Preamble Dancing with the Stars By Lewis H. Lapham The vanity of princes is an old story; so is the wish for kings and the gazing into the pool of Narcissus. More
Essay Gilgamesh to Gaga By John Tresch Fame machines have always found ways to conjure up and emanate glory, to magnify the power of kings and gods. More
Fame is no sanctuary from the passing of youth. Suicide is much easier and more acceptable in Hollywood than growing old gracefully. —Julie Burchill, 1986