From Lowbrow to Nobrow [Anglais] [Broché]

I have just finished this book and was struck that none of the previous reviewers mentioned what is surely the obvious point of comparison. For the record, this book actually mentions John Seabrook's Nobrow published in 2000, so relatively recently. Unfortunuately for John Seabrook, the comparison is one sided: From Lowbrow to Nobrow is a much better book. It shows how the critical job of analyzing the cenceptual nature and cultural significance of "nobrow" ought to be done. Almost all reviewers on Seabrook's site agree that his book is for the most part self-indulgent, although I admit that it has its moments, especially when blitzing through the various fads and cults that add up to movie culture. Swirski's book is not only better written but supplies what Seabrook's doesn't: a gargantuan amount of information about all aspect of popular and nobrow cultures on less than 200 pages. I currently own both but I am hanging on to one, the other's for sale (guess which).

I purchased this book upon recommendation from an American friend of mine and I read it in one evening. This is a thoroughly delightful volume (and teachable), full of fascinating facts and details, and very informal without for a moment ceasing to be informative. The first part exposes any number of myths, misunderstandings, and patent inaccuracies that characterize the realm of popular fiction (let us be honest, the books that you and I read). The second part, meant to illustrate the general theses advanced in part one, is actually an independent discussion of "nobrow" literature. By the way, even as I share the preceding reviewers' enthusiasm, I must profess especial liking for the discussion of the three "nobrow" masterpieces in part two, especially Raymond Chandler. Can somebody set up a website for discussion of "nobrow" literature?

Peter Swirski is on a mission!

Peter Swirski's book From Lowbrow to NoBrow is a compelling and ambitious work in the area of literature studies. As has been mentioned, Swirski's main argument lies in the fact that he is trying to "wipe the brow" (pun intended) of distinction amongst works of literature, essentially calling for the banishment of the title "lowbrow" for those books deemed "not sophisticated enough for serious academic study". Swirski contends that while there are many books out there that don't warrant said serious academic study, there are just as many that do, and should be examined through an academic framework.

It is my belief that Swirski is correct in this line of thinking; it is sad and indeed flippant to dismiss a novel and reserve academic study of it, because it is considered "genre fiction" or simplistic. There is a great distinction in the halls of academia concerning what is studied and what is not, what is worthy and what is worth glossing over or not covering at all. Swirski is saying, and indeed proving with his examples, that many previously glossed over works, which would be looked at with disdain, and more than a little contempt, need to be truly examined, and not simply pushed to the side because of their sources or content. It is a very provocative idea indeed to challenge the academic snobbery that is present in the study of literature, and even more admirable to submit that not only should the "canon" be studied, but things like genre fiction, at that, should be examined also, expanding the scope of investigation and getting a look at the whole picture, not just a segment of it. This is a rather bold idea, and Swirski, armed with his examples, wit, a wealth of knowledge about what he is writing about, and a little bit of attitude, tries to prove this to the reader.

Swirski blazes forward with his contention that genre fiction, whatever type it may be, may stand on its own merit, should not be considered "lowbrow". In fact, wait for it - the study of literature should not pit "highbrow" versus "lowbrow", and in the end, we should have "nobrow", simply evaluating books on their own strengths and weaknesses, not placing labels on them.

It is my opinion that Swirski takes a wonderful swipe at the "looking down the nose" of academia, and that he is successful at his attempt. By no means can this book cover all arguments and examples in terms of this debate, but it exerts a valiant effort to do so, and to change people's minds. "Leveling the playing field" in literature is a tall order, and Swirski has shown that he is more than up for the challenge. I highly recommend this book - prepare to have a shift in your "brows"!