Notes & Asides

Dear Mr. Buckley:

“Two and two continue to make four, in spite of the whine of the amateur for three, or the cry of the critic for five.” So, in the nineteenth century (and in quite another context), spoke Whistler. So today, in measured tone, with precision of language and of grammar, considerable wit, and courage speaks national review— and is therefore yclept “conservative” by those who yearn for three or strive for five.