David Looseley Interview
David Looseley is a writer, translator, and emeritus professor of contemporary French culture at University of Leeds, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques. His new book is an entry in the 33 1/3 series on Édith Piaf’s Récital 1961, a live album David calls a “historic comeback performance.”
How did you get to where you are today, professionally?
Well, it’s a long and not necessarily fascinating story, so I’ll summarize… I’ve been a university academic in the field of French cultural studies for a long time. And although I’m now officially retired, I don’t quite seem able to give up researching and writing. I guess it’s an identity thing. But an extra temptation to continue is the fact that retirement has freed me up to write about subjects that interest me, irrespective of any university requirements.
Can you please briefly describe the book?