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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]What is lowbrow?  [/quote]

People may have different opinions, but I think of it as books that aren’t considered “literature” and more likely to be viewed as genre books - romance, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, westerns, mysteries, thrillers, etc.  Of course there are lots of  gray areas and overlap. Also, if something stays popular long enough, it eventually gets redesignated as a classic, which by definition is “highbrow” regardless of literary merit (Beowulf?  Canterbury Tales?). 
[/quote]

But what does it mean?  Does it mean, not intelligent?  What does that have to do with low brow?  Is that eyebrows?  Does it mean it’s like, what, are we talking Neanderthal?  Does it mean unintelligent?   I’m really trying to understand.  Why would reading be considered unintelligent?[/quote]

PP here. I’ll try to clarify, but maybe others can jump in and offer their perspectives as well.

Here is a google search of definitions of lowbrow.  The general theme seems to be that something does not provide significant intellectual or cultural benefits, nor does it demand significant intellectual work or background to enjoy. 
https://www.google.com/search?q=lowbrow+definition&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#ip=1

Perhaps you could look at it as lowbrow books are meant more for gratification than edification. While you may learn some vocabulary or trivia or run across a quote that is meaningful, you’re probably not reading them to learn something in particular, to gain deep insight into yourself or your fellow man, to delve into spiritual or philosophical matters, to revel in the mastery of a consummate wordsmith, etc., you just want to enjoy yourself for a while. If you compare books to food, lowbrow books would be cotton candy. [/quote]

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