"See, I Told You So," by Rush Limbaugh (Pocket Books, 364 pp.; $24, hardcover); "Rush Limbaugh and the Bible", by Daniel J. Evearitt (Horizon Books, 190 pp.; $15.99, hardcover). Reviewed by Mark Horne, coauthor of "Legislating Immorality: The Homosexual Movement Comes Out of the Closet" (Moody).

Think what you will of Rush Limbaugh, he is impossible to ignore. He has captured millions of devoted fans with his highly rated radio and television talk shows, a newsletter, and two best-selling books. His success is an undeniable fact to people of any ideology.

While some imagine that Limbaugh's success is wrapped up in his "right-of-center" politics, his popularity probably has more to do with his sense of humor and engaging personality. For this reason those who wish to understand his success would be advised to listen to the audiotape version of "See, I Told You So." Even then, some of his funniest material will be missing. There is nothing like hearing what sounds like John Lennon singing "Imagine there's no liberals," or the voice of Bill Clinton during Christmas rhapsodizing "God rest ye merry businessmen 'cause you'll be broke in May." In print, Limbaugh loses something.

Worse, Limbaugh's legendary ego, which once seemed like a brilliant way to respond to liberal arrogance, has now reached repulsive levels. Even if Limbaugh had the wisdom and virtue of all twelve apostles, he would still bluster far beyond what is merited. His vice will cost him. He could win an even larger audience if he did not seem so convinced of his own hype.

Nevertheless, those evangelicals whose political feelings allow them to be enthralled by gladiatorial combat with the Left will probably find "See, I Told You So" a fun and informative read. Of course, ...