Book blurbs: no one knows whether hyperbolic tone is deserved or not


By AGENCY
Book blurbs serve a purely promotional purpose. Photo: AFP

"Extraordinary," "breathtaking," "the new Stephen King"... Book covers often contain short, glowing quotes from literary critics and/or writers. These so-called blurbs are a common promotional tool, but they're increasingly being criticised within the profession.

The issues surrounding blurbs were brought to light in August by the Society of British Authors (SoA), following the publication of Jordan Peterson's latest book, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules For Life.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Book blurbs , hyperbole , book industry , criticism

Next In Culture

Kenyans get creative to join manga cosplay craze
Princess Diana's brother to unveil 'truth' in new book
New York museum shows ancient 'Odyssey' fragment amid film's success
MPO tribute set to bring Alfonso Soliano’s musical legacy into the present
Queen champions cultural heritage at KL's Merdeka Textile Museum launch
Vermeer's 'Girl With A Pearl Earring' in Japan, perhaps for the last time
Weekend for the arts: 'Mimpi Jernang' exhibition, Joni Mustaf showcase
Kerala's snake boat racers battle floods, financial woes to keep tradition afloat
Sonia Gandhi’s memoir to revisit love, loss and declining India’s top job
DFP to bring Malaysian-Chinese heritage to the stage through dance

Others Also Read