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"A superb Updike novel of passion and politics." - New York Times Book Review
History professor Alfred Clayton is asked to write his impressions of the 1974-77 period when Gerald R. Ford was president of the United States of America. However, he does not recall the political events of that time, but rather the sexually turbulent events of his own past. In addition to detailing her sex life, she also publishes excerpts from her work at that time, the subject of which was James Buchanan, who served as president of the USA between 1857-61. These two threads of Updike's novel contrast and mirror each other - in one narrative, the milieu and erotic etiquette of pre-Revolutionary Washington come to life, and in the other, New Hampshire at the end of the twentieth century. Alfred's style is reminiscent of Nabokov, but his obsessions represent unadulterated Updike characteristics.
"Updike at its best...comic and melancholic ruminations on politics and passion." - New York Times Book Review
"Updike brings to life with excellent flair periods that keep his readers excited. He captures the essential differences between our lives then and now." - Chicago Tribune
"Impressive... Alfred's life is light and amusing, while Buchanan's is dark and serious. Updike alternates the two strands, the two tones with a masterful sense - he entertains while conveying knowledge, and he does it all in inimitably beautiful prose." - Wall Street Journal
