Meaning: This quote by Thomas D'Evelyn provides a vivid description of Russell Baker's writing style, likening it to the way a poet writes light verse. It emphasizes the lighthearted, humorous, and skillful nature of Baker's columns. To understand the significance of this quote, it's important to delve into the backgrounds of both Russell Baker and Thomas D'Evelyn, as well as the characteristics of light verse and how it relates to Baker's writing.

Russell Baker was an American journalist, humorist, and author known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiography "Growing Up" and his long-running column in The New York Times, which showcased his wit, insightful commentary, and engaging storytelling. Throughout his career, Baker's writing style was characterized by its humor, irony, and keen observations of everyday life and human nature. His ability to blend humor with astute social commentary made his columns immensely popular with a wide audience.

Thomas D'Evelyn, a noted literary critic and scholar, provided the quote in question. As a former editor and book reviewer for various publications, including The Christian Science Monitor, D'Evelyn's expertise in literature and his keen eye for literary craftsmanship make his comparison of Baker's columns to light verse particularly insightful.

Light verse is a form of poetry that is meant to amuse and entertain, often characterized by its whimsical and playful nature. It typically features rhyme, meter, and wordplay, and can cover a wide range of subjects from the mundane to the absurd. Light verse is not intended to be heavy or serious, but rather to elicit smiles and laughter from its readers.

By likening Russell Baker's columns to the way a poet writes light verse, D'Evelyn captures the essence of Baker's writing style. He suggests that Baker's columns possess a similar lightheartedness, wit, and skillful use of language as seen in light verse. Furthermore, the phrase "with tongue in cheek and a steady hand" conveys the idea that Baker's humorous approach is accompanied by a deft and controlled writing technique, indicating a balance of wit and craftsmanship in his work.

This comparison sheds light on the appeal of Baker's columns, highlighting their ability to entertain and engage readers while maintaining a level of literary skill and precision. It also underscores the artistry inherent in Baker's writing, as he deftly navigates between humor and insight, much like a poet crafting light verse.

In conclusion, Thomas D'Evelyn's quote aptly captures the essence of Russell Baker's writing style, portraying it as a blend of humor, skill, and lightheartedness akin to the art of crafting light verse. Through this comparison, D'Evelyn provides a lens through which to appreciate the wit and literary craftsmanship of Baker's columns, shedding light on the enduring appeal of his work to audiences of all kinds.