Obligations of the Harp. Arthur Saltzman

There is never a dull phrase in Arthur Saltzman's OBLIGATIO01 General/trade OF THE HARP, his fourth book of essays. The writing in these twenty-five pieces is by turns wry and satirical, sensually descriptive, playfully punning-but always nuanced and illuminating. Reference points range from Kobe Bryant to John Updike, from geology to Jewish ritual.