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I’ve recently tried to become more literate - in the “literature” sense. It’s a fascinating world and I hope the journey helps me become less psychologically lopsided. But this style of writing is really holding me back from what I’m sure is a rich and beautiful world.

The first few paragraphs of the article struck me as almost unbearably pretentious. It reads to me like a manifestation of pretentiousness itself. It was really grating and I had to stop reading.

But should I have kept going?

In other words, is this article really as pretentious as it sounds in my head as I read it, or am I experiencing the literary equivalent of a layperson overhearing a highly technical conversation between two developers and assuming they’re just showing off by intentionally using larger words than necessary?

Is there true depth here that I’m missing? Is it worth exploring those depths?

It’s deliberately florid writing meant to provide an enjoyable few moments for those who like it, and news about the collection for those skimming for new reading or gift ideas. Nothing more. I don’t think the author is pretentious unless they intended it to be more than that and failed.
Probably not.

But don't let him put you off Waugh! A genius of the first order.

Brideshead is a masterpiece.

But his other, lesser-known works are mostly gems of sparkling, devastating wit and a gimlet eye on the human condition.