CULTURAL AMNESIA Necessary Memories from History and the Arts

Memoirist, critic, and talk show host Clive James gives us his own philosophy in his reactions to the lives and art of others, presenting the world in a string of gorgeous cameos. Hitler, Freud, and Louis Armstrong all appear. The author's catholicity of taste astounds. The "c's," for instance, include Albert Camus, G.K. Chesterton, and Tony Curtis. Born in Australia and educated at Cambridge, James has a rich voice, with the slight nasal overtone indicative of a head cold or high culture. He does not believe in God, but his comprehension of recent history approaches omniscience. His honeyed voice and explosive style are both delightful. This is an elite seminar taught by a stand-up comedian. I listened twice, then ordered the text. B.H.C. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]