Malcolm Gladwell Rethinks the ‘Underdog’ in His Latest Book, David and Goliath
In the world of nonfiction writing, Malcolm Gladwell is a master craftsman. His newest book David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants (Little, Brown and Company, Oct. 2013) gives further evidence of his artistry, skillfully examining the struggle of underdogs versus favorites in his most provocative book yet.
Everyone loves a triumphant underdog story, and David and Goliath is chock full of them. But Gladwell’s interpretation of the biblical account views David, not as an improbable winner, but as a strong, agile young warrior who had as much chance of success as his ill-prepared, overconfident, bloated opponent. “Believing that the power within us — the Spirit of God — can overcome the powers against us means that we are not the underdog,” explains Gladwell. “We are not as weak as we think we are. Neither is the giant as strong as he seems. This is an important lesson for us to learn in our battles with opponents of all kinds.”
With subtle undertones of faith-related themes, Gladwell effectively merges his faith, love of history, scientific research and a powerful story to provide his readers with surprising insights that can reshape forever how they think about obstacles and disadvantages. Gladwell says, “We often misread and misinterpret the conflict as a disadvantage, when, in fact, the act of facing overwhelming odds can produce greatness and beauty. Challenges change people. When met head-on with faith and courage, they have the possibility of opening doors and creating opportunities that were never before possible.”
In David and Goliath, Gladwell begins with the real story of what happened between the giant and the shepherd boy those many years ago. From there, the book examines Northern Ireland’s Troubles, the minds of cancer researchers and civil rights leaders, murder and the high cost of revenge, and the dynamics of successful and unsuccessful classrooms — all to demonstrate how much of what is beautiful and important in the world looks like suffering and adversity.
Each chapter in the 320-page sturdy hardback showcases a compelling anecdote of a real-life person who was forced to respond to a difficult situation. The book includes the author’s study notes as well as a comprehensive index. While Gladwell introduces incredibly deep and clear research, the book is not intended to be a scholarly treatise but an inspirational book to rouse readers to conquer the giants in their own lives.
Gladwell was a journalist for the Washington Post for nearly a decade, and has been a columnist for the New Yorker since 1996. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of 2005. He is the author of several bestselling books: The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, and What the Dog Saw. Gladwell was born in England and grew up in rural Ontario. He now lives in New York.
A 24 minute prerecorded interview with Malcom Gladwell is available for airing. Contact Diane Morrow [email protected] for more information.
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
Malcolm Gladwell
Little, Brown and Company
October 2013
www.gladwell.com
