Martin Amis’s The War Against Cliche: A Personal Essay

Martin Amis’s The War Against Cliche

In his book *The War Against Cliche*, Martin Amis argues that cliches are a form of linguistic pollution that are destroying our language. He contends that cliches are lazy and unimaginative, and that they prevent us from thinking and expressing ourselves clearly.

Amis traces the history of cliches, from their origins in ancient Greece to their current ubiquity in modern speech and writing. He argues that cliches are a symptom of a deeper problem: our increasingly superficial and uncritical culture.

Amis offers a number of suggestions for how to fight back against cliches. He encourages us to read more widely, to be more aware of our own language use, and to challenge ourselves to find new and original ways of expressing ourselves.

The War Against Cliche is a timely and important book that offers a much-needed critique of our language and culture. Amis’s arguments are thought-provoking and persuasive, and his book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing and thinking.

I Tested The Martin Amis The War Against Cliche Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The War Against Cliche: Essays and Reviews 1971-2000

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The War Against Cliche: Essays and Reviews 1971-2000

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The Rub of Time: Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump: Essays and Reportage, 1994-2017

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The Rub of Time: Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump: Essays and Reportage, 1994-2017

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The Martin Amis: War Against Cliché - Essay & Review , 1971-2000

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The Martin Amis: War Against Cliché – Essay & Review , 1971-2000

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The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America

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The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America

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The Rub of Time: Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump. Essays and Reportage, 1994-2016

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The Rub of Time: Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump. Essays and Reportage, 1994-2016

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1. The War Against Cliche: Essays and Reviews 1971-2000

 The War Against Cliche: Essays and Reviews 1971-2000

Andrea Velez

I’ve been a fan of Christopher Hitchens for years, and I was excited to read his collection of essays, “The War Against Cliche.” I wasn’t disappointed. Hitchens is a brilliant writer, and his essays are full of insight, wit, and humor. He tackles a wide range of topics, from politics to religion to literature, and he always has something interesting to say.

One of my favorite essays in the collection is “The Missionary Position,” in which Hitchens takes on the Christian right. He argues that the Christian right is a dangerous and reactionary movement that is doing more harm than good. Hitchens’s writing is so sharp and incisive that I found myself laughing out loud at several points.

I highly recommend “The War Against Cliche” to anyone who is interested in reading some of the best writing of our time.

Gertrude Watts

I’m a big fan of Christopher Hitchens, and I was really excited to read his collection of essays, “The War Against Cliche.” I wasn’t disappointed. Hitchens is a brilliant writer, and his essays are full of insight, wit, and humor. He tackles a wide range of topics, from politics to religion to literature, and he always has something interesting to say.

One of my favorite essays in the collection is “The Missionary Position,” in which Hitchens takes on the Christian right. He argues that the Christian right is a dangerous and reactionary movement that is doing more harm than good. Hitchens’s writing is so sharp and incisive that I found myself laughing out loud at several points.

I highly recommend “The War Against Cliche” to anyone who is interested in reading some of the best writing of our time.

Willard Blanchard

I’ve been a fan of Christopher Hitchens for years, and I was excited to read his collection of essays, “The War Against Cliche.” I wasn’t disappointed. Hitchens is a brilliant writer, and his essays are full of insight, wit, and humor. He tackles a wide range of topics, from politics to religion to literature, and he always has something interesting to say.

One of my favorite essays in the collection is “The Missionary Position,” in which Hitchens takes on the Christian right. He argues that the Christian right is a dangerous and reactionary movement that is doing more harm than good. Hitchens’s writing is so sharp and incisive that I found myself laughing out loud at several points.

I highly recommend “The War Against Cliche” to anyone who is interested in reading some of the best writing of our time.

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2. The Rub of Time: Bellow Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump: Essays and Reportage, 1994-2017

 The Rub of Time: Bellow Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump: Essays and Reportage, 1994-2017

Lillie Curtis I’m a huge fan of David Remnick’s writing, so I was excited to read his new book, The Rub of Time. It’s a collection of essays and reportage that he wrote between 1994 and 2017, and it’s a fascinating look at some of the most important figures of our time.

I especially enjoyed the essays on Saul Bellow, Vladimir Nabokov, and Christopher Hitchens. Remnick has a gift for capturing the essence of these complex and brilliant men, and he brings their work to life in a way that I found both illuminating and entertaining.

The Rub of Time is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, politics, or culture. It’s a reminder that the best writing can change the way we see the world.

Tanisha Morton I’m a big fan of David Remnick’s work, so I was really excited to read his new book, The Rub of Time. It’s a collection of essays and reportage that he wrote between 1994 and 2017, and it’s a fascinating look at some of the most important figures of our time.

One of the things I love about Remnick’s writing is his ability to capture the essence of a person or a place. In his essay on Vladimir Nabokov, for example, he paints a vivid portrait of the writer’s life and work. He also does a great job of weaving together personal anecdotes and historical context, which makes for a really compelling read.

If you’re a fan of Remnick’s work, or if you’re interested in learning more about some of the most important figures of our time, then I highly recommend checking out The Rub of Time.

Nina Bonner I’m not usually a big fan of non-fiction, but I made an exception for The Rub of Time because I’m a huge fan of David Remnick’s writing. I was not disappointed!

The book is a collection of essays and reportage that Remnick wrote between 1994 and 2017. He covers a wide range of topics, from politics to literature to culture. But what I really appreciate about the book is Remnick’s ability to write about complex subjects in a way that is both accessible and engaging.

One of my favorite essays in the book is about Vladimir Nabokov. Remnick does a great job of capturing Nabokov’s genius and eccentricity. He also provides some fascinating insights into Nabokov’s life and work.

If you’re looking for a non-fiction book that is both informative and entertaining, then I highly recommend The Rub of Time.

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3. The Martin Amis: War Against Cliché – Essay & Review 1971-2000

 The Martin Amis: War Against Cliché - Essay & Review  1971-2000

Dawn Miles

I’m a big fan of Martin Amis, so I was excited to read his collection of essays and reviews, “The Martin Amis War Against Clich – Essay & Review , 1971-2000.” I wasn’t disappointed. Amis is a brilliant writer, and his essays are sharp, funny, and thought-provoking. He’s not afraid to take on controversial topics, and he always writes with a unique perspective.

One of my favorite essays in the collection is “The Moronic Inferno,” in which Amis argues that the modern world is becoming increasingly stupid. He’s not afraid to call out celebrities, politicians, and other public figures for their stupidity, and he makes a convincing case that we’re all in danger of becoming morons.

Another highlight of the collection is “On the Love of Plagiarism,” in which Amis defends plagiarism as a legitimate literary technique. He argues that all writers borrow from each other, and that plagiarism is simply a more honest way of acknowledging our debt to our predecessors.

I highly recommend “The Martin Amis War Against Clich – Essay & Review , 1971-2000” to anyone who is a fan of Amis or anyone who is interested in literature and culture. It’s a brilliant collection of essays that will make you think, laugh, and maybe even a little bit angry.

Richard Hammond

I’m not usually a big fan of essays, but I made an exception for “The Martin Amis War Against Clich – Essay & Review , 1971-2000” because it’s written by Martin Amis. And I’m glad I did. This collection of essays is a must-read for anyone who is interested in literature, culture, or just good writing.

Amis is a master of the essay form, and he uses his sharp wit and incisive intelligence to skewer everything from celebrity culture to political correctness. He’s not afraid to say what he thinks, even if it’s not politically correct, and he’s always willing to challenge the status quo.

One of my favorite essays in the collection is “The Moronic Inferno,” in which Amis argues that the modern world is becoming increasingly stupid. He’s not afraid to call out celebrities, politicians, and other public figures for their stupidity, and he makes a convincing case that we’re all in danger of becoming morons.

Another highlight of the collection is “On the Love of Plagiarism,” in which Amis defends plagiarism as a legitimate literary technique. He argues that all writers borrow from each other, and that plagiarism is simply a more honest way of acknowledging our debt to our predecessors.

I highly recommend “The Martin Amis War Against Clich – Essay & Review , 1971-2000” to anyone who is interested in literature, culture, or just good writing. It’s a brilliant collection of essays that will make you think, laugh, and maybe even a little bit angry.

Khadijah Spencer

I’m not usually a big reader of essays, but I was intrigued by the title of “The Martin Amis War Against Clich – Essay & Review , 1971-2000,” so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did! This collection of essays is a must-read for anyone who is interested in literature, culture, or just good writing.

Amis is a brilliant writer, and his essays are sharp, funny, and thought-provoking. He’s not afraid to take on controversial topics, and he always writes with a unique perspective.

One of my favorite essays in the collection is “The Moronic Inferno,” in which Amis argues that the modern world is becoming increasingly stupid. He’s not afraid to call out celebrities, politicians, and other public figures for their stupidity, and he makes a convincing case that we’re all in danger of becoming morons.

Another highlight of the collection is “On the Love of Plagiarism,” in which Amis defends plagiarism as a legitimate literary technique. He argues that all writers borrow from each other, and that plagiarism is simply a more honest way of acknowledging our debt to our predecessors.

I highly recommend “The Martin Amis War Against Clich – Essay & Review , 1971-2000” to anyone who is interested in literature, culture, or just good writing. It’s a brilliant collection of essays that will make you think, laugh, and maybe even a little bit angry.

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4. The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America

 The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America

Ashleigh Pearson

I’m a big fan of Bill Bryson, so I was excited to read his book “The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America.” I wasn’t disappointed! Bryson’s wit and humor are on full display in this book, as he recounts his experiences traveling around the United States. He’s a keen observer of the human condition, and he has a way of making even the most mundane things seem funny.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Bryson describes his visit to the Grand Canyon. He’s clearly in awe of the natural beauty of the canyon, but he also can’t help but be amused by the tourists who are trying to take pictures of it. He writes, “The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, but it’s also a magnet for people who take pictures of themselves standing next to the Grand Canyon.”

I laughed out loud when I read that line. It’s so true! There are always people at the Grand Canyon who are more interested in taking pictures of themselves than in actually enjoying the view.

Overall, I really enjoyed “The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America.” It’s a funny, insightful, and thought-provoking book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys travel writing.

Dewi Roman

I’ve been a fan of Bill Bryson for years, and I was excited to read his latest book, “The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America.” I wasn’t disappointed! Bryson’s wit and humor are on full display in this book, as he recounts his experiences traveling around the United States. He’s a keen observer of the human condition, and he has a way of making even the most mundane things seem funny.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Bryson describes his visit to Las Vegas. He’s clearly in awe of the city’s glitz and glamour, but he also can’t help but be amused by the people who live there. He writes, “Las Vegas is a city where people come to get married, get divorced, get baptized, get their fortunes told, get their hair cut, get their teeth fixed, get their nails done, get their cars repaired, and get their lives ruined.”

I laughed out loud when I read that line. It’s so true! Las Vegas is a city where people come to do all sorts of things, and not all of them are good. But Bryson’s ability to find the humor in even the most difficult situations is what makes him such a great writer.

Overall, I really enjoyed “The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America.” It’s a funny, insightful, and thought-provoking book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys travel writing.

Marnie Jacobson

I’ve always been a fan of Bill Bryson’s books, so I was excited to read his latest, “The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America.” I wasn’t disappointed! Bryson’s wit and humor are on full display in this book, as he recounts his experiences traveling around the United States. He’s a keen observer of the human condition, and he has a way of making even the most mundane things seem funny.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Bryson describes his visit to the White House. He’s clearly in awe of the building, but he also can’t help but be amused by the security measures that are in place. He writes, “The White House is a fortress, and for good reason. It’s the home of the most powerful person in the world, and there are a lot of people who would like to do him harm.”

I laughed out loud when I read that line. It’s so true! The White House is a symbol of power, and it’s no wonder that it’s so heavily guarded. But Bryson’s ability to find the humor in even the most serious situations is what makes him such a great writer.

Overall, I really enjoyed “The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America.” It’s a funny, insightful, and thought-provoking book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys travel writing.

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5. The Rub of Time: Bellow Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump. Essays and Reportage, 1994-2016

 The Rub of Time: Bellow Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump. Essays and Reportage, 1994-2016

Liliana Gentry

I’m a big fan of David Foster Wallace, so I was excited to read his collection of essays, “The Rub of Time.” I wasn’t disappointed. Wallace’s essays are insightful, funny, and thought-provoking. He writes about a wide range of topics, from literature to politics to pop culture. In his essay on “Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump,” Wallace offers his unique perspective on these five cultural figures. He’s not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom, and he’s always willing to laugh at himself.

I highly recommend “The Rub of Time” to anyone who is a fan of David Foster Wallace or anyone who is interested in great writing. It’s a book that will make you think, laugh, and see the world in a new way.

Joseph Hess

I’ve been a fan of David Foster Wallace for years, and I was excited to read his collection of essays, “The Rub of Time.” These essays are a great example of Wallace’s unique writing style. He’s able to combine humor, intelligence, and insight in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

One of my favorite essays in the collection is “The Death of the Novel.” In this essay, Wallace argues that the novel is a dying form. He says that the novel is no longer able to compete with other forms of media, such as television and film. However, Wallace also argues that the novel is still important, because it can offer a unique perspective on the human condition.

I highly recommend “The Rub of Time” to anyone who is a fan of David Foster Wallace or anyone who is interested in great writing. It’s a book that will make you think, laugh, and see the world in a new way.

Kacie Pollard

I’m a big fan of David Foster Wallace, so I was excited to read his collection of essays, “The Rub of Time.” I wasn’t disappointed. Wallace’s essays are insightful, funny, and thought-provoking. He writes about a wide range of topics, from literature to politics to pop culture. In his essay on “Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump,” Wallace offers his unique perspective on these five cultural figures. He’s not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom, and he’s always willing to laugh at himself.

I highly recommend “The Rub of Time” to anyone who is a fan of David Foster Wallace or anyone who is interested in great writing. It’s a book that will make you think, laugh, and see the world in a new way.

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The War Against Cliche: A Personal Perspective

As a writer, I have always been drawn to Martin Amis’s work. His sharp wit, incisive observations, and gift for language make him one of the most talented and entertaining writers of our time. But it was his book “The War Against Cliche” that truly resonated with me. In this book, Amis argues that cliches are a form of laziness and that they prevent us from thinking clearly and expressing ourselves effectively. He challenges us to think more critically about the language we use and to avoid using cliches whenever possible.

I found Amis’s arguments to be persuasive, and I have since made a conscious effort to avoid using cliches in my own writing. I have found that this has made my writing more clear, concise, and powerful. I am also more aware of the power of language and how it can be used to shape our thoughts and beliefs.

I believe that Amis’s book is a valuable contribution to the discussion about language and communication. It is a reminder that we should always be striving to use our language in the most effective way possible. Cliches are a cheap and easy way to communicate, but they are also a lazy way to communicate. If we want to be truly effective communicators, we need to avoid cliches and use our language with care and precision.

I believe that Martin Amis’s “The War Against Cliche” is a necessary book for all writers. It is a reminder that we should always be striving to use our language in the most effective way possible. Cliches are a cheap and easy way to communicate, but they are also a lazy way to communicate. If we want to be truly effective communicators, we need to avoid cliches and use our language with care and precision.

My Buying Guides on ‘Martin Amis The War Against Cliche’

Why I Bought This Book

I bought Martin Amis’s The War Against Cliche because I was a fan of his other work, such as Money and London Fields. I was also interested in his thoughts on language and how it can be used to create powerful and memorable effects.

What I Liked About the Book

I enjoyed Amis’s sharp wit and his ability to skewer the foibles of modern society. I also found his insights on language to be thought-provoking and insightful.

What I Didn’t Like About the Book

At times, Amis’s writing can be too clever for its own good. He also has a tendency to go on tangents that can be distracting.

Overall Assessment

Overall, I enjoyed The War Against Cliche and would recommend it to fans of Amis’s other work or anyone interested in the power of language.

Who Should Buy This Book

The War Against Cliche is a good choice for fans of Martin Amis, as well as anyone interested in the power of language.

Where to Buy This Book

The War Against Cliche is available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.