There is never a dull phrase in Arthur Saltzman's OBLIGATIO01 General/trade OF THE HARP, his fourth book of essays. The writing in these twenty-five pieces is by turns wry and satirical, sensually descriptive, playfully punning-but always nuanced and illuminating. Reference points range from Kobe Bryant to John Updike, from geology to Jewish ritual.

In addition to THE OBLIGATIO01 General/trade OF THE HARP, Arthur Saltzman's previous books include the collections of essays SOLVE FOR X (2007, University of South Carolina Press), NEARER (2006, Parlor Press) and OBJECTS AND EMPATHY (2001, winner of the First Series Creative Nonfiction Award), and six critical studies of literature and writers. Recognitions for his writing include the 2005 Columbia Nonfiction Award, the 2003 Victor J. Emmett Memorial Essay Award (from MIDWEST QUARTERLY), the 2002 NEBRASKA REVIEW Creative Nonfiction Award, and the inaugural Ames Memorial Essay Award (from LITERAL LATTE). He was a Professor of English at Missouri Southern State University at the time of his death in 2008.