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Prolific poet, essayist, and humorist Levenson has selected from each of his previous books published by Xlibris, adding to that amalgamation here. The result is remarkable for its range from pathos and life's ponderous events to irony, puns, and occasional near-slapstick comedy. He boldly asserts that laughter can be found even within Hebrew scripture (the Tanakh), characterizing the Book of Esther, surprisingly, as "the funniest book in the Bible." A lengthy, fair-minded critique of "A Poem for Grieving Friends and Loved Ones," composed by his son Judah, shows that there is always room for wider perspectives within a close-knit family. His brother Rob, daughter Aliza, and wife, Reva, are among the other family contributors, offering poems, reviews, memories, and general commentary. Levenson notes that the 2020 COVID restrictions have brought him closer to Reva, allowing them more time together.
A scholar of Judaism, Hebrew, and Latin, among other interests, Levenson, acting here as the editor of his work, utilizes lofty scholarship for pleasant purposes. In one story offered mainly for humor, he closely dissects a Spanish phrase for its unusual, possibly sexual connotations depending on precise spelling and pronunciation. For reader's ease, Levenson has made acronyms for each of the previous works. For example, his book Edward's Humor and More becomes EHAM for faster reference. One recurrent and touching theme is the collector's love for his wife. However, humor often emerges even between them, as when he mishears her (or claims to). He gleefully describes what many spouses will recognize as "The Look," applied at significant moments—a mixture, he says, of helpfulness, condescension, and pity. A brilliant wordsmith, Levenson will delight those who, like him, enjoy mining the subtleties of language for their precise meaning and inherent possibilities for smiles, tears, and revelation.