John Carey

John Carey is a prominent British literary critic and emeritus professor of English literature at the University of Oxford. He is known for his engaging writing style and has published works on various authors, including John Donne and Charles Dickens. Carey has also written several books discussing the role of literature and the arts in society, such as 'What Good Are the Arts?' and 'The Intellectuals and the Masses.' His work often challenges elitist views and advocates for the democratization of literature.

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

    Cover of 'The Intellectuals And The Masses' by John Carey

    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.

  2. 2. The Faber Book Of Reportage

    Cover of 'The Faber Book Of Reportage' by John Carey

    "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 This compilation serves not only as a historical document but also as a testament to the power of observation and storytelling in shaping our understanding of the past.