- Paperback: 245 pages
- Publisher: D.M. Productions; 3Rev Ed edition (5 Nov 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0953746135
- ISBN-13: 978-0953746132
- Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 14.6 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 456,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Description
Book Description
ONE CONSCIOUSNESS is an in-depth study of the late American stand-up comedian, Bill Hicks. Structured around Hicks’ life from 1961-1994, it looks at the historical and cultural events that shaped his comedy, the comedians who influenced him and the philosophy he developed.
The first part of the book looks at Hicks’ fascination with John F. Kennedy and Elvis Presley, examining how social and political events from the 1960s can be seen in Hicks’ material. With Hicks’ early interest in comedy, there follows an analysis of how other comedians influenced him, comparing his style and material to that of Woody Allen, Steve Martin, Sam Kinison and Richard Pryor.
The second part of the book concentrates on the development of Hicks’ philosophy on such subjects as drugs, rock music, television and media misinformation. Set against the background of Reagan’s America, it looks at how political and cultural events helped shape Hicks’ material with chapters such as Republicanism On The Rampage, When Music Had Soul and Go Back To Bed America. In addition, Outhwaite offers a thorough examination of how Hicks’ comedy can be seen in literary terms by comparing his work to George Orwell’s and by looking at the language employed in his performances.
This updated and enlarged edition of ONE CONSCIOUSNESS includes new analysis in every chapter as well as an additional chapter, Another Persian Gulf Distraction, examining the continued relevance of Hicks’ material in the context of the recent Gulf conflict.
From the Publisher
As well as appealing to fans of Bill Hicks, ONE CONSCIOUSNESS is also a useful study of cultural change over the last thirty years, exploring social and comedic trends over that time.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Spiral-bound
Well, looks like we got ourselves a reader. Paul Outhwaite's book shows a writer enjoying his research, one keen to uncover the background to Hicks' comedy, but also make his own connections between Hicks' viewpoint and cultural events. Some of the analysis of the social background will already be known to most, but where Outhwaite succeeds is in reaching his own conclusions, analysing (convincingly) the formation of Hicks' ideas and the subtleties of his routines.
Outhwaite's book is much more imaginative than Cynthia True's American Scream with originality in the linking of Hicks' comedy to George Orwell and some intersting ideas on the genesis of Hicks' material on drugs.
Well written to boot in a style that never descends to pretension. A must read for Hicks fans.
Outhwaite's book is much more imaginative than Cynthia True's American Scream with originality in the linking of Hicks' comedy to George Orwell and some intersting ideas on the genesis of Hicks' material on drugs.
Well written to boot in a style that never descends to pretension. A must read for Hicks fans.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Spiral-bound
Well, looks like we got ourselves a reader in Paul Outhwaite as his research is impeccable, uncovering many interesting details to support his analysis of where Hicks' comedy originates from and what events inspired his material.
This book is much more imaginative than the previous Hicks biography, American Scream, because Outhwaite is in essence adopting a Hicksian style by connecting ideas, uncovering subtleties and in a way seeking to uncovering truths the media ignores.
The best chapters involve a look at Hicks' physical comedy and an analysis of Hicks' material in comparison to George Orwell.
The kind of book it is easy to read because it doesn't become pretentious, but one that is illuminating and insightful. It leaves you wanting more.
This book is much more imaginative than the previous Hicks biography, American Scream, because Outhwaite is in essence adopting a Hicksian style by connecting ideas, uncovering subtleties and in a way seeking to uncovering truths the media ignores.
The best chapters involve a look at Hicks' physical comedy and an analysis of Hicks' material in comparison to George Orwell.
The kind of book it is easy to read because it doesn't become pretentious, but one that is illuminating and insightful. It leaves you wanting more.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Spiral-bound
Bill Hicks and his work has gained new interest in recent years, and his thoughts and philosophies seem more poignant now than ever. There have been varying re-issues of albums, videos and more recently a DVD, though remarkably very little readily accessible analysis exists in print. The first work that came to my attention was American Scream, a fine account of Hicks' life and career.
However Paul Outhwaite's new book One Consciousness digs deeper. It attempts to uncover the 'man behind the myth', examining influences, themes, performance and style to give the reader an insight on the crafted comedy hailed by many as genius. Paul Outhwaite is obviously passionate about the subject and attacks Hicks' work with verve and enthusiasm, yet maintains an objective voice throughout. He works methodically through the different stages of Hicks' career and attempts to contextualise the material he was writing at specific times by analysing the relevant social and political climates.
However Paul Outhwaite's new book One Consciousness digs deeper. It attempts to uncover the 'man behind the myth', examining influences, themes, performance and style to give the reader an insight on the crafted comedy hailed by many as genius. Paul Outhwaite is obviously passionate about the subject and attacks Hicks' work with verve and enthusiasm, yet maintains an objective voice throughout. He works methodically through the different stages of Hicks' career and attempts to contextualise the material he was writing at specific times by analysing the relevant social and political climates.
Outhwaite is readable and insightful, and manages to inject a flavour of Hicks' bite into his writing, which one cannot help but enjoy. One Consciousness should be in the library of any Bill Hicks fan, it explores the work of one of the finest comedians and social commentators of modern times with intelligence and humour.
Highly Recommended!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Open your squeeged third eye
First of all, im not much of a reviewer. I post reviews when I really want to voice my appreciation for something I think is outstanding. Read more
Published on 16 Sep 2004 by "dead_head_"
A great tribute to a comic Messiah
ONE CONSCIOUSNESS is a highly engaging look at the great American stand-up comedian, Bill Hicks. It takes a different approach to the usual biography and instead focuses on Hicks'... Read more
Published on 20 Jun 2004 by THE D.M.
Big disappointment,
So.....here's another book about Bill Hicks written by someone who never met the guy and who hasn't spoken to any family members or friends to obtain insight. Case closed? Read more
Published on 12 Jun 2004 by crazeetaxi
BRILLIANT book for stand-up fans
This is a great read for Hicks fans because it shows just how important and relevant Hicks was and still is. Read more
Published on 25 Nov 2003 by Mrs Penelope J Outhwaite
A must read for Hicks fans
Bill Hicks fans will love this book, not only for the insightful analysis Outhwaite offers about Hicks' comedy and material, but also because One Consciousness is detailed with... Read more
Published on 13 Nov 2003 by Joanna Ingle
Hicks strikes back
Paul Outhwaite's biography of Bill Hicks is an outstanding analysis of one man's comedic philosophy of political and cultural events and satirical view of society still relevant... Read more
Published on 10 Aug 2003 by jessgelders
The best Hicks bio out there
A fantastic bio which really gets down to the essencials of Bill Hicks and his comedy. Outhwaite seems to know Hicks intimatly and the book reads much better than American Scream,... Read more
Published on 7 April 2003 by "sdc499"
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