Arguing with Tony Judt

While scanning new magazines or newspapers, there are certain bylines you tend to notice. The list of them varies from person to person. But the habits of attention involved tend to be the same.

Usually the author is someone whose work you find informative, or stimulating, or otherwise agreeable (or some combination of these things). You tend to read the article immediately — or postpone gratification until you’ve perused everything you must. Of course, things are not always so pleasant. The author may be your bete noir — the very sight of his or her name provoking keen irritation. Which, to be sure, can involve its own pleasures.