The Hall of Uselessness: Collected Essays Paperback - 2012

Simon Leys' cultural and political commentary has long been legendary for its profundity and acerbic wit. In "The Hall of Uselessness" his most significant essays are finally gathered together, on subjects ranging from China to Orwell, from Quixotism to the sea.

Leys feuds with Christopher Hitchens, ponders the popularity of Victor Hugo and analyses whether Nabokov's unfinished novel should ever have been published. He dissects Mao's Cultural Revolution and the Khmer Rouge, and discusses Waugh, Simenon and Confucius. He considers Chinese art, culture and politics, the joys and difficulties of literary translation and the fate of the university.

"The Hall of Uselessness" is an illuminating compendium from a brilliant and highly acclaimed writer - a long-time resident of Australia who is truly a global citizen.

Praise

'a rich and richly rewarding book' - "Sydney Morning Herald"

'Everyone knows the usefulness of what is useful, but few know the usefulness of what is useless.' - Zhuang Zi

Awards:

Shortlisted for the Non-Fiction Prize in the 2012 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards

Shortlisted for the Non-Fiction Prize in the 2012 NSW Premier's Literary Awards

Author:

Simon Leys is a writer, sinologist, essayist, literary critic and author of "The Hall of Uselessness," "Other People's Thoughts," "The Death of Napoleon," "The Wreck of the Batavia & Prosper."