Gossip: The Untrivial Pursuit
- ISBN-10
- 0547577214
- ISBN-13
- 9780547577210
- Series
- Gossip
- Category
- Social Science
- Pages
- 256
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2011-11-29
- Publisher
- HMH
- Author
- Joseph Epstein
Description
A look at the delights—and dangers—of gossip, from a New York Times–bestselling, “erudite writer, gifted with rare insight and a wry sense of humor” (USA Today). Gossip is no trivial matter. In this enlightening and entertaining study, the author of Snobbery takes a look at a human activity that may be looked down upon, but nevertheless plays a persistent role in our society—and therefore, must be taken seriously. Joseph Epstein, who admits to indulging in this activity himself from time to time, serves up mini-biographies of history’s famous gossips, and makes a powerful case that gossip has morphed from its old-fashioned best—clever, mocking, a great private pleasure—to a corrosive, destructive new version, thanks to the reach of the mass media and the Internet. This is an erudite and witty read from “a master observer of humanity’s foibles” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). “Epstein defines categories of gossip, from personal to celebrity, workplace, and political, and discusses how gossip ‘enforces a community’s norms’ or, conversely, helps foster tolerance. . . . In his briskly erudite, zestfully original, and provokingly enjoyable anatomy of gossip, Epstein revels in the risky collusion of gossip within shared worlds and resoundingly condemns media-disseminated gossip that diminishes our ability to ascertain or value the truth.” —Booklist
Get the book
Other editions
Similar books
-
Winchell: Gossip, Power and the Culture of Celebrity
By Neal GablerThe New York Times ' Harrison Salisbury said , “ It was all we could do to keep up with him . ” Though sixty - three , Walter stayed up until five each morning , asking questions of the press and conducting interviews with officials .
-
Gossip from the Forest: The Tangled Roots of Our Forests and Fairytales
By Sara MaitlandA magical exploration of the ancient landscape of forests and the ancient genre of fairytales, drawing fascinating and surprising connections between the two, by the author of the bestselling A Book Of Silence
-
Gossip Girl 7: Nobody Does It Better
By Cecily von ZiegesarThe uptown girls are headed downtown as Serena and Jenny take on their new fabulous roles as rock-star model girlfriends of New York's hottest band, The Raves.
-
Gossip Girl, Psycho Killer
By Cecily von ZiegesarJust as in the original story, Serena returns from boarding school hoping to make amends with her BFF Blair Waldorf--things just haven't been the same since Nate Archibald came between them.
-
30 Days of No Gossip
By Stephanie FarisPriding herself on being a leading source of secret information at her school, Maddie is challenged by her embarrassed best friend to avoid gossiping for an entire month or forfeit their friendship, a test that is complicated by Maddie's ...
-
Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue
By Matthew C. MitchellBut what does God say about gossip? In Resisting Gossip, Pastor Matt Mitchell not only outlines the scriptural warnings against gossip, but also demonstrates how the truth of the gospel can deliver believers from this temptation.
-
Gossip Girl #2: You Know You Love Me: A Gossip Girl Novel
By Cecily von ZiegesarThe wickedly funny second book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series that inspired the original hit CW show and the new series coming to HBO Max's Spring 2020 launch season (alongside hit series such as Pretty Little Liars and ...
-
Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language
By Robin Ian MacDonald DunbarHere, the author examines gossip as a form of 'verbal grooming', and as a means of strengthening relationships.
-
Gossip and Gender: Othering of Speech in the Pastoral Epistles
By Marianne Bjelland KartzowThis book suggests that gossip can be used as an interpretive key to understand more of early Christian identity and theology.
-
No Gossip Zone
By Sam ChapmanFor the last two years, Jackie has worked nonstop trying to make her company a success, but lately she has been relying more on Lucy and Maggie, her marketing gurus and right-hand associates. In return, Lucy and Maggie have been putting ...