Bookworm said
Monty Python has a lot to say to philosophical types, as this book so ably demonstrates. The comedy troupe has never had any qualms about revealing the erudition of its members, all of whom (except for Terry Gilliam) are products of the British university system. The essays in this book could have been printed in any philosophical journal. What they have in common is using Monty Python as touchpoint and cultural link. The editors have done a fantastic job. (I was a philosophy major and have worked as an editor for 30 years. It must be a hoot to work for this publisher!)
Peregrinn said
After giving my son (now fifteen) the complete Monty Python library two Christmases ago, I again struck gold with this book! He laughs aloud while reading it. Can't guarantee that he's learning much philosophy from it...
Bu-chan said
As a major fan of Monty Python, I just had to read this book. I had put it off for some time, as I thought some of the essays sounded...well...boring. Yeah, I know, how could I?? The blasphemy! But finally, after having decided to give the book a shot, I got to reading it.
It was not as "grip you from the start" as other installments in the series, but the book did build to a decent level of interest. One thing this book did well, but others didn't, is make me laugh. It was a good addtion to the book that they kept some of the humour, and that the writers all seemed to "get it". They actually understood the humour behind what the Pythons did.
The book covers everything from trancendentalism, Buddhism, moralism, existentialism and a whole host more. The coverage is wide ranging and reasonably thorough. There is even an essay on language, connected with the working women and their newly bought engines. In some cases, the essays truly enlighten the reader regarding different Python movies and sketches. I found this especially so for "The Meaning of Life", perhaps among the more philosophical richer of the Pythons' work, in my opinion.
Overrating the importance of the Monty Python crew is not something this book does, in my opinion. When you consider a whole genre of comedic humour, ("Pythonesque"), has been created based on their humour, you have some serious cultural players. I have not heard any comedian do "Pryorisms", though G. W. Bush has his "Bushisms". Interesting implications.
I digress. Monty Python fans will utterly love this book. Unlike others in the series, this book really requires the reader to have some familiarity with the Monty Python material. If you are not into them, or don't know about them, I would avoid the book. If you have not been exposed to Python, then grab some DVD's and watch them. If you like it, then the book could be for you.
For fans, this book is a must read. It will enlighten, highlight and prove an interesting insight into the comedy of a group of men who probably would have made very good philosophers in their own, irreverent right.
Gregory J. Casteel said
I must preface my comments with the following disclaimer: I've always been a huge Monty Python fan; and I've always had a strong interest in philosophy (in fact, I minored in Philosophy in college). I've read and enjoyed other volumes in the Philosophy and Modern Culture series ("The Simpsons and Philosophy", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy", and "The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy"). And I've always felt that Monty Python's humor was deeply philosophical. So, perhaps I am predisposed to loving this book. Please take my biases into account when considering my recommendation. If you aren't a Monty Python fan, don't even bother with this book -- you won't get it. Likewise, if you don't have a serious interest in philosophy, this book is probably not for you.
This is a book of serious philosophical essays, written by serious philosophers, only one of whom is actually named Bruce. Of course, just because the philosophy in this volume is "serious" doesn't mean that it is not also funny. The book is filled with Pythonesque humor. (Philosophers, as a rule, are a silly bunch.) But this is real philosophy, inspired by Monty Python; it is NOT a parody of philosophy written by the Pythons.
The essays in this volume deal with philosophical issues such as: Why "The Life of Brian" is heretical, but not actually blasphemous. Why the explosion of Mr. Creosote from "The Meaning of Life" is funny, not just disgusting. What the Piston Engine sketch tells us about language and meaning. Why an Argument Clinic might actually be useful. Whether God is British (and what this implies for the eternal fate of Python fans). The feminist subtext of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". What "The Meaning of Life" tells us about transcendentalism. And much more.
Midwest Book Review said
Gary L. Hardcastle and George A. Reisch's Monty Python And Philosophy is for any Python fan, whether or not they like philosophy. Here professional philosophers and amateur Python fans celebrate and discuss the unlikely intersections of humor and philosophy, with comedy blending to metaphysics and ethics blending into TV and film insights. Especially recommended for college-level readers reluctant to enter the world of philosophy.
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