James Marriott, a columnist for The Times, has released his first book, *The New Dark Ages*, which examines the decline of reading in the digital era and laments the growing dominance of screens over print media. Drawing on his personal childhood experience of immersing himself in literature during school holidays, Marriott argues that smartphones and social media have significantly diminished public engagement with books and long-form reading.

Marriott describes his youthful passion for reading—especially nurtured by his father, a teacher—as a rare phenomenon in early 2000s northern England. He contrasts this with the present-day prevalence of digital distractions, noting that he himself had to give up his smartphone to focus properly on works like those of George Eliot. The author warns that this shift away from print threatens not only cultural literacy but also the capacity for critical thinking, leaving society vulnerable to manipulation by authoritarian forces and misinformation, including anti-vaccine movements.

The book traces the historical significance of literacy and print culture, highlighting how reading has facilitated complex argumentation and understanding throughout history, from Montaigne to contemporary figures such as internet personality Mr Beast. While Marriott acknowledges the continuing importance of conversation, he underscores the unique role of prose fiction in revealing the inner lives of others, contrasting this with the limitations of performative media like acting or visual images.

Marriott also critiques the impact of social media on political discourse. Using the example of news coverage of war zones, he contrasts the explanatory depth often found in traditional print journalism with the emotive, sometimes superficial, reactions elicited by brief social media clips. He suggests that photo or video content can provoke anger without providing the necessary context to understand the underlying causes.

Despite its urgent tone, the book grapples with the complexities behind declining reading habits. Marriott initially assigns primary blame to smartphones but later acknowledges broader societal factors such as economic inequality. He highlights disparities in access to screen-free environments, noting that wealthier families can better shield their children from digital distractions, whereas poorer families face added challenges, including limited childcare options.

Marriott clarifies that being “post-literate” does not imply an inability to read or write but indicates a cultural shift toward less frequent engagement with the kind of literature that fosters deep reflection. While the book’s warnings about the fate of literacy carry a sense of apprehension, Marriott stops short of outright pessimism, suggesting that reading will persist even in challenging times.

*The New Dark Ages* may resonate with readers who reflect uneasily on their own screen habits, offering a personal and cultural meditation on the evolving relationship between humans and textual forms. Ultimately, Marriott’s work is a reflection on growing up immersed in literature and confronting the realities of the digital age’s pervasive influence.