Shut Up He Explained

John Metcalf's Shut Up He Explained defies expectations and strict definition. Part memoir, part travelogue, part criticism — wholly Metcalf — it is thoughtful, engaged, contentious and often very funny. It offers a full does of Metcalfian wisdom and wit, and provides ample evidence that neither age nor indifference nor attack have withered him: he remains as sharp, critical, constructive and insightful as ever. Indeed, this may just be his most important and engaged book. Certainly it will b…