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Flamboyance by Jack Parlett review
What does it mean to push the boat out, and can peacocking be more than just a beautiful gesture?
TL;DR
- The book "Flamboyance" by Jack Parlett examines attempts to express oneself and challenges the use of irony and cynicism.
- Parlett suggests flamboyance as a model for living with "resistant energy" that incorporates politics, rejecting "art for art's sake."
- The term "flamboyance" originates from an architectural metaphor describing ornate, flame-like gothic curves, carrying an "erotically charged" connotation.
- The book explores flamboyance not as outward appearance but as the "laborious work we do behind the scenes."
- The memoir sections reveal "Flamboyance" as a metaphor for the author's struggles with alcoholism and his hope for fulfillment.
- The article notes a wide breadth of coverage, from Oscar Wilde to Donald Trump, with connections sometimes feeling based on word association rather than argument.
- Despite shortcomings in connecting cultural history and an overwhelming range of examples, the book offers deep knowledge of its subjects and much to learn.