Conversation: How Talk Can Change Our Lives [Hardcover]

Theodore Zeldin (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

The book that will forever change the way we talk to each other at home, at work and in love

Do you want better conversations with your lover, your colleagues at work, your family, friends or strangers, or yourself? Conversation explains what kind of talk charmed and excited people in the past, and why we talk differently today. It explores the art and the history of conversation and how it can be the key to a happier, more interesting future. It shows how women have changed the ways lovers speak, how families avoid silence or boredom, how your work can damage or improve the way you converse, and what role there is for the tongue-tied and shy. This book will enable you to see more clearly what you want to talk about, and what conversation can do to your life.

Conversation began as a series of talks broadcast on the BBC. They proved to be so popular that they were recently published in book form to great success in Britain and throughout Europe.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Despite the lamentations of intellectual gadflies who long for the salons of yore, the art of conversation isn't deadDit's merely inert, waiting for enthusiasm to nudge it from slumber, according to Zeldin (An Intimate History of Humanity), former dean of St. Antony's College, Oxford, and member of the BBC Brains Trust. Aiming to spark a true dialogue (to the extent it can be achieved in print), he delves briefly into a history of conversation, citing courtesans who used wit for wooing and Bible passages that encourage inviting strangers in for dinner. From there, Zeldin champions using conversation to boost personal enrichment, political momentum and general stimulation. His accompanying 36 b&w illustrationsDRorschach-like squiggles of paint meant to represent concepts like "first impressions" or "family tradition"Ddo little to evoke their designated subjects, but provide an aesthetically pleasing counterpoint to his witty, erudite and persuasive invitation to social intercourse. But even within the confines of so short a work, Zeldin's charms wear thin as he harps on the same lovely and well-tuned note. Less an exploration of how we can talk with one another and more a long discourse on why we should, this slim volume will find many admirers as the perfect bread-and-butter gift. Agent, Andrew Nurnberg (U.K.). (Oct.) Forecast: As the lead title on Hidden Spring's first list, this elegant hardcover will benefit from the new house's launch efforts, including a six-copy counter display, online promotion, a targeted mailing to Oxford University alumni in the U.S. and a direct-mail campaign to book buyers. With a 20,000 first printing and a $30,000 ad/promo budget, an author tour and a 20-city morning drive radio satellite tour, conversation about this book will be in the air.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A meditation on how this graceful dying art might help us evolve. Theodore Zeldin's tone is exuberant. -- Los Angeles Times Book Review

His illustrations--colorful alien botanicals--are intricate, a bit strange yet engaging, much like his ideas. -- The Dallas Morning News

In this delightful book, Theodore Zeldin shows us how to converse better and enjoy it more. -- Arie de Geus, bestselling author of The Living Company, board member of MIT's Center for Organizational Learning and inventor of 'The Learning Society' concept

It makes one think about conversation in a completely new light. -- Roger Gorman, Grammy Award-winning graphic designer

One of the more stimulating and provocative titles I've encountered this season. -- NAPRA ReView

“A brilliant mini-treatise on why and how we talk to one another.” -- Sunday Times, London

“Brilliant, a little reserved, ready with paradox…Zeldin asks embarrassing questions.” -- Madame Figaro (Paris)

“Erudite and funny.” -- Der Spiegel (Hamburg)

“Zeldin is one of the forty world figures whose ideas are likely to have a lasting relevance to the new millennium.” -- Independent on Sunday (London)

“Zeldin is one of the hundred most important thinkers in the world.” -- Magazine Litteraire (Paris)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: HiddenSpring; 1 edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587680009
• ISBN-13: 978-1587680007
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #438,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed the book and the NPR radio show as well November 15, 2000

By Mesmer

Format:Hardcover

Zeldin explains his intentions of writing this book to stimulate conversion. It certainly has done this in my life. I have discussed this book with people who have not read it. Passionate conversation has resulted.

I have learned quite a bit about myself from this book. For example, I learned I am an elocutionist. Zeldin points out in a historic account that elocutionists focus more on the form (proper grammar/style) rather than depth in conversation. I may now overcome some prejudices I have when people fall out of form.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating ideas he presents is that conversation with like minded people can become boring. Upon learning this I went straight to someone with conflicting views and had an argument with them. The emotions that came from that conversation were overwhelming and appreciated by both of us. I have the book to thank for this.

36 prints of artwork that are similar to what you see on the cover are contained within the pages. I also have enjoyed discussing this art with people.

The book fulfills its promise to stimulate conversation. I highly recommend this quick read to anyone interested in the dynamics of conversation, even if you are shy or quiet.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars disappointing lack of practical suggestions May 21, 2001

By Ellen Etc. VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

This is a beautifully produced small hardcover on glossy paper to include the author's provocative marbleized drawings. The author was described by the Independent on Sunday (London) as "one of the forty world figures whose iseas are likely to have a lasting relevance to the new millennium," and is a member of the BBC Brains Trust, the British Academy, and the European Academy. So what's the problem? Maybe I'm just not smart enough to get it, but this book seemed insubstantial to me. "We need a new conversation," Zeldin repeats, new ways of talking with each other within and about work, love, technology, family, but the proposals and examples never come. He's studied conversation, and had innumerable conversations with people all over the world, but how would one characterize these as "new" or "old"? Unfortunately, the book does not live up to the promise of its subtitle.

The final chapter, "How Conversation Encourages the Meeting of Minds," on providing hospitality to strangers to enrich the family dialogue, and the 36 conversational topics at the end, were the most practical of the book. But a book I had looked forward to giving as a gift fell short of my hopes for stimulating thought and community through conversation.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars better than I expected November 25, 2002

By Yvonne Caruthers

Format:Hardcover

I heard about this book on an old radio interview with the author, Mr. Zeldin. I was impressed enough to buy the book. I think the ideas in the book are way ahead of our times, which is why I'd like to recommend it to everyone. It's a fast read, you can get through it in an afternoon easily. But the ideas are as profound as those in A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I'm sure I'll read this book over and over at odd times.