The Theory of the Leisure Class

"Veblen's landmark 1899 work of sociology and economics is generally abstract, academic, complex, and perhaps especially difficult to absorb by listening. Robert Slade's performance is engaged, energetic, and intelligent, but his accurate narration does not necessarily elucidate or even convey the sense of Veblen's purposefully, even performatively, obfuscatory jargon. Long chains of complex academic sentences sometimes lead Slade to a kind of droning narration, perhaps unavoidably. But he also seems almost rushed, as if trying to get listeners through before he loses them; slower pacing might have helped. Slade's narration is generally expressive but straightforward, so he doesn't convey Veblen's coyly sarcastic tone, which mocks the wealthy and privileged. Slade's performance is vivid and clear, but he can't make this difficult classic congenial, easy, or enjoyable."