Monty Python and Philosophy: Nudge Nudge, Think Think! (Popular Culture and Philosophy) by Gary L. Hardcastle, George A. Reisch Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Monty Python and Philosophy: Nudge Nudge, Think Think! (Popular Culture and Philosophy)
Book Review: Thinking and Laughing, Laughing and Thinking
Summary: 4 Stars
Continuing their great series on Popular Culture and Philosophy, the assembled contributors look towards one of the great sources of laughter - Monthy Python. Python is one of those shows/movies that can be viewed on many levels, as these authors show, disentangling philosophical lessons and examples from the work of the British comedians. Wonderfully, the chapters draw upon numerous different areas of the Phython's work for examples, from the earliest moments of their first television broadcast to their last movie together. Unlike other volumes that have looked at more limited source materials (one film for the Matrix and Philosophy, and 6 films for Star Wars and Philosophy) there is a greater spread of the work examined, showing some alternative meanings in much of the work done by the troupe.
The first part of the book follows the successful formula of the series by looking at a variety of examples to reflect philosophical meaning and examples in the work of Monty Python. The second part is a new direction for the series, and delves into philosophical aspects of the Python's work, and then in the third section reverses the mirror and looks at the Pythonic aspects of philosophy or trying to show how some aspects of philosophy can be viewed in a Pythonian way. It is here that the book starts to slow down. These essays admirably look at philosophical themes and how they are reflected in Python's work, using small snippets of Python to illustrate points. These essays delve deeper into philosophical writings than those in the earlier section and are tougher to get through. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing - philosophy should make us think. Finally, the third section with Pythonian aspects of Philosophy tries to launch into areas of philosophy and show some strands to be seemingly silly and python-esque and read much more like an essay you would find in a philosophical publication, not as much a book on popular culture and philosophy. However, if you are more serious into philosophy, I believe that you may enjoy these areas.
Overall the series continues to move along, and with so much of Python's work left unexamined, one can hope that there might be a second volume to continue on these philosophical themes.
Book Review: Brilliantly conceived and wonderfully executed
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful collection of philosophical essays relating to Monty Python. It appeals to fans of the Pythons, but also philosophers of every stripe --essays range from analytical 20th century philosophy to Buddhism and all points in between. Well done!
Some of the other reviews here at Amazon, almost read like Python sketches. Totally nonsequitur! Let me add my own irrelevant comment: In addition to the terrible treatment of Richard Pryor herein, one wonders why there is almost no mention of Eskimo people in the text. Why do the authors hate the Eskimos? The book is an outrage to all decency! Etc. etc...
Book Review: I think this book is indeed taking SERIOUS advantage of the late Richard Pryor
Summary: 1 Stars
I am not sure but I believe the part in the book about Pryor being influenced by Monty Python was written only AFTER Pryor died late last year. I have been everywhere on Google trying to find evidence of Pryor being influenced by Python and could find none. RichardPryor.com shows no evidence of this alleged influence. I believe the writers of this book just included that in to make Python sound more influential than it really was and to appeal to african-americans more too. I believe the book's statement on Mr. Pryor to be totally false!
And to the poster named Spiney. I am not kidding at all when I say I believe the book is indeed taking bad advantage of a dead celebrity in a vain attempt to appeal to african-americans.
Book Review: Philosophy for all who enjoy philosophizing
Summary: 5 Stars
"Monty Python and Philosophy" is yet another addition to the excellent Open Court Series that introduces the non-philosopher to philosophy while giving those trained in the field something to smile about. Hardcastle and Reisch have done an excellent job collecting essays from philosophers around the country who see Monty Python as a breakthrough in conventional thinking. The collection is well rounded and informative and will be enjoyed by those who are familiar with Monty Python as well as those who always wondered what the fuzz was all about.Book Review: Overrates Monty Python's importance way too much
Summary: 1 Stars
This book claims that Monty Python inspired SNL (Saturday Night Live). Only slightly true. SNL's biggest inspiration was Rowan and Martin's Laugh In and even the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (both from before 1969 when Python started). Also, book claims Python inspired comedian Richard Pryor. Huh? Pryor had his own succesful comedy routine in the 1960's before 1969. Also, this book talks about not everyone liking Python as though those that don't are few in number. Probably more folks in the USA over 12 years of age don't like Python than do.