Devil's Advocate - Softcover

Humphrys, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099279657 ISBN 13: 9780099279655

Publisher: Arrow, 2000

Synopsis

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For decades, John Humphrys has been at the beating heart of the BBC's news division.

From the 9 O'Clock News desk to his marathon 32-year stint on the Today Programme, Humphrys has had a remarkable career as a journalist, steering the coverage of stories and issues that have defined multiple generations of British life. If the country has a pulse, John Humphrys is the man whose finger is firmly on it.

In Devil's Advocate, Humphrys draws on his immense experience to detail the huge, sweeping changes that have overtaken Britain during his career. From the thorny geopolitical questions of the UK's relationship with Europe and America to the subtler ways our national social and moral values have changed, Humphrys sees a deep unease at the heart of a divided union, and identifies what truly links us all: consumer populism.

As our lives and media become increasingly commercialised, the fabric of daily life begins to fray and a growing thoughtlessness and even hysteria emerge in public debate. Our children, growing up online, are losing their innocence at an ever-earlier age. In an age when our control over the world seems to be fraying, Humphrys wonders if we've ever had much say in our destination.

A brilliant and incisive analysis of the changing state of Britain from one of the leading lights of BBC journalism.

About this title

Review

John Humphrys has been a journalist since he left school at the age of 15. He is now one of the most respected broadcasters of his generation and his interviews on Radio Four's Today programme are regarded by some as compulsive and compulsory listening. In his debut book, Devil's Advocate, he draws on 40 years of experience to look at the changes that have been happening in Britain and possible future scenarios. The first section of the book is devoted to what he calls "the shoulder-shrugging society" and he doesn't paint a very pretty picture. He argues that the British have lost the concept of shame--an excuse is always found if someone does something wrong; children are losing their innocence at an earlier age; people increasingly think of themselves as victims; they are terribly sentimental, confusing genuine caring with wearing a ribbon; and feeling good is the goal of modern life. So what is to blame for this appalling malaise? Humphrys believes it's "consumer populism"--everything being judged according to its commercial value. The situation is exacerbated by the media, which is also under commercial pressure, and becoming increasingly trivial in a bid to chase the ratings. He doesn't offer any quick-fix solutions to the problems, but encourages readers to dissent and keep questioning the accepted wisdom. This book is very strongly argued and there is plenty to agree and disagree with. It achieves exactly what Humphrys is famous for--stimulating debate. --Carina Trimingham

Review

"One of the most brilliant journalists in the country" (Daily Mail)

"Peerless reporting ... sharp and instructive ... wonderfully acidic about people when he thinks they deserve it" (Observer)

"A national institution" (Sunday Times)

"Playing devil's advocate is the function he performs better than anyone else anywhere ... an excellent and amusing read" (New Statesman)

"Written from the battlefield ... Humphrys has written an important book" (Irish Times)

About this edition

• Publisher: Arrow
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0099279657
• ISBN 13: 9780099279655
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288