DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

The News

A User's Manual

Alain de Botton author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:26th Feb '15

Should be back in stock very soon

The News cover

This insightful exploration of media reveals why we are drawn to certain news stories. The News challenges our perceptions and invites reflection on modern society.

In The News, the author delves into our collective fascination with media, exploring various archetypal news stories such as plane crashes, murders, political scandals, and celebrity interviews. Through this exploration, intriguing questions arise: Why do disaster stories captivate us? Why do we fixate on the romantic lives of the famous? These inquiries serve as a gateway to understanding our relationship with the news and its impact on our lives.

As one of the prominent voices in modern philosophy, the author, known for works like The Course of Love and The Consolations of Philosophy, presents an accessible and thought-provoking examination of contemporary society's obsession with news. The book is not just a critique but also a reflection on how we might rethink our consumption of media. It combines humor, charm, and insightful observations, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the complexities of modern life.

The News serves as a brilliant illustrated guide, urging readers to consider the implications of the information they consume. With a witty approach that spans global issues, the author encourages us to take precautions before engaging with the often overwhelming 'noise' of the news. By the end, readers will find themselves viewing reports of celebrity stories and political scandals through a more discerning lens.

One of our most consistently illuminating writers on contemporary culture -- John Gray * New Statesman *
De Botton's gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things * The Times *

ISBN: 9780241972694

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 20mm

Weight: 238g

272 pages