Hume's Fork
"Barely adequate philosophy professor Legare Hume has a mind-body problem. No matter how far he goes, no matter how hard he thinks, he can't escape the world he lives in. On the run from his wife Tally, Legare joins brilliant but exceptionally awkward colleague Saul Grossman to attend the American Philosophical Association's Charleston, South Carolina conference, where worlds and walks of life collide in a strange and satirical amalgamation that can only be described as reality.Legare's mission is simple enough: put up with the conference, read a paper he never thought anyone would want to hear, receive the tenure he isn't sure he wants, and return, or not, to the wife who nearly killed him before he left. But his plans are hijacked by a botched hotel reservation and the all-too-convenient presence of the Southern family Legare has worked very hard all his adult life to avoid.Hume's Fork is a brilliantly satirical and philosophical novel, every bit as funny as it is intelligent--a true original. Legare's conflict--Hume's fork, if you will-- becomes the reader's, for all worlds are one, and nothing can truly be separate from everything else."
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:1890862509
ISBN13:9781890862503
Release Date:April 2007
Publisher:Bancroft Press
Length:259 Pages
Weight:1.15 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 6.4" x 9.2"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
One of those delicious books you prepare a special place to read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Like the literature you enjoyed as a child and as you've grown older you find hidden treasures you didn't understand then, this book can be enjoyed on all levels. I read it for entertainment, the author's gift of satire, characterization, intelligent thought, philosophical ideas and just simply a good read. I would suggest finding a quality place that is deserving of an enjoyable read before settling down with this book -- Florida Academic Librarian
Finally--a story that's both smart and hilarious!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
What a wonderful first novel! Cooper's erudition and wit are evident from beginning to end. His writing shows him as an impassioned enthusiast that has interwoven a great deal of intellect with the hilarious events of this story. As the reader, you'll get a cultural lesson of Low Country, South Carolina and an education in philosophy. You're guaranteed an enjoyable front row seat to the wrestling match between academia and upbringing. When you're not laughing out loud at the side-splitting humor; you'll be learning something new about the Mind-Body Problem. Highly recommended! I can't wait for the next novel.
Cooper's Classic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
"Hume's Fork" is a remarkable novel, all the more remarkable for being a first novel. There are few books that make readers laugh out loud or think deeply, yet "Hume's Fork" accomplishes both at once, and with dazzling wordplay to boot. It's the first classic of our new century, a novel not to be missed.
Walker Percy meets Harry Crews
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This is a great novel, both funny and deep. If Jean-Paul Sartre had grown up in the Deep South and could write a funny story, this is what he would have written. It's either Walker Percy for rednecks or Harry Crews for intellectuals. Like a previous reviewer said, this is the book A Confederacy of Dunces fans have been waiting for.
Grappling With The Questions of Life
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Few author's could have taken on the task of combining the major tenants of modern philosophy, a road trip with an "interesting" colleague to a philosophy convention, a crazy family, the underbelly culture of lowland South Carolina and professional wrestling in a little over 250 page -- but Cooper succeeds hilariously. An interesting combination of sarcastic and sharp biting comedy and some serious investigations into life's most difficult questions. If you like John Kennedy Toole, you will love Ron Cooper. One of the best first novels I have ever read since A Confederacy of Dunces.
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