预订 The Last Empire: Essays 1992-2000

Gore Vidal is no stranger to being critical of the American political scene, and his collection of essays in The Last Empire is no exception. He takes on topics such as the media, war, and American exceptionalism in a way that is thought-provoking and sharp. In his essay on 'The End of Liberty,' he lays out a compelling argument about the dangers of excessive surveillance in the name of security. Throughout the book, Vidal's voice is clear and confident, unafraid of challenging commonly accepted ideas. One particularly powerful essay is 'The Meaning of Timothy McVeigh.' In this piece, Vidal explores the motivations behind the Oklahoma City bombing and deconstructs the media's portrayal of McVeigh as a crazed lone wolf. Instead, Vidal argues that McVeigh was a product of the American military-industrial complex and a symptom of a larger problem in American society. Despite the serious subject matter, Vidal's wit and humor shine throughout the collection. In his essay 'A Christmas Story,' he recounts a hilarious encounter with President Clinton. And in 'Monotheism and Its Discontents,' he takes on the topic of religion with a dry and witty tone that keeps the reader engaged. Overall, The Last Empire is a must-read for anyone interested in modern American culture and politics. Vidal's unique perspective and sharp critique make this collection of essays both informative and entertaining.