This is such a remarcable piece of writing. I'm sure among americans this is already somewhat of a classic but if you haven't read yet it do yourself a favor and take half an hour to read it.
If you look up the author, one of the first things a you will read is that this was judged to be the finest example of 20th century American journalism by a large group at New York university.
It also arguably made The New Yorker magazine. It’s identity is still strongly influenced by this piece. Each article they have published since has had to “follow” this one.
Prior to WWII, its tone was more playful and humorous. The somewhat-detached, illustrative and poetic exposition originated in the war period, and resonates today.
