Abstract:The book review is a remarkably durable form of criticism. It has survived perhaps three hundred years of cultural upheaval and philosophical turbulence with almost no alteration of spirit or basic format. We’re so used to this piece of cultural furniture in its accustomed place that we neglect to ask the obvious questions. What is this thing? Is it functional or decorative or pointless?

中文翻译：

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抚摸狐猴的尾巴：狐猴只是比喻性的书评讨论

摘要：书评是一种非常持久的批评形式。它在大约三百年的文化动荡和哲学动荡中幸存下来，几乎没有改变精神或基本形式。我们已经习惯了这件文化家具在它惯常的地方，以至于我们忽略了提出明显的问题。这是什么？它是功能性的、装饰性的还是毫无意义的？