Snark [Paperback]

• An acclaimed and thoughtful author: David Denby has been writing insightful film reviews since the 1970s. Formerly a columnist forThe AtlanticandNew Yorkmagazine, he has been withThe New Yorkerfor the past decade. His nonfiction account of Western literature,Great Books, has been praised for its intelligence and breadth of scope..

• A biting polemic on the cultural tone of today:Snarktells the story of that nasty combination of snide and sarcasm that goes beyond irony and satire to just plain ugliness. Snark erupts from the mouths of politicians and pundits, from bloggers and newscasters, and from comedians too lazy to be truly funny. It’s the cheap shot that hits below the belt. It’s everywhere, and according to Denby, it’s damaging to everyone it touches. .David Denbyhas been film critic and staff writer atThe New Yorkersince 1998; prior to that he was film critic ofNew Yorkmagazine. His reviews and essays have also appeared inThe New Republic,The Atlantic, andThe New York Review of Books. He lives in New York City.