In these times

by Bernard Levin

In These Times

Genres: Essays

298 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1986

About the author

Henry Bernard Levin, CBE (London School of Economics, 1952) was described by the London daily The Times as "the most famous journalist of his day". As political correspondent of The Spectator under the pseudonym "Taper", he became "the father of the modern parliamentary sketch," as The Guardian's Simon Hoggart put it. He went on to work as the drama critic for The Daily Express and later The Daily Mail, and appeared regularly on the satirical BBC programme, That Was The Week That Was. He joined The Times as a columnist in 1970, almost immediately provoking controversy and lawsuits, and left when the paper was taken over by Rupert Murdoch.

Reviews

[James Wilson FRHistS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levin was one of the UK's greatest newspaper columnists - able to write on an astonishing variety of subjects, always probing arguments and evidence, and above all an absolute master of the written word. In this collection a few subjects have dated, and perhaps some of Levin's views have too (readers will disagree on which of his views remain valid, which is not bad thing). But there are many other themes covering liberty, art and culture that are of enduring interest, meaning the book is not just of historical interest.

But whether the subjects remain valid, or whether one agrees with Levin's arguments, anyone who appreciates the English language for its own sake is in safe hands here. How many authors today could fashion an article with such craftsmanship?

[Artie LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published in 1986, these pieces of journalism come across with great freshness; many of the issues Levin discusses are stil very current - political correctness, the operation of the law, personal responsibility ...

The writing is very refreshing: reading the first few pieces, I was conscious of my mind ratcheting up a gear, reacting to Levin's brilliant use of the language and vocabulary.

Highly recommended.