Writing in Praise of Stuart Mitchner’s Weekly Book Review in Town Topics
To the Editor:
I write in the hope that everyone in Princeton knows what a gem we have in Stuart Mitchner’s perfectly shaped, weekly article on books in the Town Topics. His annual structure based on the birthdays of authors, mostly corresponding to current publications, allows his broad talents in description, analysis, comparison, and evaluation to operate on the highest level.
At the same time, his writing style, so personal and friendly, invites the reader to join him in his unending recollections and new experiences. He keeps us informed about what’s going on in Princeton literary circles, and takes us with him on his new informational sojourns.
Sometimes I wish I knew his wife’s name, but that doesn’t stop me from often cutting out his articles for second or more readings. I’m still digesting his discovery of poetry in The Sopranos and Mad Men.
In this time of political chaos, Mitchner’s column is particularly salutary.