Writing elsewhere For the New Statesman I wrote about why Liz Truss should not set up a think tank. For The Critic I wrote about why Liz Truss will be a Barry Goldwater figure, why it is difficult to imagine modern civilisation without plastic, and what Samuel Johnson can teach us about (not) making New Year’s resolutions
My first foray into Clarke's work was with "Piranesi." It was emotional and small, the perfect afternoon read. It had the charm of Lewis with the theology of Owen Barfield (quite literally).
However, when I finally picked up JS&MN, it was something else entirely! I had so same reaction: WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG, AND HOW DO PEOPLE NOT FINISH THIS NOVEL IT IS AMAZING OMG OMG OMG. You know, something like that. Once again, I am happy to know that you are a fellow traveler, Henry. Keep this kind of posting up.
Henry, I'm glancing at Jon Beadie's comment below. Perfect! He said everything I thought while reading your wonderful post about the remarkable Susanna Clarke.
This insights was poignant, indeed: "This is also a book for the emerging age of AI. The important question for both magic and AI is how you choose to use the new power, if you choose to use it at all."
Great extension and application of Clarke's work to the ambiguities of digital "power."
I have attempted to read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell on more than one occasion. Your observations have persuaded me that it's worth another attempt, but this time, I think, I'll do the audiobook.
That was very interesting. Hope you enjoy ‘Earthsea’ immersion too. And Jacobi as Prospero - astonishing delivery of that speech. The first time I think I’ve understood the sheer terror inherent in Prospero’s power. The intoxication of power. One hell of a drug. Great to have that recording. Probably cheeky of me to suggest he was also able to feed off the actor’s frustration at the infuriating coughing in the audience...
Very interested in your thoughts re Jonathan Strange, magic and AI. There is going to be such a rise in superstition and mistrust as AI rises into our as consciousness, but perhaps we’re skidding around on the nursery slopes of that particular mountain already. Great reading as ever. Thank you.
My first foray into Clarke's work was with "Piranesi." It was emotional and small, the perfect afternoon read. It had the charm of Lewis with the theology of Owen Barfield (quite literally).
However, when I finally picked up JS&MN, it was something else entirely! I had so same reaction: WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG, AND HOW DO PEOPLE NOT FINISH THIS NOVEL IT IS AMAZING OMG OMG OMG. You know, something like that. Once again, I am happy to know that you are a fellow traveler, Henry. Keep this kind of posting up.
Jon
Henry, I'm glancing at Jon Beadie's comment below. Perfect! He said everything I thought while reading your wonderful post about the remarkable Susanna Clarke.
This insights was poignant, indeed: "This is also a book for the emerging age of AI. The important question for both magic and AI is how you choose to use the new power, if you choose to use it at all."
Great extension and application of Clarke's work to the ambiguities of digital "power."
Blessings,
Daniel
I have attempted to read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell on more than one occasion. Your observations have persuaded me that it's worth another attempt, but this time, I think, I'll do the audiobook.
That was very interesting. Hope you enjoy ‘Earthsea’ immersion too. And Jacobi as Prospero - astonishing delivery of that speech. The first time I think I’ve understood the sheer terror inherent in Prospero’s power. The intoxication of power. One hell of a drug. Great to have that recording. Probably cheeky of me to suggest he was also able to feed off the actor’s frustration at the infuriating coughing in the audience...
Very interested in your thoughts re Jonathan Strange, magic and AI. There is going to be such a rise in superstition and mistrust as AI rises into our as consciousness, but perhaps we’re skidding around on the nursery slopes of that particular mountain already. Great reading as ever. Thank you.
Well put, it's one of my favourite novels.