The Dreaming Swimmer

Thoughtful and funny, this fifth collection of essays from much-loved critic and author Clive James covers the art, politics and culture of 1987–1992.

''A well-balanced show of wit, intellect and glorious observation'' – Sunday Times

With work on writers as diverse as Philip Larkin, Primo Levi and Stevie Smith, performers as iconic as Frank Sinatra and Billy Connolly, and publishing events as monumental as the World''s First Official The Sun Neighbours Collection Stick Album Plus Extra Free Poster Pull-Out of Jason and Kylie, Clive James is always erudite, insightful and thoroughly entertaining.

''He writes like a prophet and he can satirise folly in high places with a touch as elegant as Oscar Wilde . . . There isn''t a word wasted'' – Daily Mail

Clive James (1939–2019) was a broadcaster, critic, poet, memoirist and novelist. His much-loved, influential and hilarious television criticism is available both in individual volumes and collected in Clive James On Television. His encyclopaedic study of culture and politics in the twentieth century, Cultural Amnesia, remains perhaps the definitive embodiment of his wide-ranging talents as a critic.

Praise for Clive James:

''The perfect critic'' – A.O. Scott, New York Times

''There can''t be many writers of my generation who haven''t been heavily influenced by Clive James'' – Charlie Brooker

''A wonderfully witty and intelligent writer'' – Verity Lambert