including John Simon, Cynthia Ozick, Phillip Lopate, George F. Kennan, Sven Birkerts, Joseph Epstein, and Brad Leithauser―examine aspects of our pan-cultural "dumbing down" and offer both diagnoses of and possible cures for this wasting disease. "A collection of savagely witty essays by a hardy band of cultural commentators who believe things are bad, really bad out there, and are not at all reluctant to say so." ― Florence King, National Review "What distinguishes this collection is its breadth, its liveliness. This valuable book provides much ammunition for . . . unrepentant elitists." ― Lisa Zeidner, Philadelphia Inquirer "Provides the best picture we have of the declining and embarrassing condition of discourse in America." ― Neil Postman "A terrific book. It is unsettling, arresting, and compelling, and its publication is a public service." ― William J. Bennett John Thornton was a book editor for many years and now works as a literary agent. He lives in New York. Katharine Washburn is an editor and translator. She lives in New York.