In So Many Words

Since 1975, Robert Schmuhl's writing and teaching have focused on American political culture and contemporary communication, particularly the news media. ""In So Many Words"" brings together nearly forty of Schmuhl's essays, which have appeared in the ""Washington Post"", ""Philadelphia Inquirer"", ""Chicago Tribune"", ""Boston Globe"", ""American Journalism Review"", and ""Notre Dame Magazine"", among others. From investigating contemporary political life, to assessing the current state of journalism, to ruminating on today's republic of letters, this volume demonstrates one writer's probing - and catholic - curiosity. Arranged thematically, and divided into three sections - Matters Political and Journalistic, Matters Literary, and Matters Personal - ""In So Many Words"" invites readers to ponder a wide range of issues, such as the debate over preemptive war, the compositional idiosyncrasies of wordsmiths, and the vagaries of media punditry. Variety in subjects considered and approaches pursued is a hallmark of this collection. The phrase ""in so many words"" carries two meanings: precision or exactitude in language and candor or plain speaking. This is a book that lives up to its title by presenting arguments and dramatizing adventures in no uncertain terms. Whether stimulating thought, generating controversy, or evoking laughter, the consistently high quality of Schmuhl's writing throughout ""In So Many Words"" offers both elucidation and enjoyment.