English Literature: May 2007 Archives
As "The Simpsons" - the longest-lasting comedy of any kind in prime-time TV history, surpassing "My Three Sons," "M*A*S*H," "Happy Days" and "Cheers" - airs its 400th episode, Julian Gough argues in the May 2007 Prospect Magazine issue that the modern literary novel should "steal from 'The Simpsons,' not Henry James." The literary novel, according to Gough, has "gone late Roman" not only for its overindulgence in tragedy and not comedy, but also because the literary novel has lost contact with what made it vital - mass audiences.
In his article, Josh Getlin of the Los Angeles Times comments on the seeming shifting balance regarding book reviews published in mainstream press and online literary blogs, noting that as print newspapers begin cutting or resizing their book review sections, literary blogs are keeping the discussion about the book publishing industry alive and churning.