Conversation (Hardcover)

Theodore Zeldin is that rare person, a genuine intellectual who none the less understands the mass media and who possesses the curiosity to connect with and elucidate ordinary people’s lives. Conversation brings his central theme – that conversation is essential to our development as civilised human beings – into sharp focus. Born out of the huge listener response to his lecture series on Radio 4, this unique manifesto alters our perceptions and practices of conversation. It is both a sourcebook of ideas about what conversation is and a provocative manual or ‘game’ for improving how we talk to one another. Illustrated with Zeldin’s own distinctive and original paintings, which provide a commentary on his theme, Conversation is a fascinating insight into human behaviour from a wise and charming observer. It demonstrates, in an accessible way, the means by which just talking and listening to others can improve our lives.