This lyrical examination of learning various skills and the ways in which expertise can manifest is recommended for collections where compilations of essays are popular.
As Gopnik writes, "art traps time," and with humor, affection, and the careful eye of a trained art historian, he offers an enjoyable and engaging story of New York at a very specific moment in history.
Despite Gopnik's allusive, witty prose, his supercilious and moralistic discussion will leave readers with a bad taste in the mouth. Down-to-earth foodies might prefer Jason Epstein's Eating. [Eight-city tour.]