Yes, look at just how clever Clive James is!!
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This book is not so much of a polemic, but the presentation of various points of view with which the reader can debate with himself / herself and others (including the author himself). It is a book crying out for contention and argument. As a `dipping' book therefore it is one of the most intellectually worthy publications of the past few years, and I would recommend that 'dipping' in and out of its contents is the most rewarding way to approach it.
I personally do have my reservations about several points that James makes, for example I think his opinions on music (especially Jazz) are somewhat myopic, and he certainly has a big problem with both Sartre and Brecht, but the joy to be had here is to question your own perceptions of these subjects again in the light of your newly formed experiences.
James's observations remind me of George Orwell's essays in the sense that often James will push the reader to places where he does not want to go, and in so doing forces a re-evaluation of long-held and cherished opinions. This is very healthy. Also like Orwell, the points of view are written to set the blood pumping and hone the critical parts of one's brain to such an extent that it is almost irrelevant if you agree with what is being said or not.
If you re-read a chapter again a few months down the line, you may find that your opinions have changed again, just like when reading an Orwell essay.
The promotion of critical thought is the main object of this book, and Mr. James achieves it superbly with his style.
More problematical is that there are a few `typos' to be found in this edition which I hope will be corrected either in a later edition, Mr. James's website, or in the second volume that Mr. James is contemplating.
Another problem with the book is the stated aim that the book has been written to instruct the young. I feel that this objective may prove to be optimistic on Mr. James' part, not because I think that the young are not up to the challenges that a study of humanism entails, but the many faceted approach James adopts in his writing style requires the bringing to bear of accumulated life experiences which the younger reader may not have had the time to accumulate. I hope I'm wrong.
As for the `pissing contest' innuendo from a previous reviewer, all I can say to that is such a remark is proof (if proof were ever required) that the British trait of inverted snobbery is alive and well. It is more desirable alternative to have the guy dribble on about Margarita Pracatan for the rest of his career? Why is it that any display of erudition from a writer or commentator becomes something to be cynically condemned by a small but vocal part of society, as if sharing an intelligent mind is akin to the wanton display of some kind of hideous deformity. Is accumulated knowledge exclusively to be kept to one's self, or to be shared with others?
If that reviewer was to reach beyond his/her own snap judgement and actually pay attention what is actually being said, then he or she may learn something (shock, horror!), or (gasp!) may actually want to find out more.
Most of the `obscure references' referred to in the book are either available from this site or at your friendly neighbourhood second-hand bookseller. So most are not obscure at all, really.
If you are at all interested in the humanities, then this is a book to be thoroughly recommended. There is nothing to be afraid of within these pages, and if used as intended (supplemented with some of the works referred to) this book will be a passport (or postcard!) to the start of a wonderful voyage of self-discovery for any reader.
It has wit, charm, and variety in spades, and is an erudite affirmation of the human condition just when it is most needed. Congratulations to Mr. James.
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Brilliant
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If you are like me in any way and show an interest in literature, philosphy, science, history, politics, art and music - but are often put off by the often inpenetrable, pretentious writing on them - then this book is for you. If on the other hand you have no problem with inpenetrable, pretentious cultural studies, then this is for you to re-aqaint yourself with the English language!
Clive James writes wonderful, simple, clear prose. And it is full of insights, page and page. A man who seems to know so much could be forgiven for being arrogant - but there is not a hint of it in this book. This is a book written with real understanding of his subjects, you will find no ill-informed polemics here. This is not to say that he writes about some people he does not like - Sarte amongst others - but what he does do is avoid the obvious criticims. The book is broken up into chapter of about 4-12 pages, each using a famous C20th (sometimes C19th) figure as his starting point, before taking you off on an interesting angle. It's perfect for dipping in an out of, and given the size of the book, fantastic value for money. Given the number of insights he makes, it's just as well it is something you dip in an out of - I have frequently found myself putting the book down after reading a chapter, intent on letting what I have read run round my head for a while. I'll probably be dipping in and out of it for a year to come.
I haven't come across a book quite like this before. I'd go as far as to say it's the best buy I have ever made on Amazon.
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Just how clever is Clive James!!
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The great thing about Clive James is that as you read his essays you get a really positive feeling that he is sharing not just his opinions but his experiences and influences. He is one of those cultural attrators that will set you off on a complete tangent and open up new vistas in your reading life. I've read North Face of Soho and this book back to back and can't wait to dip into some of the many recommendations offered.
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Look how clever I am
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I am a huge fan of Clive James and wouldn't disagree with a lot of the positive comments made about this book but I do get the uneasy feeling that it is a little too ostentatious in its display of knowledge. I got the same feeling watching some of the programmes in his Interviews from the Library series - some of them became "pissing contests" with James and his interviewee trying to outdo each other with their wideranging and obscure references; well, this is his pissing contest with the world!!
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A rare talent, a cultural genius and an extraordinary thinker...
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Clive James should still be on the small screen, but then again he doesn't fit comfortably on the small screen since he is culturally so far above it. The small screen continues to sink while he continues to rise and astound us with his wit, his genius and his literary brilliance.
I am still reading the book but every time I pick it up and taste the delights inside, I am astonished. Every thinking human being should have this on their bookshelf it is a gem of a book, a treasure trove of genius.
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