| Product: |
The Idler - Magazine |
| Date: |
15/06/08 (109 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Great counter culture mag, brilliant interviews and articles, humourous too
Disadvantages: Pricey
The Idler is a magazine/book that is issued quarterly through subcription or by purchasing individually from amazon.com. This quite amusing magazine extolls the virtues of idleness (in the pursuit of self-fulfillment) and counter-culture in the wake of the mundane, 'daily grind' of working life. Written primarilly with men in mind- there is a kind of 'boys club mentality', it claims to educate the intelligent individual in the art of self-sufficiency, 'loafing', and living the bohemian idyll. I personally dont care if this mag is largely aimed at a male audience, since firstly Im not always up for your prissy girly reading material (Ive also been know to look at 'Bizarre' magazine which is pretty gross really), and secondly because a number of the articles in the 'Idler' are written by women, as are their short stories.
~So, Whats the Idler About then?~
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The 'Idler' was first penned in 1993, and was created on the backdrop of Brit-pop music and the concept of 'Cool Britannia'. There isa certain artistic idealism evident in this magazine, in that the contributors strive to preserve the odd, often eccentric interests they have by sharing them with like-minded 'quirky' people.
Those people who contribute to the 'Idler' seem to believe that leisure time is central to creative thought, self-detemination, good mental and physical health, and as an antidote to the banalities and stresses of the Capitalist labour market. Some of the 'Idlers' in this collective, dont have jobs, or are smallholders, or freelance journalists who relish 'trying out' wacky ways of living; for example: a regular feature in this mag is 'Crap Jobs', and in issue 36 'Your Money or Your Life', Chris Hull examines the dubious career of the Sewerman- nice.
Many of the 'Idler' features concentrate on figures of popular culture who have 'opted out' of mainstream society to pursue a personal vision- often rejecting formal employment. Alex James, ex-Blur member, has been a regular contibutor to this magazine, and is now an honorary farmer-type, I believe. Louis Theroux is another character involved in this utopian book of dreams, exploring further weirdos as an extension of his fascinating 'Weird Weekends' escapades!
Musicians, writers, comedians, artist, you name it, each issue will study these icons contributions to the creative world, and interview them on the merits of idleness in the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Philosophers such as Henry David Thoreau, and John Locke are postumously examined, and I find this a quite interesting read. One issue focuses on the legendry comic Tommy Cooper, whilst an interview with Bill Oddie analyses in depth his depressive spells, and his obvious resentment at the BBC never showing the Goodies!
~What Do the Idler Writers Claim the Idler is About?~
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Heres a quote from the inside cover of the Idler issue 36, 2005:
"The Idler is a magazine that celebrates freedom, fun and the fine art of doing nothing. We believe that idleness is unjustly criticised in modern society when it is, in fact, a vital componant of a happy life. We want to comfort and inspire you with uplifting philosophy, satire, reflection, aswell as giving practical information in the quest for the idle life".
......Sounds good to me.
I guess you could say that some of this statement is tongue in cheek, but on a serious note, the 'Idler' does champion the idea that good, productive society operates with a decent leisure time in tandem with work. Many of the contributors are probably of the New Marxist ilk; there is certainly a lot of libertarianism and utilitarian thought pervading this literature! I just like the humour and satirical vibe these people use; extraordinarily intelligent and well-educated people who want to 'spread the word' through laughter, wit, and a damn good read.
~What Sections of the Idler are Entertaining?~
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I personally gain something from most of the articles and craziness contained within, but these are my particular favourites:
*Bill and Zed's Bad Advice-Theyve fu*@ed up their lives, now its your turn!*
This is a hilarious parody of those stupid agony columns you get in magazines. These two misfits give the poor so-and-so with the apparent problem pretty crap, and frankly quite unpleasant advice. If you are a sensitive soul, dont read- it can be quite shocking; I just take it in the spirit of humour and sarcasm that it was intended.
*Conversations*
Many a decent interview to be had in this section; Damien Hurst, and the philosopher Raoul Vaneigem to name two. Keith Allen also makes an appearance, but I loathe him (doesnt mean Im not interested in his warped take on life though- im willing to hear him out once!), as does another loser Pete Doherty (hey, Im not saying this mag is perfect!).
Other gems:
In one issue there was a funky Cockney Alphabet, purile but funny. Written by Damien Hurst and Mungo Park. Heres a snippet:
D for ential
F for vessant
J for oranges (oh dear, bad one)
N for seema (heehee)
O for the love of a woman
P for relief (Sorry, this one gets me every time)
U for mism
~What Issues are There~
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Some of the early editions are out of stock now, and are out of print, so best bet is to start purchasing now. Some back copies can be obtained, but they do become scarce. I suggest you try amazon initially for your first dose of the Idler, and then use their back copy ordering service as advertised on the inside on their back covers.
Heres an example or two of the issues that have been published. Each one concentrates on a central theme:
1. Winter 2000 *Everyone Loves a Fool*
2. Summer 2001 *Retreat*
3. Spring 2004 *Ladies of Leisure*
4. Spring 2005 *War on Work*
5. Winter 2005 *Your Money or Your Life*
~How Much Do Copies Cost?~
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At the time of writing they retail at £9.99 each. Bleedin' hell I hear you say. Well, yes, they are pricey, but they are also a glorified book, and not really a magazine except in inside format. There are very good short stories included, by talented people, we're not talking 'Peoples Friend' calibre here (no offence, Im sure those quaint stories are lovely for some). Back copies bought from the 'Idler' can be much cheaper, ie £4.00 and upwards. Visit www.idler.co.uk for more information (the website gives a taste of the magazine, and is pretty funky).
Prices of the idler vary enormously on amazon.co.uk, so shop around. Remember postage and packing may well be added on too.
~Conclusion~
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An excellent counter-culture publication- makes me feel educated and a little bit 'superior' (lol) for having it on my bookshelf.
Summary: Buy it, you wont be disappointed. If nothing else, its an experience!
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