Table of Contents

COVER: Virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz returns in triumph to his homeland 56 "I had to go back to Russia before I died," explains the 81-year-old pianist, and in a spellbinding performance shown on TV in the West, he infuses his playing with a fire and precision not heard in years. It is a journey that stirs memories even as it writes a coda to his extraordinary life. The visit helps begin a dazzling set of cultural exchanges. See MUSIC.

NATION: Are America's supercarriers the weapon of the future or a throwback? 14 In a time of random violence and global tension, the U.S. projects power overseas with a fleet of formidable but vulnerable flattops. Reagan scraps two submarines to comply with SALT II, while a new mobile missile is studied. The furor intensifies over Michael Deaver's influence peddling. Nevada Senator and Reagan Pal Paul Laxalt cautiously eyes the presidency.

WORLD: Western Europe begins to close ranks against Libya's Gaddafi 28 Increasingly determined to act against terrorism, West European countries start kicking out Libyan diplomats and students. Kurt Waldheim's wartime record dogs him into the closing days of the Austrian presidential campaign. South Africa rescinds pass laws for blacks. The Duchess of Windsor, the American who won a British King's love and cost him his throne, dies at 89.

45 Law Defining the Comptroller General's role is a narrow task with wide importance as the Supreme Court considers Gramm-Rudman.

46 Economy & Business The portents are good for the Tokyo summit. The Baby Bells are diversifying fast. Israeli bankers under fire.

68 Education A Government study on literacy comes up with a chilling finding: 13% of all adults in the U.S. are unable to read.

73 Books Jimmy Breslin works the New York City streets for Table Money. The Book of Abraham follows a family for 80 generations.

78 Video Limousines and costly mini-series are out, and staff cutbacks are in, as ABC's new owners embark on a belt-tightening campaign.

81 Theater Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy excel as an old married couple in The Petition. Vienna: Lusthaus is a lyrical, abstract dream.

82 Art An exhibit at the National Gallery shows why Winslow Homer's watercolors have become enduring symbols of American innocence.

84 Sport The best righthander of one time and the bravest pitcher of another are found on the same high mound in Kansas City.

9 Letters 12 American Scene 71 People 72 Milestones 77 Press

COVER: Portrait by R.B. Kitaj