Outside Looking In: Adventures of an Observer [Kindle Edition]

Garry Wills (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. This is an episodic but completely captivating collection by the prolific journalist, historian, political columnist, and practicing Catholic Wills (Lincoln at Gettysburg). Now 76, he writes an intensely opinionated re-evaluation of leaders he has encountered (surprisingly favorable for some, such as Nixon, whom he called "an intellectually serious and prepared candidate"), autobiographical reminiscences, and insightful, mostly admiring essays on important people in his life, including Studs Terkel (shrewd about politicians, generous to his friends); Beverly Sills and her popular mother, known as Mama Sills; his father (fearless, resilient, fun); and his loving tribute to his wife of 50 years. As for William Buckley, Wills began writing for his conservative National Review in 1957, but his 1960s support of civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War produced a rupture. He describes how, with Buckley's sister Priscilla as intermediary, Wills and Buckley touchingly resumed their friendship before the latter's death in 2008. The book does not recycle old articles. although it includes outtakes, unprintable at the time, such as material about Nixon's marital troubles, omitted from an Esquire article during the 1968 presidential campaign
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From Booklist

For partisans of the Left and the Right, Wills, a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and journalist (and currently professor emeritus of history at Northwestern University), has always been an elusive, even frustrating, figure, and this thoroughly enjoyable and informative memoir shows why. In his public career and personal relationships, he has consistently refused to be held hostage by political ideologies or even “sacred” causes. Predictably, he has often been accused of betrayal by those who assumed he was one of them. But his insistence on remaining an outsider has allowed him to maintain contacts and friendships across the ideological spectrum. Wills writes frankly and often emotionally about deeply personal issues, including his devotion to his wife, his troubled relationship with his father, and his strong Catholic faith. The most absorbing portions of this book are his descriptions and impressions of presidents and other important political figures he has dealt with over five decades. Throughout, his independent streak stays strong. He expresses admiration for Jimmy Carter, Jesse Jackson, and Barry Goldwater; sympathy for Richard Nixon; and sincere affection for his longtime friend, Bill Buckley. --Jay Freeman

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 275 KB
• Publisher: Penguin (October 14, 2010)
• Sold by: Penguin Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0043EV58K
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #269,946 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

More About the Author

Garry Wills is one of the most respected writers on religion today. He is the author of Saint Augustine's Childhood, Saint Augustine's Memory, and Saint Augustine's Sin, the first three volumes in this series, as well as the Penguin Lives biography Saint Augustine. His other books include "Negro President": Jefferson and the Slave Power, Why I Am a Catholic, Papal Sin, and Lincoln at Gettysburg, which won the Pulitzer Prize.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brief but enjoyable highlight reel of Wills' life, December 16, 2010

By 

J. Davis (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Outside Looking In: Adventures of an Observer (Hardcover)

This isn't quite what I expected, but it's a good read. This book details a series of recollections of his most valued experiences. He talks of meeting his wife, his complex relationship with Bill Buckley and other National Review colleagues, investigating Nixon, bonding with Hillary Clinton, Studs Terkel, and Thomas D'Allesandro (Nancy Pelosi's brother for those who haven't heard of him, and many other fascinating individuals.It wasn't really long and I'm not sure I would buy it at the hardcover price, but if you have followed Garry Wills' career you'll want to read Outside Looking In.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First nonfiction book I've really enjoyed in years, February 1, 2011

By 

sleepyreader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Outside Looking In: Adventures of an Observer (Hardcover)

Normally, nonfiction will not keep you at the edge of your seat. However, this book grabbed on to me, and did not let go. I could not wait to read more about his escapades or the people he writes about. He communicates his life without hubris, yet, he has lived a marvelous, unassuming and well-intended life. And many of his friends are people I would love to have met once. And more importantly, his stories will make you smile.

Thank you to Gary Wills for writing this. By the way, you don't have to know anything about him or the people he writes about to enjoy the book. He is a brilliant writer who weaves entertaining stories to read.

Overall, this book is well written, easy to read, and flows.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Time, November 22, 2010

By 

Edward J. Johnson (Aliquippa, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Outside Looking In: Adventures of an Observer (Kindle Edition)

This book is not really a memoir. It's more a series of vignettes containing Wills's recollections of various times and people who have been important in his life. He's unsparing in his portrait of his father, without being unkind, and his admiration for Studs Terkel oozes off the page. I found it curious that he describes himself as a conservative in these pages; I suppose that's an indication of how far into yahoo-land the people who describe themselves a conservatives today have gone.

The book is full of Wills's clean, erudite prose, and its 184 pages slipped by all too quickly. The book ends with a valentine to his wife, Natalie. It's beautifully written. I hope that when I've been married to my wife for fifty years, I can muster something that comes close to what Wills has written here.