Pre, post, whatever

[sawyl]

Following an article in the New York times, sales of Isaiah Berlin's Russian Thinkers have increased from 36 a month across the entire US to a few thousand in New York. The reason? The article in the Old Grey Lady had recommended that discerning theatre goers read it prior to going to see Stoppard's Coast of Utopia. Stoppard, was apparently surprised, saying:

What kind of madman would write a play that requires the audience to read a dozen books in advance? Come as you are; you'll be fine.

It seems the recommendations should have been post, not pre, theatre reading. Whatever. It's good to see Sir Isaiah back in fashion again...