The author of more than 20 books, Clive James has tackled a wide-ranging list of subjects in his long writing and broadcasting career. His latest book, Cultural Amnesia (Picador) is a collection of biographical essays of major cultural and historical figures, ordered alphabetically. James writes in his customary witty and insightful fashion about subjects ranging from Louis Armstrong to Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Born in a working-class suburb in Australia, James has resided in England for many years. His career has included work as critic, novelist, essayist, memoirist, poet and TV host. In 1992, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia and in 2003 he was awarded the Philip Hodgins Memorial Medal for Literature. He has received honorary doctorates from the University of Sydney and the University of East Anglia. In April 2008, he received a Special Award for Writing and Broadcasting by the Orwell Prize.
Eleanor Wachtel spoke with Clive James about his new book.
Listen to their conversation here:
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Comments
I have just enjoyed the lovely interview with Clive James. Eleanor Wachtel is a fine interviewer! As always, thank you for such very thoughtful and good programming as CBC radio provides. TW
Posted by: Therese Williams | May 14, 2008 05:39 PM
Superb interview. Great interviewer, and stimulating interviewee - not a combination you find much anymore. I have listened to it after reading Cultural Amnesia, (which I devoured in a couple of weeks): the interview is like getting another couple of free essays :)
I recommend other readers listen.
Posted by: Mark Hubbard | August 14, 2008 06:15 AM
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