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A Newer Testament: Misanthropology Unleashed
Five years after the pioneer work of its genre, Misanthropology: A Florilegium of Bahumbuggery, the tradition continues, now amplified and matured. A Newer Testament: Misanthropology Unleashed is a satirical collage wherein cultural standards are fair game for challenge and fresh perspective. The tone, however, is one of adventure rather than argument, with venues in California, Alabama, Pluto and Arcturus. Syntax is experimental and style is colorful, with a decidedly retro savor. Structured as Conversation, Pontification, and simply Commentary, topics include robotics, ethics, theology, Marxism, reverse psychology, caste, cosmology, and consciousness. Traditional religion and class prerogative in particular are affectionately roasted throughout these irreverent pages.
198 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 22, 2015
I received a copy of this book from a giveaway I won on LibraryThing.com and the following is my honest opinion for this book.
As a Book Reviewer with over 80 books under my belt [with the VAST MAJORITY having been done since August/September of last year] I've learned how to approach the various genres of books I've reviewed, from children's books all the way up to erotica, with one book which might be construed as being "smut."
In reading "A Newer Testament - Misanthrology Unleashed" I noticed the zany, "planned" chaotic manner of the writing. I read this particular book twice. The first read had been to get the "feel" of the book; the second had been more for its contents.
To begin with none of the book has been written in any sort of "traditional" manner, for example the first four items of book consists of precisely what this section of the book states, "CONVERSATIONS." There is no narrative written whatsoever instead you get a chorus taking its place. In this section you get, for example, you have an operatic retelling of the OJ trail, as if there hasn't been enough of rehashing of it already; with somewhat outrageous, and highly opinionated remarks of such topics as race and the right to have free speech.
Here in this section there is an outrageous fictitious trial of L. Frank Baum [wizard of Oz fame] for having written editorial which had been supporting genocide.
This is only of same of what awaits you as you read this book for which I'm crazy but still sane enough to give 4 STARS.
As a Book Reviewer with over 80 books under my belt [with the VAST MAJORITY having been done since August/September of last year] I've learned how to approach the various genres of books I've reviewed, from children's books all the way up to erotica, with one book which might be construed as being "smut."
In reading "A Newer Testament - Misanthrology Unleashed" I noticed the zany, "planned" chaotic manner of the writing. I read this particular book twice. The first read had been to get the "feel" of the book; the second had been more for its contents.
To begin with none of the book has been written in any sort of "traditional" manner, for example the first four items of book consists of precisely what this section of the book states, "CONVERSATIONS." There is no narrative written whatsoever instead you get a chorus taking its place. In this section you get, for example, you have an operatic retelling of the OJ trail, as if there hasn't been enough of rehashing of it already; with somewhat outrageous, and highly opinionated remarks of such topics as race and the right to have free speech.
Here in this section there is an outrageous fictitious trial of L. Frank Baum [wizard of Oz fame] for having written editorial which had been supporting genocide.
This is only of same of what awaits you as you read this book for which I'm crazy but still sane enough to give 4 STARS.
May 8, 2013
I received this book from the author as a Member Giveaway at LibraryThing and was intrigued by the number of negative reviews there and at goodreads, I mean just how bad can it be?
In truth it is not bad at all, and in parts it is really very good.
The satirical essays in series are all very different, some similar in style to Spike Milligan's, others as if written by the bastard offspring of William Burroughs and Stephen Fry (now there's a thought), still others veering from banal, repetitive humour to high intellect using reference points way beyond my level of knowledge or ability to comprehend. Something for everyone then.
There are some memorable passages such as a court room drama lampooning bare faced prejudice, and a poignant defence of reverse psychology referencing the controversial work of L. Frank Baum which I found fascinating and educational.
Each of the essays, even those which are often otherwise incomprehensible, contain brilliant moments of humour, often just a cutting or descriptive 'one liner'.
After all is read and done, I am pleased to have made acquaintance with this book.
In truth it is not bad at all, and in parts it is really very good.
The satirical essays in series are all very different, some similar in style to Spike Milligan's, others as if written by the bastard offspring of William Burroughs and Stephen Fry (now there's a thought), still others veering from banal, repetitive humour to high intellect using reference points way beyond my level of knowledge or ability to comprehend. Something for everyone then.
There are some memorable passages such as a court room drama lampooning bare faced prejudice, and a poignant defence of reverse psychology referencing the controversial work of L. Frank Baum which I found fascinating and educational.
Each of the essays, even those which are often otherwise incomprehensible, contain brilliant moments of humour, often just a cutting or descriptive 'one liner'.
After all is read and done, I am pleased to have made acquaintance with this book.
February 12, 2015
A few short stories that feel like a foreign film interpreted by Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, but with a some witty, twisted phrases. Then some decent traditional satire.
June 6, 2016
A Newer Testament: Misanthropology Unleashed by Reneau H Reneau is a jumbled mess of sometimes humorous and sometimes asinine attempts at intelligent (or pseudo-intelligent, just as likely an option) gibberish. It isn't that it makes no sense, it just isn't worth making sense from. There are some fun passages but they tend to get buried under the writer's strain to be clever.
If you don't mind reading a short easy to read book for the small portions of humor I think this might well be worth your time. I didn't dislike it, I wasn't baffled by it, I just found it a bit too strained in its attempts at sounding both clever and funny. Borderline juvenile at times but that was not too bad.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing.
If you don't mind reading a short easy to read book for the small portions of humor I think this might well be worth your time. I didn't dislike it, I wasn't baffled by it, I just found it a bit too strained in its attempts at sounding both clever and funny. Borderline juvenile at times but that was not too bad.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing.
February 23, 2018
The true definition of a page turner, I was unable to put this down until I had read it from cover to cover. This is a book that will no doubt divide people, but I for one will ruminate over the ideas presented in this wonderful book for many a month to come.
Truly an insightful and thought provoking book that anyone who ignores should do so at their own peril. I do not wish to mention too much of the content for fear of depriving anyone of the joy of discovery, but I shall say this: If you read it as I have, you will enjoy it to no end!
Truly an insightful and thought provoking book that anyone who ignores should do so at their own peril. I do not wish to mention too much of the content for fear of depriving anyone of the joy of discovery, but I shall say this: If you read it as I have, you will enjoy it to no end!
January 21, 2014
This might be a book I have to have explained to me. Every time I thought I knew what was going on I'd lose it.....I also didn't "get it". I have a feeling this is way above my head! (or beneath? I can't tell)
December 17, 2009
I made an attempt to read this book & I really tried. I read the first 19 pages and felt as if I was reading something that a schizophrenic person wrote. I could not get into it and completely did not get it at all.
March 7, 2014
I really really tried to read this book but when you have to re-read and still not understand what it is you are reading it is time to throw in the towel. My apologies to the author but I just didn't get it. I received this from LibraryThing Members Giveaway for an honest review.
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April 14, 2019A Newer Testament proved to be too much for me.
I can sort of see what the author was going for, but in the end I had to request clarifications for everything in this book, and even with those I couldn’t follow the logic.
I received a copy through Librarything giveaway.
I can sort of see what the author was going for, but in the end I had to request clarifications for everything in this book, and even with those I couldn’t follow the logic.
I received a copy through Librarything giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews