As its title suggests, But Seriously . . . offers readers a superb
sampling of Steve Allen's articles, personal correspondence, speeches,
book excerpts, and forewords written to introduce the work of important
writers.
Whether Allen is serving up some tongue-in-cheek advice on "How to
Attack a Liberal" in which he identifies himself as the liberal and then
advises conservatives on how best to confront his beliefs ethically, or
is offering his views on Chinese nuclear capability, his razor-sharp
insights always cut to the core of the issue. This cornucopia of
well-reasoned discussion is filled with good humor, irony, and a deep
concern for the human condition. Whether he's offering "Concluding
Remarks at the National Catholic Conference for Interracial Justice," an
excerpt from The Courage of Conviction, or expressing his views on
Native Americans, labor relations, the lessons to be learned from
Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, or presenting an open letter to
Frank Sinatra, Allen's devotion to common sense and serious social
involvement carves a path for others to follow.