Humiliation is not, of course, unique to writers. However, the world of letters does seem to offer a near-perfect micro-climate for embarrassment and shame. There is something about the conjunction of high-mindedness and low income that is inherently comic; something about the very idea of deeply private thoughts -- carefully worked and honed into art over the years -- being presented to a public audience of dubious strangers, that strays perilously close to tragedy. These seventy contributions prove it is possible to reverse Auden's dictum: that art is born out of humiliation.
Industry Reviews
"As simple as Schott's Original Miscellany and equally effective."--Literary Review "Full of the most achingly funny, endearing accounts of total humiliation."--Daily Mail (London) "Robertson keeps the atmosphere light throughout, tagging delightful epigraphs onto every reminiscence."--Philadelphia Inquirer "Entertaining reading. This is a jolly romp and will make a good stocking-filler for any authors of your acquaintance."--Sunday Times (London) Robertson keeps the atmosphere light throughout, tagging delightful epigraphs onto every reminiscence. --Philadelphia Inquirer" Entertaining reading. This is a jolly romp and will make a good stocking-filler for any authors of your acquaintance. --Sunday Times (London)" As simple as Schott s Original Miscellany and equally effective. --Literary Review" Full of the most achingly funny, endearing accounts of total humiliation. --Daily Mail (London)" -Robertson keeps the atmosphere light throughout, tagging delightful epigraphs onto every reminiscence.---Philadelphia Inquirer -Entertaining reading. This is a jolly romp and will make a good stocking-filler for any authors of your acquaintance.---Sunday Times (London) -As simple as Schott's Original Miscellany and equally effective.---Literary Review -Full of the most achingly funny, endearing accounts of total humiliation.---Daily Mail (London)