Gossip: The Untrivial Pursuit

By: Joseph Epstein

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Synopsis: A look at the delights—and dangers—of gossip, from a New York Times–bestselling, &“erudite writer, gifted with rare insight and a wry sense of humor&” (USA Today). Gossip is no trivial matter. In this enlightening and entertaining study, the author of Snobbery takes a look at a human activity that may be looked down upon, but nevertheless plays a persistent role in our society—and therefore, must be taken seriously. Joseph Epstein, who admits to indulging in this activity himself from time to time, serves up mini-biographies of history&’s famous gossips, and makes a powerful case that gossip has morphed from its old-fashioned best—clever, mocking, a great private pleasure—to a corrosive, destructive new version, thanks to the reach of the mass media and the Internet. This is an erudite and witty read from &“a master observer of humanity&’s foibles&” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). &“Epstein defines categories of gossip, from personal to celebrity, workplace, and political, and discusses how gossip &‘enforces a community&’s norms&’ or, conversely, helps foster tolerance. . . . In his briskly erudite, zestfully original, and provokingly enjoyable anatomy of gossip, Epstein revels in the risky collusion of gossip within shared worlds and resoundingly condemns media-disseminated gossip that diminishes our ability to ascertain or value the truth.&” —Booklist