20th-century american essayists

John Updike

American novelist, poet, short-story writer, art critic, and literary critic

Gore Vidal

American writer and public intellectual known for his epigrammatic wit, erudition, and patrician manner

James Thurber

American cartoonist, author, humorist, journalist, playwright, and celebrated wit

Lewis Thomas

American physician, poet, etymologist, essayist, administrator, educator, policy advisor, and researcher