Review
A splendid book… just see how these writers fail to love each other. (Sunday Telegraph )
There's something refreshing in hearing Don Quixote described as 'insufferably dull', even if you're inclined to disagree. (Independent on Sunday )
It can be a rather ugly spectacle - literary pugilism from men you suspect wouldn't have been much cop in a real fight - but it is always compelling. (Sunday Tribune )
Should appeal to bibliophiles, especially those with a cynical sense of humour. (athomewithbooks.blogspot.com )
Whenever I see that a book has been written by one of my friends has got a really good review -- a pang goes through me. I didn't say that, Gore Vidal did. But he speaks for many writers, and for the sin of envy. If you want to see envy and anger and pride (three of the deadliest) getting hilariously into their stride, read 'Poisoned Pens'. I found myself rooting and spluttering as the rant went on. Guess what I did when Harold Bloom told the Wall Street Journal what a rotton writer JK Rowling really is? (Glasgow Herald )
There's something refreshing in hearing Don Quixote described as 'insufferably dull', even if you're inclined to disagree. (Independent on Sunday )
It can be a rather ugly spectacle - literary pugilism from men you suspect wouldn't have been much cop in a real fight - but it is always compelling. (Sunday Tribune )
Should appeal to bibliophiles, especially those with a cynical sense of humour. (athomewithbooks.blogspot.com )
Whenever I see that a book has been written by one of my friends has got a really good review -- a pang goes through me. I didn't say that, Gore Vidal did. But he speaks for many writers, and for the sin of envy. If you want to see envy and anger and pride (three of the deadliest) getting hilariously into their stride, read 'Poisoned Pens'. I found myself rooting and spluttering as the rant went on. Guess what I did when Harold Bloom told the Wall Street Journal what a rotton writer JK Rowling really is? (Glasgow Herald )
Product Description
'With the single exception of Homer, there is no eminent writer, not even Sir Walter Scott, whom I can despise so entirely as I despise Shakespeare.' George Bernard Shaw
From what Byron really thought of Keats to Salman Rushdie's savage put-down of John Le Carre, from Cocteau's damning view of Victor Hugo to Edith Sitwell's derogatory description of D.H. Lawrence, here, complied by the author of Why Not Catch 21? is an anthology of writers on writers, eloquently giving vent to their least charitable feelings in outbursts of petulance, denunciations, abuse, mockery, and more.
What the reviewers said about Why Not Catch 21?.
'A deliciously witty and erudite collection which, as with a box of chocolate liqueurs, I had to discipline myself not to consume too quickly. Few writers have ever worn their learning as lightly as Gary Dexter.' Gilbert Adair
'Fifty delicious little essays about, in some cases, very familiar books, which tell you things you didn't know before and occasionally draw odd and unexpected conclusions. If no one buys this delightful book for you, buy it for yourself. No literary lavatory will be complete without a copy.' Spectator
From what Byron really thought of Keats to Salman Rushdie's savage put-down of John Le Carre, from Cocteau's damning view of Victor Hugo to Edith Sitwell's derogatory description of D.H. Lawrence, here, complied by the author of Why Not Catch 21? is an anthology of writers on writers, eloquently giving vent to their least charitable feelings in outbursts of petulance, denunciations, abuse, mockery, and more.
What the reviewers said about Why Not Catch 21?.
'A deliciously witty and erudite collection which, as with a box of chocolate liqueurs, I had to discipline myself not to consume too quickly. Few writers have ever worn their learning as lightly as Gary Dexter.' Gilbert Adair
'Fifty delicious little essays about, in some cases, very familiar books, which tell you things you didn't know before and occasionally draw odd and unexpected conclusions. If no one buys this delightful book for you, buy it for yourself. No literary lavatory will be complete without a copy.' Spectator
About the Author
Gary Dexter is the writer of a long-running column for the Sunday Telegraph.
