Critical Evaluation
As might be expected, critics are divided on this book, possibly due to difference in political opinions. Those who agree with James' critique of the United States find much to praise, stating the book includes witty and insightful descriptions. Others may criticize James, some by calling him snobbish and unfair due to his distaste for some aspects of American life.
Read more about this topic: The American Scene
Famous quotes containing the words critical and/or evaluation:
“Most critical writing is drivel and half of it is dishonest.... It is a short cut to oblivion, anyway. Thinking in terms of ideas destroys the power to think in terms of emotions and sensations.”
—Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)
“Evaluation is creation: hear it, you creators! Evaluating is itself the most valuable treasure of all that we value. It is only through evaluation that value exists: and without evaluation the nut of existence would be hollow. Hear it, you creators!”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)