["Who's on First," the] third of William F. Buckley Jr.'s espionage novels featuring Blackford Oakes, is set, like the two previous books, in the recent past, the period just before Sputnik. That gives the author the advantage of second sight. It also gives him a chance to indulge in some imaginary dialogue between famous figures….

As in all good espionage novels, there is thrust and counter-thrust. The Americans come up with an ingenious kidnap idea. The Russians, at first taken in, counter with a thrust of their own. So it goes. Toward the end there is a confrontation on the high seas…. (p. 7)

"Who's on First" has its share of barbed comment, mostly in the political area. Mr. Buckley is primarily a man of politics, an observer with a keen wit and a cold eye. Elsewhere, the writing is less convincing. Blackie—that's what he lets his...