Overview

The Best American Magazine Writing 2008 is an essential guide to the year's most entertaining, politically charged, and sophisticated essays. With pieces first published in The Nation, National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker, among other leading publications, this anthology illuminates the most compelling issues of the past year and points to the topics that will concern us in the next. Chosen from among the winners and finalists of the 2008 National Magazine Awards, these articles span an eclectic range, from a chilling account of the CIA's secret interrogation program to a humorous look at the absurdities of modern medicine, from a scathing critique of America's activities in Iraq to an acid takedown of snark culture. The anthology also includes Matthew Scully's fascinating peek inside the making of the George W. Bush presidency; Walter Kirn's surprising report on the mental effects of multitasking; Steve Oney's investigation into the unforeseen casualties of the Iraq War; Christopher Hitchens's frank assessment of the relationship between illicit sex and politics; Matt Taibbi's award-winning profile of Barack Obama; Peter Hessler's tour of China's instant cities; Caitlin Flanagan's flirtation with the online escapades of minors; Kurt Andersen's meditation on American greed; and Evan Wright's absorbing account of Hollywood's oddest comeback. From one girl's escape from Burundi to an exposé of American coal mining, The Best American Magazine Writing 2008 showcases the unparalleled work of our greatest writers and critics.

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9780231147149

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Reviews

If this anthology were a magazine, everybody would want to subscribe. -- Publishers Weekly Another exemplary collection of the finest magazine writing in the United States... A brilliant compilation. -- Kirkus Diverse, brainy, and provocative. -- The Sacramento Bee As always, this collection offers readers the opportunity to catch up on the best magazine writing they may have missed. -- Booklist Balanced, comprehensive, thought-provoking, involving, and well-crafted. -- Library Journal This volume stands with the best... the compulsive readability of a good novel, but the immediacy and moral power of good journalism. -- Irish Times Consistent excellence distinguishes this annual series... Significance and relevance delivered by way of superlative prose and keen journalistic investigation. -- Kirkus Reviews A rich showcase. -- The Sydney Morning Herald One exceptional read after another... this collection redeems the honor of print and its conscientious attention to accountability, depth and excellence. -- Carl Sessions Stepp, American Jorunalism Review Absolutely crammed with jaw-dropping features that will make you laugh, piss you off and push you to tears. A fantastic compilation. -- The Sun-Herald

If this anthology were a magazine, everybody would want to subscribe. -- Publishers Weekly Another exemplary collection of the finest magazine writing in the United States... A brilliant compilation. -- Kirkus Diverse, brainy, and provocative. -- The Sacramento Bee As always, this collection offers readers the opportunity to catch up on the best magazine writing they may have missed. -- Booklist This volume stands with the best... the compulsive readability of a good novel, but the immediacy and moral power of good journalism. -- Irish Times

""If this anthology were a magazine, everybody would want to subscribe. "" -- Publishers Weekly ""Another exemplary collection of the finest magazine writing in the United States... A brilliant compilation."" -- Kirkus ""Diverse, brainy, and provocative."" -- The Sacramento Bee ""As always, this collection offers readers the opportunity to catch up on the best magazine writing they may have missed."" -- Booklist ""This volume stands with the best... the compulsive readability of a good novel, but the immediacy and moral power of good journalism."" -- Irish Times

Author Information

The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) is a nonprofit professional organization for editors of print and online magazines edited, published, and distributed in the United States. Established in 1963, ASME currently has around 900 members nationwide and, in association with the Columbia School of Journalism, sponsors the National Magazine Awards. Jacob Weisberg is editor in chief of the Slate Group. He has written for the New Republic, Newsweek, New York magazine, and Vanity Fair, and is the author of several books, including, most recently, The Bush Tragedy.

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