The American Spectator

p> TRAVIS TREAT br> Re: Lawrence Henry’s Travis McGee Says a Long Goodbye : /p>

Many thanks for Mr. Henry’s thesis on the last of the Travis McGee books by the incomparable John D. MacDonald. Discovering and reading these tales has been one of the consolations of middle age for me. Fans should also become familiar with Robert E. McGinnis cover art for the original paperbacks, which are as evocative of the “sexy Sixties” as they are of the titles.

I have one bone to pick with Mr. Henry’s analysis, though — I find I re-read The Lonely Silver Rain fairly frequently, as one of the best books in the series. Not because I’m a guurl and swoon on the daughter reunion, but because the perspective on human violence is raw, the image of the allegedly respectable “community business leaders” suddenly reaping the whirlwind in a drug war is Sophoclean in its intensity, and some of the most remarkable prose of McDonald’s career is displayed. Offhand, I happen to like:

“Cap’n Davenport,” he said.

“Wes, this is McGee. Travis McGee.”

“You kilt someone again, pardner?”

“I’ve managed to hold back.”

“Builds character.”

p>Nuts. Now I may have to start a re-read from the top… br> —