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Snakecharmers in Texas
In this latest collection of essays, Clive James tackles burning issues and shining personalities from Barry Humphries to Barry Manilow and Michael Jackson to Michael Foot. He discusses the nuances of Kung Fu cinema, the lyrical footwork of Torvill and Dean and the charms of the Statue of Liberty. Among Clive James' many books are "Unreliable Memoirs", "Falling Towards England" and two novels, "Brilliant Creatures" and "The Remake".
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First published January 1, 1988
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June 25, 2011This is a collection of essays by Clive James, whose book Cultural Amnesia I've also read. He fascinates me, for reasons such as that, in expressing regret for a decline in quality of art books published by Phaidon Press, he remarks on the prospect of Phaidon's continued survival: "the price was too high. You can't wish all hell to break loose just so that civilisation might once again become fully aware of itself." ("On the Library Coffee-Table," 1983)
The most memorable essay in here -- probably because it tells a story -- is "Out into the Light" (1982), about his relationship being mentored by entertainer Joyce Grenfell.
Just to prove he can write well about a variety of subjects: "There are rumours that someone else's bottom was used for the tight shots, while Jennifer's actual fundament was in the dressing-room learning its moves for the next day, but after my recent analysis of Barry Manilow's gluteal histrionics I don't want this column to get a reputation for being bumstruck. Sufficient to say that Flashdance is predicted on one assumption: that Ms Beals's harmonically agitated tush is a brave sight." ("Making a Whore Movie," 1984)
The most memorable essay in here -- probably because it tells a story -- is "Out into the Light" (1982), about his relationship being mentored by entertainer Joyce Grenfell.
Just to prove he can write well about a variety of subjects: "There are rumours that someone else's bottom was used for the tight shots, while Jennifer's actual fundament was in the dressing-room learning its moves for the next day, but after my recent analysis of Barry Manilow's gluteal histrionics I don't want this column to get a reputation for being bumstruck. Sufficient to say that Flashdance is predicted on one assumption: that Ms Beals's harmonically agitated tush is a brave sight." ("Making a Whore Movie," 1984)
November 28, 2018
An older book of essays by one of my favorite writers. Even if I had no interest in the subject, I would read the piece because of James' brilliant style.
August 2, 2019
A selection of essays which range from ice-dancing and Labour Party politics, to Martin Amis and Barry Manilow. The author recounts his experiences over-dosing on papaya fruit on a DC10 during a round-the-world trip and discusses such diverse characters as Barry Humphries and Mayakovsky.
July 28, 2011
Various pieces of varying length by the witty and very erudite Mr James. Entertaining, and easy to dip into and then back out again.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews