Generation of Vipers

EmersonBashier · Getting comfortable Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 7 Gender:

A friend of mine has a home library room with all four walls covered in shelves and every shelf is filled with books.
He told me he had reread a book he has read many years ago entitled, "A Generation of Vipers." He suggested I read it which I did. It was written by George Orwell.
Although written many years ago, at the time it was written it seemed foolhardy. That was then! Reading it now however, it was almost like a prophecy.
He talks about each generation of youths become greedier and narcissistic. If you look around today, notice how many young people are having plastic surgery and getting younger each generation for exterior perfection, (they think).
He approaches many subjects of interest in both books. It is even most interesting now to look that far back at what he saw coming for our future generations.
I believe Orwell's first book was "1984." You might enjoy reading that book first and then read the Generation of Vipers second. It gives one a broader viewpoint of what is happening to our society.
I would not have been necessarily interested in either book at the time they were written because it did not seem appropros. However, reading these books now seems to me to be prophetic. Emerson Basher

George Ricker · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: Generation of Vipers

I think the book you are referencing was written by Philip Wylie, not George Orwell. Amazon.com lists the book here: Generation of Vipers.

I read the book back in my college days. Even then, it was regarded as a minor classic. It was Wylie who suggested (either in Generation of Vipers or his Essay on Morals) that all advertising was based on the unspoken question, "Are you a good lay?"

As far as I know, Orwell never wrote a book with a similar title. Of course, I may be wrong about that.

Thanks for the reminder though. I see the book is still in print and am about to order a copy to add to my library.

Wylie also wrote some excellent science fiction and authored the "Crunch and Des" stories, which were made into a TV series back in the days when all the shows were broadcast in black and white.

George

http://www.godlessinamerica.com

"Godlessness is not about denying the existence of nonsensical beings. It is the starting point for living life without them."

Godless in America by George A. Ricker

EmersonBashier · Getting comfortable Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 7 Gender:

George,
You are absolutely right! The Generation of Vipers book was authored by Wylie. It was my mistake!
I usually read three books at the same time, one at home, one in the office and one when I am on the road. Also, I was reading an Orwell book at the same time, different location.
Thanks for the correction!


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