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Dr Alistair Brown | Associate lecturer in English Literature; researching video games and literature

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Through exploring the psychopathology of Capgras syndrome, in which a patient mistakes a loved one for an imposter, The Echo Maker offers a sustained meditation on the ways in which we project our own problems onto other people. As a reflection on the mysteries of consciousness, the novel offers some interesting if not especially new insights into the fuzzy boundaries between scientific and literary interpretations of the mind. Read more


What is the Difference Between British and French Politics?

Wednesday, January 06, 2010


The answer, it seems, should be quite dispiriting for a Brit, and quite pleasing for a Francophile.

In Britain, when Prime Minister Gordon Brown wants to boost his approval ratings, he broadcasts trite tributes to an ageing, if popular, radio presenter. In France, by contrast, Nikolas Sarkozy aims to increase his popularity by interring Albert Camus in the Panthéon. Two nations separated by 25 miles of sea, and a gulf of taste: Gordon Brown has loved listening to Sir Terry along with a million builders; his opposite number across the Channel reads existential philosophy to please his classy compatriots.

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Posted by Alistair at 8:49 pm

1 Comments:

Blogger James said...

It probably goes back to the difference between Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington.

The irony is that we Americans think you Brits are far more intelligent and sophisticated than we are. That's how stupid WE are.

Since only about .001 percent of Americans speak French well enough to know what the French are actually saying and doing, we judge them to be a nation of chefs and wine connoisseurs, and we think Albert Kay Muss is a French dessert.

If Napoleon had only invaded England instead of Russia ....

6:25 am  

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