Men’s Reading Slump Sparks Debate
Literary World Seeks Answers as Fiction Gap Widens
A surprising confession about devouring Jane Austen novels sparked a deeper reflection on men’s declining engagement with fiction. This shift has experts concerned about educational and emotional regressions.
The Allure of the Literary Man
Witnessing a man engrossed in a book has become a rare and captivating sight. The Instagram account “Hot Dudes Reading” highlights this phenomenon, celebrating men who find romance in literature. Some of the most memorable encounters for one observer involved discussions about books.
Literary Luminaries and Their Literary Tastes
Filmmaker Mike Nichols once shared his admiration for Edith Wharton’s *The House of Mirth*, a novel that resonated with its portrayal of career-ending missteps. Playwright Tom Stoppard, a deliberate eschewer of technology and social media, cultivates a striking collection of first editions from authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
Actor Ralph Fiennes revealed a deep love for Shakespeare, recounting how his mother, novelist Jennifer Lash, would read him stories from the Bard, including *Henry V* and *Hamlet*. This intimate connection to classic literature underscores its lasting impact.
Societal Shifts and the Humanities
Writer Richard Babcock, a former magazine editor and novelist, suggests the 1980s emphasis on wealth and success may have misled men into believing non-fiction offers more practical value than novels. The prioritization of STEM fields over humanities in education further devalues the broadening perspectives that fiction can provide.
“The obsession with money and wealth that arrived in the 1980s may have encouraged the false idea in men that there was little to learn from a novel. If you want tips on how to crush your rival, better to read nonfiction.”
—Richard Babcock
Novelist Susan Sontag famously described fiction as a tool that can “enlarge your sympathies,” acting as an “axe” to break open rigid mindsets and foster empathy. This capacity is increasingly vital as individuals retreat into personal devices.
The decline in male readership of literary fiction has allowed genres traditionally favored by women, such as romance and historical fiction, to dominate sales. However, not everyone agrees with the widespread lament.
“My friends eagerly read novels, even returning to the classics such as Anna Karenina and Middlemarch. Some wonderful male writers are turning out thoughtful, dramatic books such as Daniel Mason’s North Woods and Ben Shattuck’s The History of Sound.”
—Richard Babcock
The Humanities in the Age of AI
An advanced degree in English literature from Columbia University reinforced the idea that the humanities are more crucial than ever in an era of rapid technological advancement. Works like *Frankenstein* and *Paradise Lost* offer insights into the potential hubris of powerful figures, particularly in the context of creating artificial intelligence.
A testament to the enduring power of shared reading experiences comes from a group of men in New York. After a piece on the importance of humanities, Paul Bergman invited the author to join his book club, a gathering of lawyers and a judge who have been discussing books for 45 years.
This group’s dedication to delving into classics like *Middlemarch* highlights that while trends may shift, the fundamental value of literature to connect, enlighten, and inspire remains undiminished.
