American Impresario

William F. Buckley, Jr., and the Elements of American Character

Lawrence Perelman, an eighteen-year-old aspiring pianist and son of Soviet Jewish immigrants, wrote a letter to William F. Buckley, Jr., the conservative icon, in 1994. A remarkable cross-generational friendship was sparked by Buckley's response. During their friendship Perelman would go on to learn of the timeless elements of Buckley's character and the central role of classical music in Buckley's American vision.

In 2025, the 100th anniversary of Buckley's birth, this book delves into some of Buckley's virtues which Perelman witnessed firsthand and argues that those virtues can transform the fabric of America's character. Their friendship spanned from 1995 to February 27, 2008, the day Buckley passed away in his Connecticut home while Perelman practiced piano in a nearby room for a private recital that evening for Buckley and friends that would never happen.

American Impresario is a portrait of Buckley, the impresario of the conservative movement, man of faith, Cold Warrior, bulwark against Anti-Semitism, Renaissance man, musician, and mentor to countless people. This book will inspire listeners to emulate Buckley's virtues, including a return to civil discourse, anonymous philanthropy, faith, patriotism and fostering relationships between mentor and protégé, as part of a goal to reweave the fabric of our nation's character.

©2025 Lawrence Perelman (P)2025 Tantor Media

Inspiration to live a better life.

I found this book very interesting as it relates to the subject William f Buckley Jr. I did not realize all that he had accomplished in his lifetime and all that he stood for. kudos to the author for recognizing this giant of the modern Age.

Important tribute

I was born in 1958 and read a couple of Mr. Buckley’s books. Christopher Buckley had a good book about his parents last years. This was such a great tribute to a part of his life that was outside of sailing and skiing. I hope the author will finally have a big enough place to put that beautiful Buckley piano.
Mr. Buckley’s book describing a ski trip to Alta with his son Christopher is the most impressive description of the addition of “fat boy“ skis to help with skiing powder