Which American writers, film makers etc, have given the most insightful accounts of British life, and vice versa? And which have missed it completely?
I'm referring to everything from tiny linguistic points, like the English duke who tells his servant to "Fix me a scotch" to the most profound, society-wide ideas. These can be positive or negative views - the whole point of criticism is understanding.
For example, I think Ludlum's England is pure Disneyland, all aristocrats and fogs and loyal monarchy-loving "cor strike a light" Cockneys.
Alison Lurie in Foreign Affairs seemed to be onto something, though.
James Hadley Chases's books turn into farce every time the "Americans" talk - he just hasn't got the rhythm of American speech. In fact, most British emulators of the hardboiled crime school think that just putting in loads of violence will do it - wrong!
2006-10-25
21:10:28
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3 answers
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Anonymous
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Books & Authors