I actually have the Easton Press leather bound copy of this book. I found it at my favorite used book store.
Have you heard of Roland? I find in this d...moreI actually have the Easton Press leather bound copy of this book. I found it at my favorite used book store.
Have you heard of Roland? I find in this day when schools are more involved with building "self esteem" than education that there are a lot of classics (and for that matter a lot of history and an a lot educational fundamentals such as reading) that are unheard of. From the legends of Charlemagne Roland is the "proto" Paladin. One of the 12 Paladins of Charlemagne his story has influenced both historical figures (Joan of Arc's sword was though by some to be Roland's Durendal [which he broke so it would not fall into enemy hands] reforged) to modern fantasy writers (Michael Moorcock has Elric sound his horn which Moorcock connects to the horn of Roland, Olifant to signal "world's end and new beginning").
The stories here are iconic as well as enjoyable and fairly readable. Comparable with if not as well known as the Arthurian Legend for many this will be an edition of these stories they'll want to have around. Listed in many places as a "youth" book it's also a read many adults will enjoy. (less)
This is sort of a "what more can you say" book, it's Poe. I was introduced to Poe when I was around 11 by a (young) school teacher. I suppose I never...moreThis is sort of a "what more can you say" book, it's Poe. I was introduced to Poe when I was around 11 by a (young) school teacher. I suppose I never looked back and in a way it effected my taste in literature as I still like most types of fantasy reads and enjoy what is usually (somewhat loosely) called "weird" literature.
Edgar Allan Poe, a man who carved out the classic short story, the classic detective story all the while telling blood chilling stories that have been copied ever since. I have read that a good deal of the "character assassination" of Poe was exaggerated. We know that he was at least emotionally fragile and was shattered by the loss of his wife. More than that and that he was an extraordinary writer I'm not sure of. BUT if you like horror, try. It all started here. (less)
**spoiler alert** I owned a copy of this years ago and unusually for me, I'm giving a book a I barely scratched a 5 star rating. Why?
I can't handle th...more**spoiler alert** I owned a copy of this years ago and unusually for me, I'm giving a book a I barely scratched a 5 star rating. Why?
I can't handle the comedy/tragedy nature of this novel. In many ways this novel sets the bar for the "NOVEL" itself. It is wonderfully written, masterfully constructed has comedy and pathos. It is in short a master piece.
This isn't fully agreed on of course... There have been abridged versions of the 2 part novel released with some "side stories" removed. I may not be the person to judge as I can't claim personal knowledge of the book as I've only been able to deal with it in a "nod to each other" type of relationship. I suppose due to things in my own life I don't care for melancholy and depressing reads.
And it rips my heart out. Alonso Quixano, (Don Quixote) sets out in idealistic fervor and is (of course) made the butt of jokes, ridiculed, and abused on all sides finally to be defeated. Alonso is finally smashed down from his vision and the harshness of reality destroys his dream. he dies a broken man.
There is I admit much to learn here and novels have seldom if ever been done better, but the very quality of the writing brings the pain home more acutely. So, a beautiful 5 star novel that will if you have a heart and know how to dream (I believe) tear your heart out.(less)
An early "anti-hero" a clergyman (quiet and respectable) whose wife cheats on him and leaves him sending our hero, Dr. Syn off into a violent life as...moreAn early "anti-hero" a clergyman (quiet and respectable) whose wife cheats on him and leaves him sending our hero, Dr. Syn off into a violent life as an avenger, terrorist (of his fleeing wife and her lover), pirate, smuggler, etc., etc., etc. following him till he became a Vicar and a smuggler at the same time (sporting the disguise of the "evil" Scarecrow)and was finally killed, (after defeating his enemy, having his ex-wife die in his arms raising their child and providing for her, heroically caring for his friends, the local people) by someone from his past.
The first book (I read it all in one volume when I was 13) was published in 1915...and they seem to hold up very well. Well, I liked them.
By the way, if you don't recognize the title as some I've talked to didn't...Disney's The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh was based on the "center" of the story.
Also "by the way", these seem to be totally out of print. I've seen a few used and I believe they may be available for The Kindle (I don't have one). Frustrating. (less)
This is an old book (published 1920) that belonged to my father. When i was young I found it at my grand parents home. My grand mother read it to me,...moreThis is an old book (published 1920) that belonged to my father. When i was young I found it at my grand parents home. My grand mother read it to me, when I was too young to read and I read in it myself (stories) over and over.
It's a book of animals and their adventures (sometimes life and death adventures, it's an older book). I held on to it and hope it will still survive for many years even though it is starting to look...worn.
Anyway...I checked, you can find this book if you want it. They're used but maybe kids today would like them to. I hope so really. I loved these.(less)
The Lord of the Rings is the best of it's "type" and since it's the scale most other high and epic fantasy is measured against what more neesd to be s...moreThe Lord of the Rings is the best of it's "type" and since it's the scale most other high and epic fantasy is measured against what more neesd to be said?(less)
I was so young when I read this I had trouble understanding it (I'd read Animal Farm). This is one of those books everyone should read, especially now...moreI was so young when I read this I had trouble understanding it (I'd read Animal Farm). This is one of those books everyone should read, especially now. I went up from 4 (readablity) to 5 based on this book's place in the world, what it says and what it warns.
I was torn between 4 ans 5 for this one(at first). I love it in many ways and give it 5 stars. Some will probably find it a little harder to read but...moreI was torn between 4 ans 5 for this one(at first). I love it in many ways and give it 5 stars. Some will probably find it a little harder to read but that's more due to the time in which it is written and it's slightly dated style. I'm not sure that "relax" is the right word here but "relax" into the book and "experience it". This book is in my opinion amazing. I got it out of the library and still would like to find a copy available locally.
Great book.
UPDATE:
I have since bought the book. It has stayed with me since the first reading and given me not only an amazing read but food for thought and insight into not only the ideas dealt with in the book, but myself.
From the opening scenes of this book (in an old and somewhat mysterious library apparently "haunted" by a raven looking man in tales, possibly the old librarian) I was pulled in. I followed the thoughtful yet enthralling story from start to finish and then tracked down a copy of the book for my own library.
My highest recommendation for this one 5+ stars. It gets listed among my favorites. (less)
Not as readable in my opinion as the Three Musketeers. If you've only seen film adaptions you don't know the story. Try the book. It seems that movie...moreNot as readable in my opinion as the Three Musketeers. If you've only seen film adaptions you don't know the story. Try the book. It seems that movie makers can't resist changing the story here to the point of "unrecognizably". Why? It's not all that happy. Still, good book, interesting story. (less)
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one and finally went with 4 based on the time it was written. It doesn't read like a more recent SF novel, bu...moreI was torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one and finally went with 4 based on the time it was written. It doesn't read like a more recent SF novel, but it's another thought provoking read. The storage devices that survived times passing, the question of what went with him on his last trip and what kind of society would now result stays with us. Not a bad read.
This has been made into more than one movie (the earliest probably being the closest to the actual book). It like many of Wells' works has inspired thought and conjecture. Wells was an interesting man who saw many things clearly (though personally I disagree with many of his ideas) and some not so clearly. Picturing advancements that weren't well defined in science until long after his own time. Wells wondered constantly about the dichotomy between humanity's ability to leap ahead in scientific development while still trying to wipe itself out.
Wells seems to me to have been a strange combination of inspired thought and closed mindedness. He grasped concepts that were so advanced that some still haven't come to pass, yet also failed to recognize things that were all around him.
The epic fantasy against which all other epic fantasies are measured. And there is reason. Beautiful, lyrical, depth, enthralling. I love these books....moreThe epic fantasy against which all other epic fantasies are measured. And there is reason. Beautiful, lyrical, depth, enthralling. I love these books. I've read them many many times. Really they are not to be missed. Highly, highly, highly recommended.
Read long ago (elementry school first)when I couldn't appricate the humor as well as the pathos and the lessons that are really there. Seemed long whe...moreRead long ago (elementry school first)when I couldn't appricate the humor as well as the pathos and the lessons that are really there. Seemed long when your young...gets deep as you mature. It wears well. Don't you think the Bard would be glad to know I approve?(less)
It's of course well written, but not my cup of tea. I'm not a huge fan of Russian literature. You know....a happy ending is where everyone dies quickl...moreIt's of course well written, but not my cup of tea. I'm not a huge fan of Russian literature. You know....a happy ending is where everyone dies quickly instead of suffering. Also everyone always seems to have several interchangable names to keep track of...
Anyway good book heavy story...not one I plan to read again.(less)
A read/trip worth taking...okay but really it's good. No way can I go further without spoilers, just "think" a book on redemption after pain and betra...moreA read/trip worth taking...okay but really it's good. No way can I go further without spoilers, just "think" a book on redemption after pain and betrayal.
By the way, if your only knowledge of the book is a movie, do yourself a favor and read the book. (less)
Interesting book (I say that a lot). I found myself wondering if he confused the legend of the "Wandering Jew", based on a scripture where Jesus asks...moreInteresting book (I say that a lot). I found myself wondering if he confused the legend of the "Wandering Jew", based on a scripture where Jesus asks Peter "what it is to him" if Christ wishes John to stay alive until He returns, therefore starting a legend that the Apostle John was still alive, with Lazarus whom Christ resurrected from the dead. Did he do it on purpose, or did he just confuse the two?
This is a sort of episodic future history of a post-apocalyptic world...it's not one of my favorites and I probably won't re-read it. that being said, it's definitely worth a read.(less)
I have read this book multiple times and always find things I didn't get before. Thick with information and deep with insight into the words translate...moreI have read this book multiple times and always find things I didn't get before. Thick with information and deep with insight into the words translated "love" in the New Testemant" and their import to us.(less)
A book that speaks to the inquisitive mind, the mind that wants to ask about even the possibility of miracles. A book to be read in quiet and without...moreA book that speaks to the inquisitive mind, the mind that wants to ask about even the possibility of miracles. A book to be read in quiet and without distraction.(less)
One of my favorite (if not my favorite) C. S. Lewis works (and I am a C. S. Lewis fan). The insight in this book about God and man's relationship with...moreOne of my favorite (if not my favorite) C. S. Lewis works (and I am a C. S. Lewis fan). The insight in this book about God and man's relationship with Him is wonderful.
I suppose that many who read this will already know that I'm a Christian. I won't belabor it, if you're interested I'm happy to discuss if you don't want to I won't push my thoughts on you.
This is a very readable book and while I suppose the Christian aspects will be obvious it is also possible to simply read the book as a novel. There are some overt "teaching sections" but the book is constructed as a fantasy story told from a narrator's point of view. I've read novels from the point of view of other religions and didn't suffer or find myself suborned into some belief against my will, so I don't think non-Christians would necessarily have a problem with the book. As to Christians I believe most will enjoy this book and find an (strangely when some of it is considered) uplifting story that is also thought provoking, enlightening and even instructional. If you are a non-Christian or even irreligious you might try it and see if you can approach it as a fantasy...that is up to each reader of course.
On the religious and philosophical front, the title is a response to Blake's, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell and though the book isn't a direct answer to this work it provides a contrasting and opposed view. Blake's work was written long before this one (1793) and is not as well know as this book. It's not at all necessary to have read it to enjoy this work. I only include this piece of information because I know some will be curious about the title.
Finally (and again), yes this is a Christian book and if you are a Christian and approach it so I believe it's possible to get much from this short read. In studying the Triune-God and wanting, hoping for even a little more understanding about His plan for us and the provision He has made this book was/is (for me) amazing. C.S. Lewis was a wise man and close to God, and he left us an abundance of that wisdom (from God)in his writings.
While I don't hold 100% with the theology (nor disagree either) I love this book...for that matter I love at least one of the movies (the Alastair Sim...moreWhile I don't hold 100% with the theology (nor disagree either) I love this book...for that matter I love at least one of the movies (the Alastair Sim version titled Scrooge). While the entire story is wonderful the redemption/repentence scenes alone are worth the "freight", so to speak.
The story is undoubtedly familliar to you but give it a read if you've only been exposed to it through movies. I think everyone probably re-looks at Christmas and life at the same time they experince it with Scrooge. While I wouldn't call myself a Dickens fan this is one of his best efforts (that's my openion for what it's worth).(less)
I read this fist (of course I suppose I should say) back in my "school days" I must say I "enjoyed" the Iliad more. Hey I was young and got into the b...moreI read this fist (of course I suppose I should say) back in my "school days" I must say I "enjoyed" the Iliad more. Hey I was young and got into the battles...
Ya I was a shallow. Still as an adventure story this still reads very well. If you haven't read it you might consider it. After all, it's been around since about 800 BC. Pretty good track record.
This is one of the worlds great epic poems, don't miss it.(less)
Everyone is familiar with the first half of this book as that is the part (or some version of it) that usually makes the movies. The rest of the book...moreEveryone is familiar with the first half of this book as that is the part (or some version of it) that usually makes the movies. The rest of the book being much darker and sadder (view spoiler)[ (the death of Constance for example). The Cardinal of course does not die and the king and queen do not find each other with all coming right in the world. But it's a wonderful book and well worth the read. (hide spoiler)] Go ahead see the movies, just don't confuse them with the literature.(less)
As promised I took a second look at this book, I will leave the original review below this one.
I still find the rape scene...more***** SECOND REVIEW ********
As promised I took a second look at this book, I will leave the original review below this one.
I still find the rape scene in this book repulsive, even though AR wrote once that "if it was rape it was rape by engraved invitation." I point out that Dominique herself CALLED it rape. She goes on about her own self loathing and wanted to shout out that she had been raped. Dominique is painted as a character so world weary and despising of society that she could only (finally) be aroused by a man who could "take her". Both Dominique and Roark are described as having condescension and violence as "positive" traits.
Okay, so I waded through this huge pretentious, self congratulatory, patronizing tomb. Having read more than this by AR I've got to say that while she hits the nail squarely on the head in some ways she takes the hard lessons life taught her and gets many wrong answers (not all wrong, but many wrong, at least in my opinion). To her compassion is the same as weakness. The word "compassion" has nothing but negative connotations. She cannot (and I truly believe it's "cannot" as well as "will not") see the difference in willingly giving help as opposed to being compelled by law to give up your living to those who "won't" work. The fact that there are many (and I admit possibly even most) who when given help will simply do nothing but keep asking for a hand-out extrapolates out for her that ever giving help is simply enabling loafers. She saw all unselfishness as weakness and all who acted unselfishly as hypocrites.
One can only wonder how she would have looked at Mother Teressa...probably as a weak dupe...or the world's greatest con-person who never got caught?
Personally I like Atlas Shrugged better as far as an actual novel goes. Dominique is such an odd personality that while I know AR was basing the character on herself, she was just too odd. I mean am I the only one who finds a woman who can't get aroused unless she's physically assaulted as a protagonist a little troubling? Oh well, beating a dead horse I suppose.
The book has good points and AR is a good writer of prose, at times, but not consistently, at least that's my take. I will raise the rating to 3 stars, mainly because the 1 star rating was a visceral reaction to a scene where the male protagonist rapes the female protagonist.
************** Original review below this line *******************
How do I rate this book??? I believe that while Ms.Rand has some huge holes in her reasoning she also had some insights. I think this is a book everyone should take a look at (especially now). I would hope we can differentiate between the valuable and the dross. Read this book (and her other works) with an open and also a critical mind. She has some important insights into human nature and the way humans think and the way the world actually works. She simply carries some of it to a place where it doesn't apply. For example, those who produce will come to a point where they will stop alloying themselves to be stripped of the rewards of their work and thought, it's human nature. On the other hand her view of those who need help and the spiritual side of life are somewhat wanting. she seems to be heavily influenced by Nietzsche.
I prefer Atlas shrugged to this novel. You can see Ms. Rand in the heroines of both books. In Atlas Shrugged she (Dagny Taggart) "trades up" in her romantic relationships each time she meets a "stronger" man who better exemplifies Ayn Rand's ideal (representing her philosophy "objectivism"). In this book, the heroine (Dominique Francon) is or "appears to be" raped by the "strong hero" Howard Roark. I say "appears to be" because even though to many readers and reviewers of the book at it's publication and since it is an obvious rape (and that includes me) Ms. Rand wrote that "if it was rape, it was rape by engraved invitation." I found this so distasteful that I completely lost my taste for this book and put it down. (less)
Read this a couple of times...enjoyed the take, History was never quite like this.
The French revelution is serious business and no one knows that bett...moreRead this a couple of times...enjoyed the take, History was never quite like this.
The French revelution is serious business and no one knows that better than Sir Percy Blakeney (sink-me), and he has to do something about it. But, will his "star-crossed" love mess the whole thing up? Even better than any of the movie adaptions. (Aren't all books though?)(less)
Insights into math and religion in a single book, not bad. I enjoyed the insights. The discovery by a 2 dimensional being that there are other dimensi...moreInsights into math and religion in a single book, not bad. I enjoyed the insights. The discovery by a 2 dimensional being that there are other dimensions of existence when he meets a 3 dimensional being. A simplistic synopsis but without spoilers.(less)
I love(d) this book and was torn between 4 and 5 stars. Can we call it 4.5? Heck, let's just say 5! I read it first long ago and it holds up well over...moreI love(d) this book and was torn between 4 and 5 stars. Can we call it 4.5? Heck, let's just say 5! I read it first long ago and it holds up well over the years (its and yours). A classic for a reason.
You'll find synopsis after synopsis here and elsewhere. But if you like adventure, heroism, romance, loyalty, betrayal...any or all of the above you won't go wrong here.
King Richard the Lion Heart...Robin Hood (Locksley)...Knights Templar...Saxons vs. Normans...Gentiles vs. Jews....Knights from the Crusades....Tournaments...jousts...melees...treachery...single combat...love...loss...reconciliation...heroics! This thing has more to offer than The Princess Bride! Well, no one gets murdered by pirates...and it is a "kissing book", but it's still a great read, and it's a classic so you get extra points!
Okay, so my sense of humor got the best of me for a second there.
While this book may not appeal to some, as it is definitely dated, it was written in 1819, and it's syntax and construction aren't what modern readers will be used to, that won't bother most I'd think. I read this book first when I was 13 or 14. I stumbled across it in a grandparent's house one summer, and it captured my interest. The book is a historical fiction and an action adventure of it's day and while it may not move as today's action adventures do, there is so much more than that here. The depth of the prose blows away what we might call "action adventure" today. There is high adventure here that should please adventure lovers and the romantics among us. (When "Sir Desdichado" challenged the entire field at the joust I was hooked!)
Yep, on second thought no question, 5 stars. This book is highly recommended. (less)
Mike (the Paladin)
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