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A review by baum
Times Square Red, Times Square Blue by Samuel R. Delany
5.0
really, really cogent and clear writing. first half is supremely entertaining / curious as a personal account of delany’s social life in the times square of old, while the second half is a lot more theoretical, dealing with the question of what makes city life pleasant and good and rich. i found the latter half especially engaging, and delany’s examples and style compelling and easy to follow (esp. the two main concepts he raises - social interaction through “contact” vs “networking” - and the idea of desire as inherently socialized).
the only quibble personally was his emphasis on the importance of sexual desire and interaction (which he is well within his right to emphasize given his personal/intellectual interests) — i just wonder what a differently-focused version of this piece would look like.
other than that, brilliant.
the only quibble personally was his emphasis on the importance of sexual desire and interaction (which he is well within his right to emphasize given his personal/intellectual interests) — i just wonder what a differently-focused version of this piece would look like.
other than that, brilliant.