Universally acclaimed when it was first published in 1968,Slouching Towards Bethlehemhas become a modern classic. More than any other book of its time, this collection captures the mood of 1960s America, especially the center of its counterculture, California. These essays, keynoted by an extraordinary report on San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, all reflect that, in one way or another, things are falling apart, "the center cannot hold." An incisive look at contemporary American life,Slouching Towards Bethlehemhas been admired for several decades as a stylistic masterpiece. Contents: I. LIFE STYLES IN THE GOLDEN LAND Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream John Wayne: A Love Song Where the Kissing Never Stops Comrade Laski, C.P.U.S.A. (M.-L.) 7000 Romaine, Los Angeles 38 California Dreaming Marrying Absurd Slouching Towards Bethlehem II. PERSONALS On Keeping a Notebook On Self-Respect I Can't Get That Monster out of My Mind On Morality On Going Home III. SEVEN PLACES OF THE MIND Notes from a Native Daughter Letter from Paradise, 21 19' N., 157 52' W Rock of Ages The Seacoast of Despair Guaymas, Sonora Los Angeles Notebook Goodbye to All That