The Intellectuals and The Masses: Pride and Prejudice Among the Literary Intelligentsia, 1880 - 1939 : Book Review

John Carey's book, "The Intellectuals and The Masses," presents a compelling analysis of the disdain intellectuals held towards the working class in the early 20th century. Carey explores the ways in which these intellectuals expressed their prejudice and fear towards the masses, particularly through their engagement with art and literature.

Carey argues that intellectuals viewed the working class as a threat to their social and cultural superiority, which led to the development of elitist attitudes and snobbishness. Through an examination of the writings of influential figures such as H.G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw, and Virginia Woolf, Carey reveals the disdainful portrayals of the working class as unintelligent and uncivilized.

A key aspect of Carey's analysis is the exploration of how these negative perceptions of the masses influenced intellectual and artistic movements of the time. He posits that the modernist movement, for instance, emerged partly as a response to the perceived vulgarity and shallowness of mass culture. Additionally, Carey delves into the influence of eugenics and scientific racism on the attitudes of intellectuals towards the working class.

"The Intellectuals and The Masses" presents a thought-provoking critique of the elitism prevalent in intellectual circles during the early 20th century. Through meticulous analysis, Carey exposes the underlying prejudices and fears held by many intellectuals towards the working class. By examining the impact of these attitudes on art and literature, Carey sheds light on a fascinating chapter in intellectual history and raises important questions about the dynamics between the elites and the masses.

Overall, Carey's book offers valuable insights into the social dynamics and attitudes of the time, highlighting the ways in which intellectuals sought to preserve their social standing through intellectual and cultural elitism. It invites readers to reflect on the relationship between intellectuals and the working class, ultimately prompting a more nuanced understanding of historical developments in art, literature, and society.

What are readers saying?

John Carey's book, "The Intellectuals and The Masses," has garnered a range of opinions from readers. Many found his exploration of the relationship between intellectuals and the working class throughout history to be thorough and enlightening. They praised the well-researched analysis that shed light on the perception of superiority held by intellectuals. Carey's examination of the evolution of these attitudes was applauded for its depth and breadth, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

However, some readers felt that the book was excessively academic and dense, making it challenging to grasp the arguments being presented. Reviewers found Carey's writing style to be dry and inaccessible, which hindered their engagement with the material. A few also believed that the book portrayed intellectuals in a consistently critical light, potentially biasing the perspective.

Notwithstanding the mixed reception, many commended Carey for tackling an important and timely subject. Readers appreciated the book's exploration of the cultural divide between intellectuals and the working class, and its examination of how these perceptions contribute to social inequalities and political ideologies.

Nevertheless, some reviewers expressed disappointment with certain chapters, as they found them repetitive with multiple references to similar examples. This repetition created a sense of stagnation and hindered the overall flow of the book.

In summary, "The Intellectuals and The Masses" by John Carey offers a thought-provoking examination of the historical and cultural divide between intellectuals and the working class. While some readers valued its comprehensive research and insights, others found its academic style difficult to connect with. Nevertheless, most agreed that the book is important and relevant in understanding social and political dynamics.

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