All Ears

17,38 $

“All Ears” by Michael Holden: A Hilarious Journey Through London’s Overheard Conversations Delve into the captivating world of everyday conversations with Michael Holden’s “All Ears,” a humorous exploration of eavesdropping in London. Published in 2007, this hardcover captures the city’s vibrant atmosphere through snippets of overheard dialogues, revealing the unexpected wit and quirkiness of its inhabitants. Inspired by Holden’s popular Guardian column, “All Ears” presents a collection of these “stolen dialogues” alongside new, previously unpublished material. The book is beautifully enhanced by Andy Watt’s iconic illustrations, which bring the conversations to life with vibrant imagery and character. Adding a unique layer to the reading experience, each dialogue is accompanied by a description of the setting and also contains a map of the location each conversation took place, enriching the reader’s understanding of the dialogues. More than just a funny collection of conversations, “All Ears” offers a fresh and insightful look at contemporary urban life. Holden’s sharp ear captures the nuances of human interaction, offering a glimpse into the lives and minds of everyday Londoners. Perfect for anyone who appreciates witty writing, keen observations, and the amusing realities of city life.

In stock

Description

Product Description As the author of All Ears will freely admit, theres nothing dignified about listening to other peoples conversations, especially if these are thrust upon us as we stand in crowded London bus, packed sardine-style with complete strangers shouting into their mobile phones. No one, however, has ever attempted to raise eavesdropping to an art form, or recognize what verbal gems are being thrown around us every minute of our waking urban existence. Gathered for the first time in a volume, and accompanied by Andy Watts iconic illustrations, are Michael Holdens hit “stolen dialogues,” which readers of the Saturday Guardianwhere they were serialized since April 2005will immediately recognize. The locations varyranging from Scotland to the South Coastbut the focus is on the teeming city of London, with its noisy and multifarious inhabitants, directly presented here in all its quirkiness, showing how unusual and unscriptable everyday conversation can at times be. The book includes previously unpublished vignettes,15 color illustrations by Andy Watt, scene-setting descriptions for each dialogue, and a map identifying the location of each conversation. Review “I started as a casual reader, but now Im hooked, and regularly turn to it first. Im fascinated, actually. What Id like to know (and I wouldnt give this away) is how much of it is genuine vox pop and how much is invented or tailored. Either way, its so much fresher and more redolent of the way we live now than almost anything written by our leading dramatists.” Andrew Davies, screenplay writer, Bridget Joness Diary, Middlemarch, and Pride and Prejudice”Oh, my God!! Don’t buy this book! It looks subversive and insultingand smelly. You’d never get it off your clothes if you picked it up.” Ralph Steadman, caricaturist,Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas About the Author Michael Holden works as writer and journalist. All Ears is his first book.

Uncover the Hilarious and Unscripted World of Everyday Conversations with Michael Holden's "All Ears" Dive into the wonderfully quirky and surprisingly profound world of overheard conversations with Michael Holden's "All Ears." This captivating hardcover, published by Alma Books in 2007, transforms the seemingly mundane act of eavesdropping into a unique and insightful art form. Forget dry observations Holden captures the very essence of contemporary London life, presenting it raw, unfiltered, and utterly hilarious. "All Ears" isn't just a collection of stolen snippets; it's a vibrant snapshot of a bustling metropolis and its diverse inhabitants. Drawing from Holden's popular "stolen dialogues" originally serialized in the Saturday Guardian since April 2005, this book brings together the best of his ear-to-the-ground observations, supplemented with previously unpublished vignettes, offering a richer and more immersive experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. Prepare to be amused and amazed by the sheer unscriptable nature of real-life interactions. Holdens keen ear picks up the verbal gems that often go unnoticed, revealing the humor, pathos, and unexpected wisdom hidden within the everyday chatter of Londoners. From the mundane to the absurd, each dialogue offers a glimpse into the lives, thoughts, and preoccupations of the people around us. But "All Ears" is more than just a collection of conversations. It's a carefully curated experience, enhanced by Andy Watts delightful and iconic color illustrations. Watt's artwork perfectly complements Holden's witty prose, bringing the stolen dialogues to life with vibrant imagery and a touch of playful irreverence. Adding another layer of depth, scene-setting descriptions accompany each dialogue, providing context and enriching the reader's understanding of the setting and the characters involved. A map pinpointing the locations where each conversation was overheard further enhances the reader's journey through the soundscape of London. Why is this book so captivating? As Andrew Davies, the acclaimed screenwriter behind "Bridget Joness Diary," "Middlemarch," and "Pride and Prejudice," puts it, "I started as a casual reader, but now Im hooked, and regularly turn to it first. Im fascinated, actually its so much fresher and more redolent of the way we live now than almost anything written by our leading dramatists." This isn't just fiction; it's a reflection of reality, capturing the zeitgeist of our times with unparalleled accuracy and wit. Whether you're a Londoner yourself, a lover of language, or simply someone who appreciates a good laugh, "All Ears" is a must-read. It's a celebration of the human voice, a testament to the power of observation, and a reminder that the most fascinating stories are often found in the most unexpected places. About the Author: Michael Holden, a seasoned writer and journalist, brings his sharp wit and keen observational skills to "All Ears," his debut book. His background in journalism has honed his ability to capture the nuances of human interaction and present them in a compelling and entertaining way. Don't miss out on this unique and hilarious literary gem. Order your copy of "All Ears" today and prepare to be captivated by the secret lives of Londoners!
Additional information
Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

1846880386

ISBN-13

9781846880384

Language

Pages

191

Publisher

Year published

Weight

615

Dewey decimal

082

SKU: G-9781846880384-3 Categories: , ,
Updating…
  • No products in the cart.