Paul Johnson is one of my favorite historians. He writes clear, insightful books without the trappings of theory and Freudian analysis. In Creators Johnson explores the lives of great writers and artists. In a series of pithy essays, Johnson shows how they overcome their problems and created great works of art. Included in this volume are pieces on Chaucer, Durer, Shakespeare, Bach, Tiffany, Austen, Eliot, Wagner, Hugo, Verdi, Dickens, Blenciaga, Dior, Picasso, and Disney. I found reading this book a delight. GRADE: A
I read his book, INTELLECTUALS, many years ago. Cant’ remember any specifics, but I do recall Johnson being amusingly caustic and disrespectful.
Paul Johnson is amusingly caustic and disrespectful in CREATORS, too. Johnson is a quirky historian, but I like his unconventional insights.