A recent issue of TV Guide introduced 34 new fall shows, so I guess I ought to prospect that many new books here, although nothing I’ll report matches the impact of learning that The Cosby Show family will now include a 17-year-old second cousin from “a lower socio-economic background.” Still, there are a few literary achievements forthcoming—and not a few belletristic pratfalls.
This issue of NR reviews a number of fine books; none, however, promises to be one of the Big Two. Come December 26, a couple of books will have earned the Big distinction; probably one commercial novel and one “important” nonfiction book. I’m no better than a .300 guesser, but here goes: Among novels, Colleen (The Thorn Birds) McCullough’s The First Man in Rome overwhelms Jean M. (Clan of the Cave Bear) Auel’s The Plains of Passage for the heavyweight championship (896 pages versus a mere 640—no contest). Neither lady is a Taylor Caldwell.
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