My favorite French prof, Doug Collins (he wrote SARTRE AS BIOGRAPHER, and was a greater intellectual and Francophile than we undergrads deserved), made sure our study-abroad group spent a day at Le Musée de Camondo, and he pointed me toward Pierre Assouline's biography LE DERNIER DES CAMONDO. Thanks to that experience and guidance, I am fascinated by this kind of connoisseurship and cannot wait to read Mr. McAuley's book. Thanks for bringing it to our attention, and for the engaged/engaging interview!
Wonderful interview, Ben! We'll find James' book at our neighborhood shop. Meanwhile, I've just finished reading a lashing critique of French politics, history, art and popular culture in Viet Thanh Nguyen's brilliant second novel, The Committed -- and I'd love to know your take on his work. Best, Blair
Two weeks ago I read McAuley's book. Benjamin is right: this is a great and important book!
Fascinating interview - thank you! Impatient for the book . . .
Ben, I just love your stories!
My favorite French prof, Doug Collins (he wrote SARTRE AS BIOGRAPHER, and was a greater intellectual and Francophile than we undergrads deserved), made sure our study-abroad group spent a day at Le Musée de Camondo, and he pointed me toward Pierre Assouline's biography LE DERNIER DES CAMONDO. Thanks to that experience and guidance, I am fascinated by this kind of connoisseurship and cannot wait to read Mr. McAuley's book. Thanks for bringing it to our attention, and for the engaged/engaging interview!
Wonderful interview, Ben! We'll find James' book at our neighborhood shop. Meanwhile, I've just finished reading a lashing critique of French politics, history, art and popular culture in Viet Thanh Nguyen's brilliant second novel, The Committed -- and I'd love to know your take on his work. Best, Blair