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annieb123's review against another edition
5.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Professor at Large: The Cornell Years is a collection of vignettes showcasing a series of talks, lectures, and workshops delivered by John Cleese during his more than decade long association with Cornell University as a visiting professor. The subjects are wide ranging, always witty, often profound and a joy to read.
In the current culture of anti-intellectualism it's all too easy to become disillusioned and exhausted by all of the backlash against well spoken prose, language, literature, intelligence... This book (and Professor Cleese) are erudite and unapologetically intelligent. Additionally, the people who join him in his talks are also intelligent (often brilliant), well spoken, and profound. His back-and-forth with William Goldman alone is worth the price of the book. The other chapters include neurologists, psychologists, discussions on religion, culture and the meaning of life.
There's a lot of material here for fans of Monty Python and Cleese the Actor, but there's also a lot to love here for anyone who loves to read intelligent well spoken people talking about interesting topics.
I enjoyed it hugely and recommend it to everyone.
248 pages, available in ebook and hardcover formats.
Anticipated release date: October 15, 2018 from Cornell University Press.
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Professor at Large: The Cornell Years is a collection of vignettes showcasing a series of talks, lectures, and workshops delivered by John Cleese during his more than decade long association with Cornell University as a visiting professor. The subjects are wide ranging, always witty, often profound and a joy to read.
In the current culture of anti-intellectualism it's all too easy to become disillusioned and exhausted by all of the backlash against well spoken prose, language, literature, intelligence... This book (and Professor Cleese) are erudite and unapologetically intelligent. Additionally, the people who join him in his talks are also intelligent (often brilliant), well spoken, and profound. His back-and-forth with William Goldman alone is worth the price of the book. The other chapters include neurologists, psychologists, discussions on religion, culture and the meaning of life.
There's a lot of material here for fans of Monty Python and Cleese the Actor, but there's also a lot to love here for anyone who loves to read intelligent well spoken people talking about interesting topics.
I enjoyed it hugely and recommend it to everyone.
248 pages, available in ebook and hardcover formats.
Anticipated release date: October 15, 2018 from Cornell University Press.
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
I requested this ARC as I love John Cleese work and all my expectations were met.
It's full of insight and food for thought but there's a lot of the typical humour you expect from a Monthy Python member.
I loved and strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to Cornell University Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
It's full of insight and food for thought but there's a lot of the typical humour you expect from a Monthy Python member.
I loved and strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to Cornell University Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
nkspas's review against another edition
4.0
A few years ago I was researching the idea of “creating space” for The Happiness Equation and I came across an incredible speech by John Cleese talking about your brain in open mode and closed mode. Turns out that was one of many speeches Cleese gave while serving as a Professor At Large (PAL is what they call him) at Cornell University. This book is published by Cornell University and is a great collection of speeches and conversations he’s held at the school.
annarella's review
5.0
I requested this ARC as I love John Cleese work and all my expectations were met.
It's full of insight and food for thought but there's a lot of the typical humour you expect from a Monthy Python member.
I loved and strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to Cornell University Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
It's full of insight and food for thought but there's a lot of the typical humour you expect from a Monthy Python member.
I loved and strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to Cornell University Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
gregbutera's review
4.0
Ending this year with two Python biographies in a row is kinda perfect. I didn’t know the depths of John Cleese, actor, comedian, writer, director also included professor, psychologist, philosopher...but of course he is. the students and faculty of Cornell have long been beneficiaries of his intellect and wit. It’s wonderful someone pulled several of his Cornell lectures together into this book. The interview with William Goldman alone is worth the cover price.
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