The New Dark Ages by James Marriott review
What is it that makes books so magical? The Times columnist somehow forgets to tell us in this lofty polemic
TL;DR
- James Marriott fears smartphones have led to a decline in deep reading, a skill he believes is crucial for critical thinking and appreciating complex arguments.
- He posits that the loss of reading could lead to a society susceptible to misinformation and autocratic rule, contrasting the depth of literature with the superficiality of social media.
- The book, "The New Dark Ages," traces the perceived decline of print culture, but its urgent thesis is weakened by internal contradictions and caveats.
- Marriott suggests that while screens are a major culprit, factors like inequality also play a role in reduced reading, a point that complicates his primary argument.
- Despite the dire warnings, Marriott concludes that literacy still has a future, even if the nature of reading may change.