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Discusses two magazine articles published in 1963 and 1987 in "Esquire" magazine, which examine the major centers of literary power. No poets or real critics in 1987; Too much hype involved; Young writers as products of useless post-graduate programs; No real experience or growth.

Human growth and development is a process of trying to understand oneself. Through his recollection of the memories and reminiscences of his elders, the author explores the need of individuals to establish identity through their stories. This need is often the cause of exaggeration and falsification in the tales that older people tell to the young. Memories of his father who was a compulsive talker; Obsession with truth-telling imperatives of language; Memories of his father.