Book Review: "Miles Gone By"

William F. Buckley's "Miles Gone By: A Literary Autobiography" was both an entertaining read and an educational course on the so-called "Conservative Movement" in America. For those of you who think that the Conservatism of Ronald Reagan and George Bush is just a natural "reactionary" inclination of some to progressive thinking, then you are way off the mark. Buckley, in many ways, gave the intellectual backbone to the Conservative Movement that was, before the late 1950's, pretty much taboo to most political thinkers. As Buckley moves into the twilight of his life, we just may be seeing the passing of one of the most influential thinkers of our time. You see, Conservatism, as proposed by Buckley, was progressive. It went against everything (and every current) of political thinking of his time. It has now taken deep root in our society, but that hasn't always been the case.

Buckley is an excellent writer who has few peers. This fact alone makes this a delightful read. Most great men are excellent communicators. But when you mix great ideas with great communication, then you get brilliance. Columnist and Editor George Will (who is no lightweight in his own abilities) states, "Bill Buckley is the most consequential journalist and most skillful controversialists of our time." Whether it be in print, speech, or public debate, Buckley took discourse to a higher level--this confounded and shocked most liberals of his time. It wasn't just rhetorical ability that made him fascinating, it was the ideas that he proposed.

As the title of the book suggests, it is a literary autobiography. He paints you pictures and scenes of his life growing up and of the various delights and pleasures that he has experienced. From sailing to wine, to music to fictional writing, Buckley gives you a well-rounded dose of who he is and this style of writing allows him more freedom to express his passion and pleasure in ordinary things. Though some of the book was of little interest to me (i.e. his passions for sailing and music), other elements were very interesting (i.e. his friendships with men like Reagan and Kissinger). Since each section is kind of a snapshot into different areas and subjects, you might find yourself skipping around the book a bit (as I did). It doesn't take away from the book to do so (since it's not necessarily written in chronological order).

If Buckley had enemies because of his "arrogance", it is highly possible that such persons just couldn't handle his enormous gifts in wit and satire. He would consider it disrespectful not to give you that part of himself. He was an actor of sorts--he could act like he really believed in what you were saying, and at the same time, wrap a noose around the neck of your proposition, and slowly watch you die in it. Even in his present day columns (you can read them at National Review) you can't always tell what he actually believes--I've found myself thinking at times, "He surely doesn't believe that liberal line does he?!" This was actually his way of showing respect to even the dumbest of ideas. Arguing from the standpoint of your opponent can be a highly effective device in showing just how wrong the idea actually is. If you become confused by this technique then you have pleasured Buckley even more. He enjoys these kinds of games just as much as he enjoys straight debate.

That isn't to say that he always agrees or defends what most Conservatives would argue for. A case in point is the current war in Iraq. He has traditionally said, "Our military is only for fighting and winning wars, not nation building." George Bush actually campaigned on this tenet of Conservatism, but quickly abandoned it after 911. If history proves Bush wrong then that is fine with Buckley, but if it doesn't, then he will be okay with that too. Buckley is more concerned with ideas than he is with ego. As he has done before, he will simply admit error, revise and move on. Far from arrogance, he actually displays humility in such matters and shows that he isn't above opposing viewpoints. He is satisfied with simply having the right proposition (and the best wit to go along with it). Another sign of greatness, I presume.

Five Stars (out of Five)