Quote:
Originally Posted by issybird
First of all, “instant classic” is an oxymoron, a nonsense term. Classic implies, strongly, tested by time. Instant classic is just blurb hyperbole; bring a more critical attitude toward those who are trying to sell you something. I’ll grant you modern classic, but that serves to differentiate between books 50 to 100 years old, say, and those older than that.
Our disagreements are immaterial. No one or even two people determine classic status. It’s the consensus. I do suspect that my judgments are more in line with the accepted assessment than yours. “Instant classic.” :shudder:
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Yes to all that.
I added bold to the important bit.
Not just books, but cars (though classic can simply mean not old enough to be vintage but admired).
"Instant classic" is terrible phrase when really what they mean is "fashionable or popular right now". Could be reviled in five years time... Or less.
"Fifty Shades of Grey"?