Books
by Alain de Botton
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How Proust Can Change Your Life |
A delightful book about the life and thoughts of Marcel Proust, who I now feel I know personally. De Botton presents him as an endearing genius with valuable insights into how we should manage our lives, read books, look at art, make friends etc., all gleaned from reading his huge works, which I am now tempted to take a look at! It's occasionally flippant but full of wisdom and interesting details about those times.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 14 July 2002) |
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Status Anxiety |
A fascinating examination of the causes of, and 'cures' for, painful doubts about where we stand in the general scheme of things - something it turns out we all suffer from to some extent. De Botton is lucid, penetrating and persuasive and writes gloriously sinuous prose. I found myself galloping through it with delight and then going back to absorb the insights.
(Annabel Bedini - bwl 26 October 2004) |
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The Art of Travel |
This gentle book explores our motivations to travel. The author includes some reflections from his own travels as well as writings from Baudelaire and Wordsworth, among others. Exploring the ennui that overcomes us at times in the most beautiful of places and, in contrast, the sublime moments that we recall once back to normality. Mixed with poetry, prints, and fragments of faraway places, it is a charming and thought-provoking read.
(Claire Bane - bwl 16 December 2002) |
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The Art of Travel |
Alain's tried and tested format works brilliantly here as he explores the experience of travel with help from among others Edward Hopper, John Ruskin, Van Gogh and Wordsworth. Each chapter deals with a travel theme and gives a fascinating introduction to the lives and work of the 'guides' as well as their insights into the art of travel. Full of clever observations as well as De Botton tries out the theories for himself.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 18 April 2003) |
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The Consolations of Philosophy |
Six famous philosophers partner six human conditions, each taking their specialist subject. Mix background material, biography, anecdotes, everyday examples and quirky illustration to provide a possible answer to the age old question "What use is philosophy?". By presenting philosophers as people with ideas as opposed to complex theoreticians, De Botton has produced an ideal beginners bedside guide to the human condition. Ever bleaker episodes, like Montaigne on inadequacy, have their lighter side. Informative and entertaining.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 14 July 2002) |
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