DUMBING DOWN CL - Hardcover

Washburn, Katherine

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393038297 ISBN 13: 9780393038293

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co., 1996

Synopsis

This is a collection of essays which confront the decline in American life, art and thought, once so full of richness and vitality. The contributors speculate on the reasons why a vibrant legacy of knowledge, tradition and competence came to be so rapidly squandered. Can this "dumbing down" be halted or reversed? The 22 essays address such developments with vigour, wit, common sense and urgency. The contributors include critics and commentators Philip Loparte, Cynthia Ozick, Wendy Kaminer, Francine Prose, Sven Birkerts, George F. Kennan, Brad Leithhauser and John Simon. Although they are varied in their concerns and political allegiances, they are united in their dismay on witnessing a culture in the process of dissolution.

About this title

Review:

Welcome to the Apocalypse. If we end up in the toxic landfill of history it won't be because the writers in this witty, wonderfully entertaining collection failed to warn us. "

What distinguishes this collection is its breadth, its liveliness. This valuable book provides much ammunition for . . . unrepentant elitists.--Lisa Zeidner

A collection of savagely witty essays by a hardy band of cultural commentators who believe things are bad, really bad out there, and are not at all reluctant to say so.--Florence King

Provides the best picture we have of the declining and embarrassing condition of discourse in America.--Neil Postman

A terrific book. It is unsettling, arresting, and compelling, and its publication is a public service.--William J. Bennett

About the Author:

John Thornton was a book editor for many years and now works as a literary agent. He lives in New York. Katharine Washburn is an editor and translator. She lives in New York.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co.
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0393038297
• ISBN 13: 9780393038293
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 330