I know that this isn’t a particularly good shot of a particularly grubby 2nd-hand book, but beneath the grime is what looks to be a particularly interesting book. I got the ‘heads up’ on Great Books by David Denby (Simon & Schuster) last week while reading about it in some other book (the name of which I can’t remember at the moment), and I went on the hunt for copy, picking up this 1996 2nd-hand edition for only a few pence.
I liked the look of Denby’s book for two reasons. Firstly, its blurb, which will follow shortly. And secondly the fact that Denby’s return to academia slightly mirrors my own (although I returned while in my thirties, and to study history not literature). Here’s that wonderfully alluring blurb:
At the age of forty-eight, writer and film critic David Denby returned to Columbia University and re-enrolled in two core courses in Western civilization to confront the literary and philosophical masterpieces — the “great books” — that are now at the heart of the culture wars. In Great Books, he leads us on a glorious tour, a rediscovery and celebration of such authors as Homer and Boccaccio, Locke and Nietzsche. Conrad and Woolf. The resulting personal odyssey is an engaging blend of self-discovery, cultural commentary, reporting, criticism, and autobiography — an inspiration for anyone in love with the written word.
So does anybody already own this book? Is it favourite of yours? I’d love to hear your comments.
About Rob
I own it, but haven’t yet read it. I mentally hatched a plan whereby I would use it as a guide to read or reread the classics discussed. . . but that seemed a bit daunting, so it sits on the shelf.
says:
Haha..and there’s me thinking I may be the only one Laura. It’s amazing how we all come up with these amazing plans, and then, sadly, never get around to following them through.
Regardless, I’m reading this one just for reading’s sake. But what’s the betting, if and when I get into it, that I’ll started adding discussed books onto my wishlist?
I hope you get to it one day Laura.
Rob
I should bump it up the list. . . I’ve had it for ages.