The double gift of David Lodge
The author’s versatile genius posed a question: if you can’t write a novel, what gives you the right to pronouce on literature?
By
John Sutherland
John Sutherland is Lord Northcliffe Professor Emeritus of Modern English Literature at UCL.
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Lightning in a bottle
Two memories of alcoholism from Sarah Hepola and A A Gill.
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Drugs and misdemeanours: Will Self’s memoir Will
The metaphysics begin with the dust-jacket: a big black “Will”. Underneath, an almost invisibly white “Self”. They are divided…
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Karl Miller’s grand style: John Sutherland remembers the late, great editor and academic
Karl Miller was less a literary editor and more a conductor. He wielded his baton with the authority of a…
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Blue, white and read all over: the return of Pelican Books
John Sutherland recalls how Penguin’s imprint, launched in 1937, gave education to the masses and challenged the Oxbridge status…
ByHow M R James’s ghost stories became a Christmas institution
M R James is, by general agreement, the most accomplished of British ghost story creators - the perfect antidote…
ByJonathan Coe and Justin Cartwright: Fictional prime time
The British novel, at its best, is engaged, liberal, highly informed, secular, sceptical and above all humane.
ByAlexandria by Peter Stothard: A wander through places where the thoughts of the dead live on
The loose-knittedness of Alexandria encourages Jack Hornerism. For me, the richest plums in the pudding are the digressions on…
ByReviewed: British Writers and MI5 Surveillance, 1930-60 by James Smit
Nosy parkers.
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