- Hardcover
- Publisher: Picador (1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330341162
- ISBN-13: 978-0330341165
- ASIN: B002YOI99E
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 13 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,020,331 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This collection of "letters" by Mr. Julian Barnes, are actually a collection of articles that he wrote during his 5 years as the London Correspondent for The New Yorker Magazine. His predecessor held the position for over half a Century, but if judged by the quality of this collection of work, tenure is in no way related to talent. A book's preface is rarely mentioned as a great piece of writing. This preface is, and that's before the true collection begins.
If you have never read a work by Mr. Barnes, this would be a great place to begin. I have read almost all of his work, and this series of articles or short stories are really tremendous. I don't know how writers feel about the topic, but it would seem to be more difficult to be constrained by actual events, than having the ability to let their imaginations fill their books. Mr. Barnes takes some topics that are truly mundane on the surface, and transforms them into extremely clever pieces.
One of the comments on the jacket mentioned that the table of contents alone justified the price of the book. A bit of hyperbole perhaps, but they are clever and more often than not lead to subjects that are very distant from what a first glance may suggest. "MPTV" gives his take on how one of the older operating institutions of Democracy is changed when cameras put the MPS' on public display. "Britannia's New Bra Size" has nothing to do with undergarments, but is full of his unique wit on the peculiarities of British Bureaucracy and the imaginative ways it consumes years.
His pen strays from England to France, The United States, and the Nation's Leaders. He is even handed with his crisp wit, but he never sinks to levels lower than his subjects have generally sunk before him.
I also enjoy the writing and humor of Christopher Buckley. If you do as well, you will enjoy Mr. Barnes. He is certainly a British Practitioner of the art of satire, and while I never have heard a satisfactory explanation of what "British Humor" is, this man excels at it.
If you have never read a work by Mr. Barnes, this would be a great place to begin. I have read almost all of his work, and this series of articles or short stories are really tremendous. I don't know how writers feel about the topic, but it would seem to be more difficult to be constrained by actual events, than having the ability to let their imaginations fill their books. Mr. Barnes takes some topics that are truly mundane on the surface, and transforms them into extremely clever pieces.
One of the comments on the jacket mentioned that the table of contents alone justified the price of the book. A bit of hyperbole perhaps, but they are clever and more often than not lead to subjects that are very distant from what a first glance may suggest. "MPTV" gives his take on how one of the older operating institutions of Democracy is changed when cameras put the MPS' on public display. "Britannia's New Bra Size" has nothing to do with undergarments, but is full of his unique wit on the peculiarities of British Bureaucracy and the imaginative ways it consumes years.
His pen strays from England to France, The United States, and the Nation's Leaders. He is even handed with his crisp wit, but he never sinks to levels lower than his subjects have generally sunk before him.
I also enjoy the writing and humor of Christopher Buckley. If you do as well, you will enjoy Mr. Barnes. He is certainly a British Practitioner of the art of satire, and while I never have heard a satisfactory explanation of what "British Humor" is, this man excels at it.
Format:Paperback
The writing is clean and purposeful. You never feel like you're reading an article or newspaper feature, but more gripping prose. The wit and very english dryness is incredibly effective at captivating the reader. You feel yourself cringing at the truths and shocked at the revelations, but at the turn of a page you'll be quietly laughing to and at yourself. A great book to read anywhere.
Format:Paperback
This is one of my favourites. Gives a clue to what England is. For a foregner a good and pleasant way to learn more about England. Apart from that the language is really brilliant. Thanks, It was a pleasure reading this book.
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