Memoirs

Roger Kahn has compiled a list of five extraordinary memoirs.

Some I'd add:

Chronicles of Wasted Time by Malcolm Muggeridge. The acerbic and witty British journalist recalls experiences in Stalin's Russia, Hitler's Germany, and other "exotic" locations as well as with the London intellectual circles. The two volumes are packed with memorable observations: Revolutions, like wars, upset things far less than might be superficially supposed. As the very word 'revolution' implies, they have a way of ending up where they began.

On the Border with Crook by John G. Bourke. Captain John G. Bourke, who served on the staff of General George Crook in the Arizona Indian campaigns, has written a colorful account of how Crook, an admirable leader, was able to subdue Geronimo. The scenes of old Tucson and Prescott are better than any western. A description of Tucson: This filthy condition of the streets gave rise to a weird system of topographical designation. "You want to find the Governor's? Wa'al, podner, just keep right down this yere street past the Palace s'loon, till yer gets ter the second manure-pile on yer right; then keep to yer left past the post-office, 'n' yer'll see a dead burro in th' middle of th' road, 'n' a mesquite tree 'n yer lef', near a Mexican "tendajon" (small store), 'n jes beyond that, 's the Gov.'s outfit. Can't miss it. Look out fur th' dawg down ter Munoz's corral; he's a salivated son ov a gun.