I was supposed to interview the author of a new book on Rush Limbaugh. But he backed out, without explanation.

Zev Chafets, whose past writings on Limbaugh have been seen as, well, glowing at best, has a new book: “Rush Limbaugh: An Army of One” (Sentinel 2010).

About two weeks ago, Chafets' publicist sent me an e-mail offering his time for an interview about the book and saying he could even meet in person if needed.

“Though this isn't an authorized biography, Limbaugh gave Chafets extensive interviews and access to his inner circle, including Limbaugh's family and close friends,” the e-mail claimed. “The result is a uniquely personal look at what Limbaugh is really like when the microphone is turned off. Chafets also makes a compelling case for why Limbaugh is the most important and influential conservative in America.”

The most important and influential conservative in America? I had to hear this argument.

We set the interview for 2 p.m. last Thursday by phone.

I should have known early on that it would be a problem.

First, they did not want the interview published until the date the book was to come out, May 25. They also would not give me a copy of it until that day.

Okay, so I am supposed to interview this author about a book that I can't even read? That'll work.

They eventually agreed to send me an early copy, but only if I signed a non-disclosure agreement promising not to reveal anything until the publication date. I did not sign the agreement or receive a copy of the book, but Media Matters obtained one elsewhere.

Even so, we agreed and plans were in place for the one-on-one chat today. But last Monday, another e-mail arrived from the publicist.

“I just wanted to follow-up with you quickly to let you know that I need to cancel the phone interview slated for Thursday, May 20 @ 2PM EASTERN with Zev Chafets. Please remove the interview from your calendar and thanks!”

Surprise? Yes. When I e-mailed to ask for a rescheduled time or a reason, all I received was this response: “I wanted to let you know that I received the message to cancel from Sentinel without explanation.”

Sentinel is the publisher of the book, describing itself as the “dedicated conservative imprint” of Penguin Books.

Too bad they canceled because given Chafets' past work on Limbaugh, this book will likely require some scrutiny.

Chafets wrote a piece for The New York Times Magazine in 2008 that, to put it mildly, was fawning. Among its observations: “Limbaugh's program that day was, as usual, a virtuoso performance. He took a few calls, but mostly he delivered a series of monologues on political and cultural topics. Limbaugh works extemporaneously. He has no writers or script, just notes and a producer on the line from New York with occasional bits of information. That day, and every day, he produced 10,000 words of fluent, often clever political talk.”

When the piece ran, Chafets appeared on NPR's On the Media and complained that Limbaugh got some unfair treatment. “I'm not an apologist for Rush Limbaugh, but I'm a little bit defensive because I think that the liberal media takes such an unfair view of him.”

Unfair? Why, because they note his long list of inaccuracies and falsehoods?

Media Matters' Eric Boehlert offered a critique of the Times magazine piece at the time, stating: “Limbaugh had nothing to fear from the toothless tiger that came to Palm Beach to profile one of the most controversial media figures in politics today. The Times' resulting valentine was couched in such a creepy, tell-me-more-Uncle-Rush vibe (he was crowned ”a singular political force") that readers could almost picture the reporter at Limbaugh's knee, eager to record the next morsel of wisdom."

Maybe that is what Chafets wanted from me and, when he realized he would likely not get it, canceled.

Too bad. Anyone who seeks to profile a controversial figure like Limbaugh should be tough enough to withstand scrutiny from all elements of the media.