John Carey

John Carey is a British literary critic, historian, and author. He is an emeritus Merton Professor of English Literature at the University of Oxford and has written extensively on English literature and culture.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Intellectuals And The Masses

    This book presents a critical examination of the attitudes of early 20th-century intellectuals towards the masses, exploring the disdain and fear that writers and thinkers of the time harbored against the growing literacy and political empowerment of the working class. The author scrutinizes the elitist views and often eugenic arguments that were used to justify the exclusion of the broader population from cultural and intellectual life. By delving into the works and personal correspondences of prominent figures, the text reveals a landscape of intellectual snobbery and challenges the romantic idealization of literary giants by exposing their contempt for the 'masses' they often deemed inferior.

    The 4739th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Faber Book Of Reportage

    "The Faber Book of Reportage" is an anthology that brings together a diverse collection of eyewitness accounts from various moments in history, curated to give readers a firsthand look at events as they unfolded. Spanning from ancient times to the 20th century, the book includes vivid descriptions of historical events written by those who witnessed them, offering unique insights into human history. The accounts range from battles, historical milestones, and cultural revolutions to personal narratives that highlight the impact of significant events on individuals and societies. This compilation serves not only as a historical document but also as a testament to the power of observation and storytelling in shaping our understanding of the past.

    The 9517th Greatest Book of All Time