DC Public Library System

Professor at large, the Cornell years, John Cleese

eng

contains biographical information

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Professor at large

1028851053

John Cleese

the Cornell years

"Comedian and actor John Cleese in the role of Ivy League professor at Cornell University, where he is currently professor-at-large. This book includes a selection of talks, essays, and lectures and provides a unique view of Cleese's endless pursuit of intellectual discovery across a range of topics"--, Provided by publisher"And now for something completely different. [This book] features beloved English comedian and actor John Cleese in the role of Ivy League professor at Cornell University. In almost twenty years as professor-at-large, Cleese has shared many talks, essays, and lectures on campus. This collection of his very best moments under his mortarboard provides a unique view of Cleese's endless pursuit of intellectual discovery across a range of topics. Since 1999, he has inspired Cornell students and local citizens with his ideas on everything from scriptwriting to psychology, religion to hotel management, and wine to medicine. Cleese's incredibly popular events and classes--including talks, workshops, and an analysis of A Fish Called Wanda and Life of Brian--draw hundreds of people. He has delivered a sermon at Sage Chapel, narrated Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf with the Cornell Chamber Orchestra, conducted a class on screenwriting, and lectured on psychology and human development. Each time Cleese has visited the campus in Ithaca, New York, he has held a public presentation, attended and or lectured in classes, and met privately with researchers. From the archives of these visits, [this book] includes an interview with screenwriter William Goldman, a lecture about creativity entitled, "Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind, " talks about Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian, a discussion of facial recognition, and Cleese's musings on group dynamics with business students and faculty. Professor at Large provides a window into the workings of John Cleese's scholarly mind, showcasing the wit and intelligence that have driven his career as a comedian, while demonstrating his knack of pinpointing the essence of humanity and human problems."--Dust jacket

Introduction / Stephen J. Ceci -- Hare brain, tortoise mind / John Cleese, April 4, 1999 -- Screenwriting seminar / John Cleese and Bill Goldman, October 14, 2000 -- Sermon at Sage Chapel / John Cleese, April 22, 2001 -- The human face / John Cleese and Stephen J. Ceci, April 28, 2001 -- What is religion? : musings on "Life of Brian" / John Cleese, October 22, 2004 -- Creativity, group dynamics, and celebrity / John Cleese and Beta Mannix, April 19, 2009 -- A conversation with John Cleese / John Cleese and Dean John Smith, September 11, 2017

adult