Customer Reviews

Generation of Vipers

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Back in 1968, I read Vipers and was blown away. I wrote Mr. Wylie a letter about how much I liked the book and how my own life was moving toward rebellion. I never expected to hear from the author, but I did. He wrote back saying that the publication of Vipers had ruined his life and his family's, especially his daughter's. He disavowed his insights and told me to forget trying to buck "the system."

Nevertheless, it took courage for him to express his views and despite his warning, I followed his lead.

This is not a book; it's more akin to Henry Miller's "gob of spit" or Celine's molitov cocktales. In this rant session, (which is brilliant, on the mark and hilarious) Wylie pulls no punches, bombasting every segment of US society. Yes, this is the same Phillip Wylie who wrote all those spy, adventure, mystery & (eegads!) romance novels! You've gotta read it to believe it!

Reviewing the events of the day as I lay my disturbed head on my pillow, for some reason, "The Generation of Vipers," came to mind. I recalled this book when it was first published, and how impressed I was all those years ago with the courage and insight of Mr.Philip Wylie. I recalled the attacks on so many segments of our society that in my youth I felt were justified.
I immediately searched my collection to see if I still had that book. Strangely, among all the books I have, I immediatly located the book, and in the morning checked it out with the great website, "Amazon.com." from whom I order various books over time.

I know that in re-reading this book, I will not be disappointed and in fact, that the status quo will be equally appropriate as was the state of affairs all those years ago.

I noted at the time that the book was published in 1942, while the country was at War which took an enormous amount of courage. In my edition, there is a forward by Mr. Wylie, dated December 7, 1954, which is very interesting. Informatively, I had first read the 1942 publication, and later aquired the 1955 publicaton.

Since Mr. Wylie has passed away, I must confess that I am tempted at the age of 84, to dissect our status quo as bravely as Mr. Wylie.

There is so much to rip apart, so to speak. Our entire political sysem, how we elect a President, which is highly suspect in these times, elevating a mere politician to "Emperor Status," with perks, such as a flying palace, which in fact is a pink elephant, which is paid for by untold amount of taxpayers. Cunning advisors, speech writers, state of the art teleprompters, spokespersons, etc., to just list a few. In the main, with very few exceptions,both houses of congress are actually representing Special Interests, with their constituents way down on the totem pole, political contributions, an euphemism for "bribery," that is still active, never mind all the talk for reform. Advertising, mostly deceitful, espcially the staged contrived Pharmaceutical commericals, and the tiny unreadable small print in both televison and printed media.
The corporate ownerhip of the public airways and printed media, where we receive manipulated news items. The list is endless.

In second thought, I feel that I am not up to the monumnental task, and hope there is another "Philip Wylie," in our midst to take up the torch and slash away.

Finally, I would recommend that if anyone should read my comments, cast aside for just a little while, all the hype and nonsense, and take the time to read this book, and digest the contents, and when finished, just stop and reflect that we are now living in a society thst is so contrived and manipulated, that the reader just posessing an ounce of native intelligence, would hope for the, "resurrection of Philip Wylie."

It is my belief that Philip Wylie led the way for the Michael Moore's of today.

Finally, I am really looking forward to re-reading, "The Generation of Vipers, and having survived all these years will be able to read and digest every word, and pause every so often and reflect on the horrible charade that passes for what a great democracy should be.

At the time of writing, I am conducting a silent roll call, to see whom among my friends I should order this book as a gift with the hopes that the younger generaion will benefit.

I hope that some big name reviewer would bring this most important book to national attention.

A confirmed skeptic and cynic,

Robert Lyons
Reno, Nevada

I first read this book in eighth grade, stealing it off my father's bookshelf next to the "photography" books. In 1963, this book was 21 years old and still way ahead of its time and simultaneously dated. A great way to learn perspective and curmudgeondry from a logorrheic genius. I keep it low on the shelves, but my 21st century progeny haven't developed the wit to find it. They're too glued to the Nintendo. Oh generation of slugs!

This book should be required reading in every high school . I am amazed that I have never heard about it before . It is one of the most influential books of 20th century USA . The book's intention was to turn the reader into a better person . THIS BOOK IS WORTH EVERY PENNY .

"Generation of Vipers" apparently caused quite a stir when it was published in 1942, and it remains a jarring read even in the new century.

The chapter on sexual mores, "A Specimen American Attitude", in which he seems to favor more loose standards, is a pillar-to-post embarrassment. Christians also cannot embrace Wylie's views of Christ and Christianity set out in the chapter "The Man on the Cross".

That being said, in other chapters, Wylie makes some unbelievably frank and insightful observations about some other aspects of American life. A reviewer below notes that Wylie's life was destroyed by the publication of the book. At age 40, did Wylie think that he'd be feted with champagne and caviar for making many of the observations he made? Apparently, he needed to be reminded of the old saw that, while you can certainly get in trouble in this world by telling lies, you often get into far more trouble by telling impolitic truths.

Wylie's central message is that people should use their short time on this earth putting the moral ahead of the material, trying to become better people instead of only thinking about their bank balance. I was blown away that the book was published over 60 years ago but still, in most places, seems so fresh today. Barring the unforeseen, sadly, "Generation of Vipers" will be just as topical in 2050 or 2100 as it is today or it was back in 1942 when the book was published.

This book is well worth your time if you can separate the wheat from the chaff, ignoring the places where the author is off base, but noting the other places where he is right on target.

In as fewest words possible , I have to praise the author here . An extremely intelligent person with an uncanny perspicacity . The chapter about jesus christ and what he really preached was most memorable . How Philip Wylie knew this even before the dicovery of the gospel of st. thomas is beyond me and shows how smart this man really was (1911 - 1971) . The book's purpose was to "wake you up" from the fugue which you are in from being caught up in the american way of life . If this book causes you to stand back and think , even for a moment , then it has done its duty to you , and you your duty to yourself .

Generation of Vipers was written in 1942? Wow! My copy is an old beat-up pocketbook I found in Chapel Hill NC a few years back. It seemed like it was only written yesterday then and seems the same when I pick it up this morning.

Wylie' vipers were a source of naughty out-loud reading when army buddies (and their wives and girl friends) gathered for a beer bust. The ladies giggled hesitantly when Wylie wrote "--- Madam, are you a good lay?" Now grayed and weary, those still living wil see it as a caricature of morality, wit and sarcasm. The word processors of the '90s turn out cocktail party drivel that is considered chic conversation, replete with all the four-letter words without which chit-chat goes dull and sour. Wylie forsaw that we were decaying in literary acumen. He was right

Wylie is a genius. His prose is explosive, combative and heretical. He inveighs against society, government and the state of man in a hightly entertaining style.