Theodore Zeldin is that rare person, a genuine intellectual who none the less understands the mass media and who possesses the curiosity to connect with and elucidate ordinary people s lives. Conversation brings his central theme that conversation is essential to our development as civilised human beings into sharp focus. Born out of the huge listener response to his lecture series on Radio 4, this unique manifesto alters our perceptions and practices of conversation. It is both a sourcebook of ideas about what conversation is and a provocative manual or game for improving how we talk to one another. Illustrated with Zeldin s own distinctive and original paintings, which provide a commentary on his theme, Conversation is a fascinating insight into human behaviour from a wise and charming observer. It demonstrates, in an accessible way, the means by which just talking and listening to others can improve our lives.