Creationists

Doctorow's voice is rich and deep and full of intelligence, inviting the reader to attend to what he says. It's a pleasure to hear him speak, and seem also to think his way through, this collection of 16 essays, gathered from his introductions, reviews, and public lectures. The writings themselves explore creativity, mostly literary--with selections on Mark Twain, Herman Melville, Edgar Allan Poe, Sinclair Lewis, and Ernest Hemingway. A few pieces discuss creative acts in other spheres, as well--Harpo Marx, Albert Einstein. These personal reflections are not anchored by tight, formal theses; rather, they create a context for making stimulating observations on their topics and are well presented in Doctorow's smart reading. G.H. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine