The Art of Conversation

A Guided Tour of a Neglected Pleasure

By: Catherine Blyth

Narrated by: Catherine Blyth

A wide-ranging, exhortatory look at the pleasures of great conversation, including strategies for how to bring it about, from the witty pen of an Englishwoman wise in its ways

In The Art of Conversation, Catherine Blyth eloquently points out the sorry state of disrepair that conversation has fallen into - and then, taking examples from history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, and popular culture, she gives us the tools to rebuild. Her prose embodies the conversational values she promotes: It's smart, succinct, self-deprecating, and light on its feet.

The Art of Conversation isn't about etiquette, elocution, or knowing how to hold your teacup with your little finger crooked just so. It's about something simple and profound: connecting. In our distracted days, it's easy to forget that each of us possesses a communication technology that has been in research and development for thousands of years. Conversation costs nothing, but can bring you the world.

Blyth offers us a chance to revel in the possibilities of conversation. As Alexander Pope nearly wrote, "True ease in talking comes from art, not chance, as those move easiest who have learned to dance." Okay, Pope was actually talking about writing, but Catherine Blyth has that skill as well. When you have read The Art of Conversation, you'll not only know the steps, but hear the music like never before.

©2008 Catherine Blythe (P)2008 Penguin

Critic reviews

"In this handy guide to civilized banter, Blyth reintroduces the craft of modern discourse." (Elle)

"The Art of Conversation will make your next foray into a bar or business reception much more entertaining [...] it will help both wallflowers and those lost in cyberspace achieve conversational connections." (Los Angeles Times)

"Witty, eloquent and insightful, Blyth's books is a delightful encouragement to rediscover conversation as the best communication technology." (Publishers Weekly)

Repeat

Chapter 1 loops over. Was this the author’s intention? If not, audible should change it. Also I’m not sure if the complete book is only two chapters. Those two are the only chapters available.

Missing a Majority of the Book

For some reason, this book only includes the first few chapters. Of course, Catherine is a delightful narrator...but this book lacks completeness and is not worth the cost (and trauma) to be forced to re-listen to the beginning bits of the book.

Audible, please replace this recording with the full version. If not available, please edit the description to include this information. It's misleading to not disclose this information to customers.

the worst

The first chapter repeats and the content is terrible. So unhelpful. Don't waste your credits or your time.

Mawled audio but pleasant book

Unfortunately, the recording starts from again at the beginning around minute 40. If you can skip to minute 40 and start listening from there, this is a pleasant and informative read. I loved 40+ from there!

Not the Entire Book

For some reason this audible only seems to be chapters 1 and 2 of the book.

Pleasant

What made the experience of listening to The Art of Conversation the most enjoyable?

The author and narrator were the best parts.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The authors anecdotes made the story interesting.

Which character – as performed by Catherine Blyth – was your favorite?

The author shares story from her personal experiences, there aren't really characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No.