Matters of Passion, Pastimes, and Politics [Deckled Edge]

From America's preeminent columnist, named by the Financial Times as the most influential commentator in the nation, comes a must-have collection of Charles Krauthammer's essential, timeless writings. Krauthammer, a brilliant stylist known for an uncompromising honesty that challenged conventional wisdom at every turn, dazzled readers for decades with his keen insight into politics and government. His weekly column was a must-read in Washington and across the country.

Readers will find in this collection not only the country's leading conservative thinker offering a passionate defense of limited government, but also a highly independent mind whose views—on feminism, evolution, and the death penalty, for example—defy ideological convention. Things That Matter also features several of Krauthammer's major path-breaking essays on bioethics, Jewish destiny, and America's role as the world's superpower, which have profoundly influenced the nation's thoughts and policies.

The collection also presents a trove of always penetrating, often bemused reflections on everything from border collies to Halley's Comet, from Woody Allen to Winston Churchill, from the punishing pleasures of speed chess to the elegance of the perfectly thrown outfield assist.

With a special, highly autobiographical introduction in which Krauthammer reflects on the events that shaped his career and political philosophy, this indispensable chronicle takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the fashions and follies, the tragedies and triumphs, of the last three decades of American life.

Don't miss the best of Krauthammer's intelligence, erudition, and wit collected in one volume. This collection offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in American political discourse, a writer whose views, though often controversial, have always been thoughtful, well-reasoned, and articulated with remarkable clarity and style.

Krauthammer's insights and reflections, drawn from his decades-long career as a leading public intellectual, provide a valuable and thought-provoking perspective on the key issues and events that have shaped the national dialogue. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his positions, Krauthammer's ability to challenge assumptions and offer fresh, rigorous analysis is undeniable.

In an era of increasing political polarization and the rise of ideological echo chambers, this collection serves as a refreshing antidote, inviting readers to engage with a writer who relentlessly sought to transcend partisan divides and engage with the full complexity of the issues facing the nation. Krauthammer's intellectual honesty and commitment to civil, substantive discourse are qualities sorely needed in our current climate.

Ultimately, Things That Matter stands as a testament to the power of the written word to illuminate, provoke, and inspire. Krauthammer's diverse body of work, encompassing politics, culture, science, and philosophy, showcases the breadth and depth of his intellect and the enduring relevance of his ideas. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the currents shaping American public life in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

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