Loving Stephen Fry wherever he is.

Normally I don't have a lot of time for travel books written about the United States. But every so often I like to make an exception--particularly so when the author of such a book is British.

Stephen Fry (better known to American audiences for his role as Jeeves in the BBC series Jeeves and Wooster, or for his appearances on Blackadder) set out to set foot in every one of America's fifty states, and to learn a little something about what makes each of them unique. My next research task is to track down the television series he made (on which this book, Stephen Fry in America, is based), but even if I don't find it, I've already enjoyed the book immensely.

Be prepared: although Fry seems quite fond of America and Americans, there are times when he won't pull any punches. For instance, when he spent some time in Oregon camping out with a man who firmly believes in the Sasquatch legend, this is what he had to say: "I have to spend hours camping out with Matt, listening to completely unconvincing stories of Bigfoot sightings, accompanied by weird and inappropriately tearful mentions of his wife and children. His particular blend of aggressive family sentimentality*, macho gun-toting and childish superstition is not something I find it easy to respect or like." (p. 284.)

Now that's a bit churlish. But I love churlish. I think the churl is what lends more weight to Fry's many other kind words about the majority of the states and their residents. And, of course, as Fry said I would in his introduction ("human nature, after all, dictates that you turn straight to the entry in this book that covers your own state..."), I went right for the chapter on Wisconsin and was proud to learn that he thinks that we, in contrast to the rest of the U.S., really get cheese. I'll take that.

It's a fun read, with beautiful pictures. Do check it out.

*I totally love this phrase, as aggression and sentimentality are two of my least favorite personality traits.

Comments

[Tripp]

I'd like to read this book. I don't have BBC America, so I haven't seen his show. Some of the clips are up on Youtube though. Here he is hanging out with Morgan Freeman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C83pEooe3m4&feature=related

[Citizen Reader]

Thanks, Tripp!
I depend entirely on the library for my BBC programs (no cable), so I appreciate the YouTube clip. BTW, anybody thinking of getting cable for BBC America (which I would totally understand) should think twice--they edit a lot of their programs for time and commercials, meaning you're missing vital parts of programs like MI-5, which is totally bogus. Check out the DVDs from your library if they've got them!

[Ruthiella]

Having lived in other parts of the world, I can state that the combination of aggression and sentimentality is not limited to or particularly unique among Americans. That said, my younger brother believes in Bigfoot. He also used to think that WWF wrestling was real. But he now conceeds that it is staged.

Have you ever read Bill Bryson's "The Lost Continent?". That is also a very funny travel book about the U.S.

[Citizen Reader]

Ruthiella,
Oh, I know that (about both aggression and sentimentality). I would guess both traits are on the rise globally, as a matter of fact, which is sad.

Actually, I felt a little bad for the Bigfoot guy. While I was perfectly on board with the dislike for aggression and sentimentality, I can't say believing in Bigfoot particularly bothers me. Why not? People believe in stranger legends, like how poor people should all be able to pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

I was actually wondering about Bryson's "I'm a Stranger Here Myself." I've not read "The Lost Continent" but maybe it's time I tried Bryson again.

[Lisa]

I saw his series - the first thing I learned to tape on my new DVR. I loved it - Fry is full of churlish insights, and even better, sought out unusual locations and people to visit, (not just Mr. Sasquatch) and not just the usual tourist traps. You get the sense that he really enjoys the US - marveling at its gorgeous geography and its friendly people. Plus, he drives his black London cab the whole time. If you can't find it, you can come over my house and watch it.

[Citizen Reader]

Lisa,
I'm so glad you saw it! I've been getting my fill on YouTube clips, but if I'm ever seriously jonesing for some Brit TV you may find me on your doorstep, late at night, pleading "please let me in for some Stephen Fry viewing, guvnor?" :)

[Bookie]

Oh, I can't WAIT to read this, although I am a little skeered of what he thought of my wonderfully kookie home state of Louisiana...

[Rachael]

I love Stephen Fry. I used to long for BBC America, and then when I got it I still ended up waiting to get the danged DVDs. Sigh.

I haven't seen this show or read the book, though, so it's nice to have something to look forward to!

[Citizen Reader]

Bookie,
Of course, my memory being a sieve, I can't remember Louisiana, but I think he had nice things to say about Louisiana, and talked to a very interesting family from the Lower Ninth Ward who felt (rightly) that they were abandoned by the government after Katrina.

Rachael,
I love Stephen too, although I must admit I particularly love him paired with Hugh Laurie. It's time to watch "Jeeves and Wooster" again. I periodically still dream about BBC America, but paying for TV just isn't worth it, since I'm lucky and my library gets a ton of BBC specials on DVD.

[bybee]

He teamed up with Christopher Hitchens for a few debates...they were a great team & wiped the floor with the opposition.

[Beth]

um, have you seen this yet? http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_late_show/video/?pid=S4CYj3l11sal9hZGHvJnlUulPY5GyOFa&vs=homepage&play=true
i seriously almost died.

[Citizen Reader]

Bybee,
Ah, that would make sense, as Fry is similar to Hitchens on the atheism scale. Did they do that on the program?

Beth,
Thanks for the clip! I enjoy Craig Ferguson but boy is that guy strange. (My favorite was the clip from the 1991 game show, with a young Fry asking questions and a younger big-haired Ferguson answering.) Is he going to do the audience-less show thing very often? I found it kind of weird--never realized how much I enjoy hearing an audience chuckle along with a host!