The Old Man Goes to Sea
William F. Buckley was noted for his slice and dice wit during years of hosting "Firing Line" and thousands of essays in National Review and other journals, but "Racing through Paradise" gives us another view of Buckley. All of his shipboard guests keep journals the master can review, and, one suspects, grade from time to time. The moments at sea where they talk, eat and sail are shared, giving us insight into a very private club. Add an amusing stop at a government installation where they were not supposed to stop and you have even more. They were dirty, running out of food and irritated by the official, who wanted them to go away and do it quickly. Finally, there are the private musings of a man looking at the end of things, reflecting on not having the will nor the inclination to cross another ocean. What more needs to be said? It is an easy read and should be in everyone's personal library.
