This book "not only conjoins two seemingly divergent authors but also takes on the larger picture of libertarian trends and ideologies. These timely topics further intermingle with Bell-Villada's own conflicted relationship - personal, cultural, satirical, literary - to the ""odd pair"" and their ways of thinking. The inclusion of Louis Begley's essay adds yet another dimension to this unique, wide-ranging meditation on art and politics, history and memory. ..." --P. [4] of cover.