I have been meaning to get to this book for years, literally. It's one of the novels I'm sure my dad read and he wasn't really a reader, at least notI have been meaning to get to this book for years, literally. It's one of the novels I'm sure my dad read and he wasn't really a reader, at least not when I knew him.
I'm sure that some of you will like this book far better than I do. I think that it's an exceptionally well written novel. The prose is at times almost musical, "in it's way". There are two things that caused me to have a struggle with my interest now and then.
First this novel is predominantly a romance. It is indeed a western with a very clear view of life in the west and this one is far closer to the way things were than a lot of our more modern western novels. Still, I'm not really a fan of romance with it's required angst and drama. The colliding social systems of New England and the West are on display here as the female protagonist ("the schoolmarm" Molly Stark Wood, or Molly Wood.)falls in love with The Virginian, a true western man of his time.
The other problem I had to overcome was the style of writing. Don't get me wrong, the book is beautifully written. It was written in 1901 (some places say 1902 but that appears to be the publication date). We open meeting the narrator who's later called "The Tenderfoot". After the basis of this relationship is established and of course we meet Trampas and set up that conflict the book progresses into the day to day life of the Virginian. It begins to revolve around the romance with the differences and conflicts in the west and the east.
The style of writing in that era was much more wordy and florid. I at times found my interest wandering off and really completely lost interest in the book. It of course picks up and we get to the final climax.
Try it yourself. The book is still in print after a 100 years. Must mean something.
(view spoiler)[ I didn't mention this above but there is a central event in the book that shapes the story and wears on the Virginian throughout the story. Because of the "state of" what passed for law enforcement the people often had to take the law into their hands. The Virginian is "forced" to be involved in the hanging of an old friend who's taken to rustling. Steve admits his crime and goes to his death bravely accepting his fate for the crimes he'd committed. This weighs on the Virginian and Molly and shapes the story a great deal. (hide spoiler)]...more
I mentioned this book a while back in my review of Beau Geste as also being somewhat dated by the writing style. I have read it before and was never oI mentioned this book a while back in my review of Beau Geste as also being somewhat dated by the writing style. I have read it before and was never overly enthralled...but I love the story. It's been copied and made into at least 3 movies I know of (1939, 1978 TV Movie, and 2002). So I decided to give it another read with no distractions. I wanted to read it and not have another book going at the same time.
So, I downloaded an audio version from the library.
The book is one written for late 19th and early 20th century tastes. It was written in 1902. Still if you relax and slide into the narrative it's quite an experience. The book is at heart a romance (and many of my friends here know I'm not a romance fan) but it's a romance in the classic sense. The young protagonist haunted all his life by his own doubts instilled by his father, uncles, grand fathers and so on (unknowingly, this is not cruelty only lack of understanding) he sets a different standard for himself and tries to put others first. In doing this he incurs unjust scorn and damages the people he wanted to protect (all based on an unjust accusation and narrow-minded presumptions). He sets out to right the wrong and "reclaim his honor" in the only way he knows how.
Now as I said, the book was written in 1902 so let me give a heads up. There is non-PC language used in the book. The ubiquitous "N" word is even used. It is not used as a slur but was accepted then. Still I know some will Understandably find it offensive. If this is the case I thought i ought to give a heads up.
If that isn't a deal breaker this is a well written story and remains a classic for a reason.
Now I think I ought to say a little about the movies. I never saw the TV movie so I can't comment on it. As for the 2 feature films. Neither follow the book in their retelling. They both attempt to tell a "close version" of it and you'll probably at least get the flavor.
For my money the 1938 version is by far the better movie. They both combine characters and rewrite some parts mostly for time I suppose (I can't see any other reason for it anyway). The 2002 movie failed to hold my interest. I tried to watch it and my interest waned very quickly. The 1938 version gets the heart of the story right and is much more interesting. They add a more action packed stirring ending to the story and let it tie up more completely than the book does in one way. Still id doesn't actually deviate from the "story line". Of course if all you know is the movie you will miss a great deal of the story and it's nuance. So I'd say enjoy the movies but don't miss the book.
So excellent read...slower style than most books are written in today, but highly recommended. ...more
This is one of those books I've been meaning to read since...well since i was a kid. Gary Cooper is Beau Geste for me. I'll say this...that old movieThis is one of those books I've been meaning to read since...well since i was a kid. Gary Cooper is Beau Geste for me. I'll say this...that old movie isn't too far from the book and it captures the book's adventure.
Told from the beginning by a Frenchman (who of course gets the "compliment" that he's like an Englishman) telling the spooky, frightening, foreshadowing/climactic tale of Fort Zinderneuf. He lead the relief column to the fort which he found unfallen with it's gates closed and locked...but entirely manned by the dead.
I suppose the story/plot is familiar to many who'll read this from the movie I mentioned and others (though if the only movie you've seen is "The Last Remake of Beau Geste" staring Marty Feldman you may not have exactly the idea of the plot found in the book). It's a classic story of honor, bravery and self sacrifice.
Why only 3 stars...well, I just couldn't get past the story telling/writing style that is very dated. I felt the same way about The Four Feathers. The story is moving and exciting. The story telling style is more slow and dated than readers today will be used to.
It sort of drove me crazy at times.
I hate to admit that.
So, good story...dated story telling. Enjoy....more
Okay, in order. I read this book many, many, many years ago sometime in the 1970s. However the novella itself was written in 1928 sOH GOOD GRIEF!!!!!
Okay, in order. I read this book many, many, many years ago sometime in the 1970s. However the novella itself was written in 1928 so it's not like I was one of the first to read it or anything. That all said it's a good read.
This is "basically" the proto-Buck Rogers. Buck has gone on to great fame in movies, TV and popular culture since this book...just thought I'd mention it.
Let me point out up front that it was (as I said) written in 1928, it's far from politically correct. The enemy (as in Robert Heinlein's Sixth Column) are "the Asians". Here the Mongolians are named but it's implied that it's a sort of "East Asian Co-prosperity Sphere" involving many countries who are the enemy. "Words" are used that could cause some offense. Racial attitudes are on display that are very dated. Know that going in.
But what you get then is a fairly fast moving story of a "fantasy future" war. And the way things are imagined for the 25th century from the viewpoint pf the 1920s is interesting.
Now that said, in a fit of nostalgia I "bought" the audio version of this from Audible.
I just returned the audio version of this to Audible. The reader is so poor as to (for me at least) make the book "un-listen-to-able". That is the reason for my opening "Good Grief". I can't emphasize enough how bad the narration on the audio book is....
Really, don't try that audio book. Run, save yourself. I'm sure the reader is giving it his shot. And I don't have anything against the guy...but the narration is unbearable...truly. For me at least. Read...that is "READ" the book. ...more
It's been many years since I found H.P.Lovecraft and burned through most of what I could find by him. This is one I only vaguely recalled.
This is theIt's been many years since I found H.P.Lovecraft and burned through most of what I could find by him. This is one I only vaguely recalled.
This is the only actual novel by Lovecraft and helps set some of the basis of what would over time and with the help of other writers (notably August Derleth) would come to be called the Cthulhu Mythos. Lovecraft uses his own ideas and ties them in with hints from other places (for example Poe's The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket) and actual notes and discoveries which of course he "changes".
The narrator has led an expedition to the antarctic for Miskatonic University (Lovecraft's fictional university in Arkham (the fictional town)which seems to be a very unusual and...nasty place in Massachusetts (I think Stephen King knows the place and the part of New England where it is). He has set out to warn off anyone for ever going there and digging again into what he'd found...
Lovecraft does a good job in starting out the story calmly, slowly and giving an almost normal life feel to it. From there things begin to go bad very, very slowly. Gradually he builds the horror/terror into the story till we reach the climax.
Good story as most of Lovecraft's are. You need to be willing to surrender to the story and buy into the reality. Suspend disbelief...an of course leave the lights on....more
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 dI 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 neglected or completely 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 thought by some to be Roland's Durendal [which he broke so it would not fall into enemy hands] reforged) and 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 quite 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. ...more
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 neverThis 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. ...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 th**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....more
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 asAn 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. ...more
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,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, 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....more
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 sThe 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?...more
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 nowI 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 and 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 butI was torn between 4 and 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. ...more
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 movieNot 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. ...more
A classic that deserves to be. I loved it when young and still think it's great. If you haven't read this I'd recommend that you find it. It's great.
*A classic that deserves to be. I loved it when young and still think it's great. If you haven't read this I'd recommend that you find it. It's great.
**********
The above was my earlier minimalist review of the novel in question. I'd like to elaborate a bit. At the time Twain wrote this the idea of time travel was unquestionably not cliche. Twin's picture of the "competent every-man American" dropped into the midst on King Arthur's court is by turns comic and tragic.
Our hero (The Boss)seems to land on his feet quite well once he comes to the conclusion he's actually "In the past" and not some local insane asylum. his general knowledge of everything from historical facts to mechanical principals serves him well though the people sometimes surprise him a bit.
As noted above in my more abbreviated remarks a classic that's not to be missed.
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, buI 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.The 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 wheRead 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?...more
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 quicklIt'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....more
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 betraA 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. ...more
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 asksInteresting 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....more
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 translateI 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....more
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 withoutA 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....more
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 withOne 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 SimWhile 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/repentance scenes alone are worth the "freight", so to speak.
The story is undoubtedly familiar 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 experience it with Scrooge. While I wouldn't call myself a Dickens fan this is one of his best efforts (that's my opinion for what it's worth)....more
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 theI 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...
Yeah I was a bit shallow. Still as an adventure story this 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/stories, don't miss it....more
Mike (the Paladin)
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