Will, George F.

This is a timely and important book by one of the foremost contemporary conservative thinkers and writers. Recommended for most collections.

As Kennan notes, his diary tends toward the "personally plaintive." John Lewis Gaddis's authorized George F. Kennan, or Kennan's own rich memoirs will be better entrées for readers new to the writer. Scholars and others familiar with Kennan, however, will relish these reflections and all will respect the light editing by Costigliola, who allows Kennan to speak for himself. [See Prepub Alert, 8/19/13.]

This is for all North Siders, naturally, but also for baseball fans who like to wax more literary. Though it certainly satisfies on its own (particularly if you know the Cubs' history), it resonates most effectively as a companion piece to the other Wrigley anniversary books reviewed here. [See Prepub Alert, 10/15/13.]