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The young world of aviation came away thinking that L.A. — with its basin of wide, flat places and equable weather — was indeed the place for aviation’s future.

He was simply bowled over by the beauty and the energy of the place, the broad-mindedness, the equable weather, the dramatic geography.

Though he grows somber when he discusses current events, Browne also seems to have softened with age — exuding less of an obstinate attitude than an equable one.

It’s here, in the narration, that the novel finds itself — in the equable plainness of its language, a plainness that is nevertheless impressionistic and light-filled.

The chief justice declared of Austen: “Her flights are not lofty, she does not soar on eagles’ wings, but she is pleasing, interesting, equable, and yet amusing.