Stephen Fry Does the 'Knowledge'

By: Stephen Fry

Narrated by: Stephen Fry

Length: 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Stephen Fry presents this intriguing programme charting the history of knowledge, how technology changes our relationship with it, and how we know what we know. Knowledge.

The Google generation thinks it doesn’t need to carry much of it around in its head any more. Much has already been written about the internet changing the way we think and learn. But is knowledge less valuable than it used to be? This absorbing programme explores the concept of ‘knowledge’, drawing on a variety of diverse sources: quiz games, psychology, education, news, trivia shows, satellite navigation and comedy. Featuring cab drivers, philosophers, memory champions and members of the Brains Trust, it looks at topics including cultural relativism, language learning and prodigious feats of memory.

Plus, it attempts to answer such questions as: what constitutes useful knowledge in an era when we can find anything very quickly?; why has 'useless knowledge' gained in currency?; and, if Typhoo put the tea in Britain, should we take the piss out of epistemology?

Packed with interviews, debates and a feast of archive clips from the past three decades, this is an enlightening and entertaining overview of the world of knowledge, both general and specific.

©2011 Stephen Fry (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Some knowledge concerning knowledge

What exactly is knowledge, who has it, how can we use it best and why is it so important? These are the questions that Stephen Fry poses in this BBC radio special. And the test subject he uses is the London Taxi-driver, some one who can take you anywhere in the maze of London's streets with only the most vague information. Fry does a wonderful job narrating this subject with the wry enthusiasm he is known for. Unfortunately, the subject is too large for the hour long time frame the BBC granted him. In the end the listener is given a whimsy and not an education on this unique subject. It reminds me of Orson Welles description of his film version of Macbeth: this is a charcoal sketch of a great masterpiece.

A Random Thing

A short treatise on knowledge. Entertaining and a fun way to fritter away some time.

love Stephen. subject? Intriguing.

Mr Fry is an entirely interesting talent.
I have loved, and found vital, his books on Mythos and Heros. This book is a curio. Thought provoking. Curious. A bit odd. Charming? Yes!

Allo Guvna

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Stephen was at his very best so for the entertainment value, yes I would

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I don't think you can

What does Stephen Fry bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His ability to make the some what soso sound bloody exciting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the book more because of the way Stephen read it rather than the subject itself.

fun but short

interesting, intriguing, fun but very brief. perhaps purposely?! we wouldn't want to have too much knowledge...

a great short story.

what is knowledge and who gets to decide the facts? these are questions which need answers. Stephen Fry does a great job of narration as usual.

Knowledge - what is it?

The author reviews the subject of "knowlege" by considering the actual examination of "The Knowledge" required to license London taxi drivers (brutal), and going on to consider the different things we mean by "knowledge", assisted by short clips from various BBC quiz and educational media. Fun, informative.

A Show Short

This was not what I expected. It turned out to be a comedy short about Stephen Fry’s spots on a show. Only a bit of history about how knowledge has grown.