The Buckley Embrace

Nearer, My God: An Autobiography of Faith, by William F. Buckley Jr. (Doubleday, 312 pp., $24.95)

IN THE 1930s, Monsignor Fulton J. Sheen, a radio personality (The Catholic Hour), was America’s best-known prelate. One day Sheen telephoned the apartment of Heywood Broun, the renowned journalist, combative wit, member of the Algonquin circle, and Socialist congressional candidate. “This is Fulton Sheen,” Broun heard the caller say. Broun, who had never met Sheen, asked, “What are you calling about?” Sheen’s answer: “Your immortal soul.” The fairy-tale ending: Sheen eventually receives Broun into the faith.

About the Author

John J. DiIulio Jr.

John J. DiIulio Jr. is a co-author of American Government: Institutions and Policies, now in its 18th edition.

Featured Tags

Manage following

William F. Buckley Jr.

Nearer, My God: An Autobiography of Faith, by William F. Buckley Jr. (Doubleday, 312 pp., $24.95)

IN THE 1930s, Monsignor Fulton J. Sheen, a radio personality (The Catholic Hour), was America’s best-known prelate. One day Sheen telephoned the apartment of Heywood Broun, the renowned journalist, combative wit, member of the Algonquin circle, and Socialist congressional candidate. “This is Fulton Sheen,” Broun heard the caller say. Broun, who had never met Sheen, asked, “What are you calling about?” Sheen’s answer: “Your immortal soul.” The fairy-tale ending: Sheen eventually receives Broun into the faith.