Shelf Life: The Acid Test

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EGENDARY critic John Simon admits that he is “open to charges of political analpha- betism”: “I have always sym- pathized with the autobiographical hero of Anatole France’s Le Lys rouge who declares, ‘I am not so devoid of all talents as to occupy myself with politics.’” The remark is characteristic of Simon, an idio- syncratic polymath who revels in his resistance to trends (political correctness very much included). Applause Theatre & Cinema Books has just provided copious further documentation of these qualities, by releasing three volumes’ worth of Simon’s work as chronicler—and steely- eyed judge—of the arts: John Simon on Theater: Criticism 1974–2003 (837 pp., $32.95), John Simon on Film: Criticism 1982–2001 (662 pp., $29.95), and John Simon on Music: Criticism 1979–2005 (504 pp., $27.95).

About the Author

Michael Potemra

Michael Potemra was a literary editor for National Review.

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EGENDARY critic John Simon admits that he is “open to charges of political analpha- betism”: “I have always sym- pathized with the autobiographical hero of Anatole France’s Le Lys rouge who declares, ‘I am not so devoid of all talents as to occupy myself with politics.’” The remark is characteristic of Simon, an idio- syncratic polymath who revels in his resistance to trends (political correctness very much included). Applause Theatre & Cinema Books has just provided copious further documentation of these qualities, by releasing three volumes’ worth of Simon’s work as chronicler—and steely- eyed judge—of the arts: John Simon on Theater: Criticism 1974–2003 (837 pp., $32.95), John Simon on Film: Criticism 1982–2001 (662 pp., $29.95), and John Simon on Music: Criticism 1979–2005 (504 pp., $27.95).