Some time in the spring of 1989—the season when publishers’ jobbers come around to university English departments to peddle texts—leafing through my current issue of The New Yorker, I came upon a three-inch ad with its whimsical line drawing.  “Do you teach?” the ad queried, “If so, please read on…. The New Yorker has an Education Program designed for high school and college use.  For information about bulk subscription rates and for materials to help you teach with The New Yorker, please call Elaine Berman at….”  I jotted down the 800 telephone number given for further information and for requesting a packet of helps.  Later the same day I called and made my request, and at the same time I resolved that The New Yorker would serve as my text in the writing classes I taught at Utah State University.  I required no convincing