Philip C-G's book slated

[mwyalchen]

Philip Carr-Gomm's new book, "A Brief History of Nakedness" has been absolutely slated in the Observer today. It's a thoroughly nasty review, which goes out of it's way to disparage hin personally, also having several swipes at Druidry and Wicca on the way.

Sufficiently so that Philip Carr-Gomm has taken the trouble to reply. So far, all the comments are against the review - but there aren't many yet. Need I say more?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/ma ... f-comments

I've had a look at the book. Not something I'm likely to buy, but it's a much better piece of work than this shoddy review claims.

[Bracken]

I'd be too embarrassed to even post that sort of review where people could see it. I mean, if you're going to criticise someone's work, at least do a good job. Having the gall in this day and age to attack a person with regards to their (imagined) physical condition, their body, is just cringe-worthy. I think PCG came across well in his reply.

[Astrid]

HAHA i must admit i didnt read the whole review as I felt to embarresed on behalf of the author

Seems to me that the author feels treathned by the book... which he shouldnt as books - as mere object - are known to have quite peachfull nature... Counting out the occaisonal self defence papercuts of course

[Druid Faqir]

A very short review of this review:
The opening paragraph is pure nonsense and the phrase "orgiastic pagan deities" reaks as if infestd with inquisitorial indoctrination. Now, I've never before come across the word "vanpid", but I suspect it's no compliment. And this:

"I suppose the suburban witches with whom he cabbalistically cavorted in the woods were not quite so nice to sniff."

What's the Kabbalah have to do with nudity anyway? And that's just one aspect of it. I must confess I laughed my eyes out, not because i agree with any of it ('cause I don't0 but because of the acid carelessness and blind irony with which it is written.
The End

[Cosmic Ash]

That was a horrible review, but I think it's fairly obvious that it's not a review of the book, just the reviewer's reaction to its title and nudity in general. He really has some problems!
That said, this bit made me smile

Carr-Gomm's book may lack ideas, but it certainly contains too much information.

[EarthWard]

I am not sure if I believe that is Philip replying in the post but somebody else using his name.

[Bracken]

I am not sure if I believe that is Philip replying in the post but somebody else using his name.

I'm sure it's Philip, Earthward.
See HERE.

[Blaiddwen]

Now that I've reviewed Conrad's review, I say consider the source. Now I know that I'd rather not read or listen to Conrad on any topic, trying to make a prolix insult pass as a review, is to insult his readers.

[EarthWard]

I am not sure if I believe that is Philip replying in the post but somebody else using his name.

I'm sure it's Philip, Earthward.
See HERE.

I see. Thanks.

[Explorer]

I don't know if the review is only 'bad', I sometimes hear that there is no such thing as bad publicity.
My first thought after reading it was: "wow, that all sounds pretty interesting, I want that book!".

[Bracken]

I don't know if the review is only 'bad', I sometimes hear that there is no such thing as bad publicity.
My first thought after reading it was: "wow, that all sounds pretty interesting, I want that book!".

Yep. I went down to my local library yesterday and ordered a copy in.

[Explorer]

I don't know if the review is only 'bad', I sometimes hear that there is no such thing as bad publicity.
My first thought after reading it was: "wow, that all sounds pretty interesting, I want that book!".

Yep. I went down to my local library yesterday and ordered a copy in.

hahaha. Lets just hope that it is not as pornographic and explicit as that review suggests

[Astrid]

I don't know if the review is only 'bad', I sometimes hear that there is no such thing as bad publicity.
My first thought after reading it was: "wow, that all sounds pretty interesting, I want that book!".

Yep. I went down to my local library yesterday and ordered a copy in.

hahaha. Lets just hope that it is not as pornographic and explicit as that review suggests

what do you mean?I hope that it is!

[cursuswalker]

A disgusting review from a narrow-minded bigot who should be working for the Daily Mail.

[Womble]

I think that review says an awful lot about it's Conrad. He seems to be very insecure and uncomfortable in his own flesh, in order to write such uninformed claptrap.

(In my humble opinion, of course )

[Dragonwyst]

I find it astounding that that tripe can be published and referred to as a review! The litererary sides of the newspapers sink to new lows (news and gossip are already at the bottom). However, as said, nothing like a good dose of controversy and outrage to sell a book! congratulations Philip. Looks like you're bang on spot with a winner there. Milk it for what it's worth, I say.

[Bracken]

By the way, I'm reading this now and I think it's great; very interesting, scholarly (of course) but accessible. I'm about half way through and I think it's real food for thought and totally entertaining.

[Dendrias]

Don't forget to write a review!

[Jake]

By the way, I'm reading this now and I think it's great; very interesting, scholarly (of course) but accessible. I'm about half way through and I think it's real food for thought and totally entertaining.

I just got my copy the other day and I agree (though I'm only on chapter 2). Very interesting and enjoyable!

[starbird]

I'm currently reading this book. I think some of the extreme negative reviewers, on moral grounds should seriously consider undergoing a course of therapy ! There unhealthy!
At the beginning the book states humorously ' don't read any further and wherever you are take your clothes off!' ( or something similar ). Ha Ha ha, !
But the book has a very imortant and serious message which has not until now been looked into enough, the chapter on religion and Christian attitudes towards nudity are particularly worth a look at! More work needs to be done in this area!
But hey, read the book and make your own mind up!

Starbird :