Editorial Review

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Reviews (1150)

The politically correct shall inherit the earth
Mr. Bradbury's prophetic work has come to pass in the politically correct world of thought controlled by political expediency and special interests.
Thought provoking, but not amazing
What made me pick up this book in the first place was everyone's fixation on how "thought-provoking" and "different" it was. I read it, and found myself agreeing with some aspects, confused by others, and downright bored by some.
read me
Fahrenheit 451 is a read rich with a delicious story and social commentary.Guy Montag lives in a world made ironic because of the stark contrast to the way we wish our society was today.Firemen don't keep people safe from fires, they bust into houses starting fires.Scholars and professors live on the outside of society because of their love for books, philosophy, and sociology where in our world professors are on the inside and the ignorant majority are on the outside because of their lack of interest for the said disciplines.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Literature - Classics / Criticism    3. Science Fiction    4. Science Fiction - General    5. Book burning    6. Censorship    7. Fantasy    8. Fiction    9. Fiction / Science Fiction / General    10. Science fiction, American   

Editorial Review

Since his debut in 1951 as Read more

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (2665)

Nothing incredible
This book rather disappointed me. It wasn't able to catch my attention, and didn't really have a point. There wasn't really a plot, and the character was a rather flat, bland young man. The writing style was interesting, certainly, but it got extremely annoying and repetitive after a while. Too many things were used again and again, which didn't help this story one bit.
American Classic
This coming of age story should be read by everyone. However, smart young people will gain more from it than less observant (or more stupid) young people. Take the test, if you like the book, then chances are you are smart. If you didn't like the book, or you didn't read the book, then you are probably stupid.

"...incredibly attractive breakdown."
Some people really hate this book -- I can see why you think Holden is irritating, but...it's not that he's right about things, or that you're meant to think he's right. Or that you should even BELIEVE half the things he says. He's not going to come out and say,
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. Literature: Classics    5. Fiction / Classics    6. Modern fiction   

Reviews (1032)

White and Nerdy
I think "Of Mice and Men" was an good book.It had some good parts in the book along with some bad parts in there. I thought that the book taught a good story of people living a different life.Then also it was a sort of racial and had a lot of cursing in it.I think that older people should read this book and not young kids.

Of Mice and Men. Breaz*Plum, Student at Maces Lane Middle School.
The book, "Of Mice And Men," is one of the best books I have ever read. It is about two men, Lennie and George. They ran away from thier old ranch, Weed because Lennie is mentally retarded and he grabbed a ladies dress because he likes soft things. He got accused of rape. Later, they found a ranch in Salinas, California. Many events occured at this ranch, Lennie got in a fight with curly. Curly is a little man unlike Lennie and he is jealous of big men. You will have to read the story to find out the best ending. If you like breathtaking, loving, but yet harmful books you should read this book.

Great Book!C.L.M. Student at Mace's Lane Middle School
The book "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, has a very good plot and good setting. The setting of the book is in Salinas,California. The two characters Lennie and George are two people who have travelled together ever since Lennie was on his own. They have gotten all of their jobs together, and they have gotten fired together. Then they finally get a job as ranch hands and they get paid fifty dollars at the end of each month. While the two are there they meet seven more people, but I will let you figure them out for yourself.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. Literature: Classics    5. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (5)

The best available edition of Shakespeare's works
This is the best available edition of Shakespeare's work.
A stunning bargain.
Fine, unpretentious, and workman-like volumes.No slipcovers, brief commentary limited to introductory essays.Only one of the two available Penguin editions of King Lear, but that's not much of a loss.Identical to the Penguin paperbacks, but significantly sturdier.
Great way to enjoy the Pelican Edition in small volumes....
As someone who reads Shakespeare compulsively (2-3 plays per month on a rotating basis clear through the 37 extant works), I have been in the market for some time for an easily-manipulated and easy-to-read edition of Complete Works that can be taken in a backpack to work or to the beach. In this 38-Volume work I have found it!
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Reviews (108)

One of the better books I've read
The first 7 chapters of "The Great Gatsby", by F. Scott Fitzgerald, were 7 of the most entertaining and interesting chapters of literature I've ever read. The last 2 chapters were among the most lackluster and anti-climatic chapters of literature I've ever read.
Revealing the ugly side of the American Dream
+++++
Easy Read
The story was interesting, but not spellbinding.It is a short, easy read.Not sure why it is considered a classic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. General    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. 1937-    2. American - General    3. Fiction - General    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Humorous    6. Karon, Jan,    7. Literary    8. Literary Collections    9. Literature: Classics    10. Mitford (N.C. : Imaginary place)    11. Mitford years    12. Sagas    13. Fiction / Literary   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (882)

A Masterpiece!
A portrait of a man who has a vision and lets nothing interfere with his quest.Very inspirational. This book uncovers the phallacy of charity.To give a man something without getting anything in return, disrespects the recipient as well as the giver.Expect more of yourself and your fellow man.We are great even if we forgot it.Don't be a sucker.

What would Howard Roark say?
I wonder how Roark would review "The Fountainhead". Hmm...
A Timeless Paranoid Fable
It's hard not to be swept up in the fervor of The Fountainhead. It reminds me of the challenge a film professor gave to an anxious audience moments before screening Leni Riefenstahl's Nazi propaganda masterpiece "Triumph of the Will.""Try not to tap your feet to the music," he said.I found I could not resist turning the pages of The Fountainhead despite its flaws.Take the premise.No one in their right mind should believe that the fate of America rests in the palm of a liberal New York art critic named Ellsworth Toohey who nurtures a conspiracy so broad-reaching that intelligent people will eventually be reduced to a pack of drooling, slack-jawed socialists.But that is precisely what Ayn Rand proposes.She believes that you and I are all dolts - idiots - who have succumbed to mediocrity based on altruism.The hero who can save us is an egotistical architect named Howard Roark.As heroes go, there is nothing warm and cuddly about Howard.He doesn't really give a damn what you think about him or if you like him.Given Howard's prickly disposition, the ludicrous premise on which this book is based, and Ayn Rand's contempt for her readers, why is this book so damn popular?What gives?The answer is obvious.It's a timeless, paranoid fable that grabs at the emotions, negates the intellect, and reduces everything to absolutes.Perfect in other words for the red-baiting 1950s of Eugene McCarthy or the modern Bush era.Try not to tap your feet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. Fiction / Classics   

Subjects:  1. Ancient and Classical    2. Literature - Classics / Criticism   

Reviews (328)

Great book about individuality
This is a great book about the importance of self expression and individuality, it was way ahead of her time. 'The Awakening' is about a ninteenth century woman named Edna, and through seeing the restrictions of marriage, and the expression of art, seeks independence, but as a consequence becomes isolated.The Awakening is a sad story. Sad because of the conflict Mrs. Pontellier is having. Sad because of her lonliness. Yet it is also alluring because Edna does eventually break away from her pre-determined role; because she finally does awaken and free herself...I loved this book alot, it is a must read for anyone who can read.Another story that I recommend is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald -- I mean in case there are still any souls that did not read it...

The "Blinding"
I wish I could give this book a 0 rating. I have yet to understand why this world figures that a woman (or man) must be immoral in order to make a name for herself, or discover her soul. The only thing I enjoyed about this book is how it brought me back to a darn near picture perfect example of the immoral woman written about in the Book of Proverbs as compared to the woman of wisdom. The main character was so selfish in this book. I did feel sorry for the character because of her lost state but, ultimately I found my self very detached from this woman. This book is more about being blind and decieved rather than "awakened." I can now conculed I am not a fan of Mrs. Chopin or her incoherent character Edna! I understand the concept of equality for women, but come on, is this piece of literature really desired as a voice for feminism! In all my encounters with that which is labeled as dealing with the feminist cause/ feminist literature/feminist ideals, I have yet to be persuaded that is someting worthy of association with.

A beautiful and sensual Victorian classic!
I'd never read Kate Chopin before, but The Awakening seemed like a good place to start. The premise of this book seemed interesting. Set in turn-of-the-century New Orleans, this classic tale tells the story of Edna Pontellier, a proper wife and mother who lives a rather passionless life with her husband in a cottage near the beach. She becomes rather aware of herself and that there has to be more to life than what she has experienced. And so, she experiences a sexual awakening when she has an affair with a younger, unmarried man. And that is just the beginning of her journey, which includes getting rid of her husband and children to continue on her route to self-discovery. But will she find happiness in a world where women are oppressed and an uninhibited nature is considered wrong?
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Literary    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Literature: Classics    6. Psychological    7. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (9)

Great contents, but
Bid a new set from ebay and it arrived in two boxes. It has great contents, but:
Finest compilation of the writings of the most brilliant minds over the centuries past ever
These books were first published in 1952.Only 500 sets were published that year, a Private Library Collection it was called, and sold for $500.00 per set.My father was one of the original purchasers, and he passed them down to me when he died.(It's still even in its original custom made bookcase!)
Cost effective when you consider your options...
Regardless of minor squabbling over what should and shouldn't be included, this is a very good collection of western works. I'd call it great in fact, when you consider the amount you'd have to pay to purchase all these seperate, not to mention all the wading you'd do through some not-so-necessary reads.
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Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Anthologies    3. Encyclopedias    4. Literary Collections / General    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Reference    7. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    8. General    9. Medicine, Greek and Roman   

Reviews (8)

Nice enough for the price
On first inspection, this is a very nice looking book.It has an elegant cover and the pages are gold on the edges and tissue-ish.It's a heavy book that will remain open to the page you are reading without having to hold it down.However, after a few weeks of being read and carried around, it's durability is not quite as impressive.The spine is beginning to break and the pages warp easily.Quite a few typos too if that sort of thing distracts you.For the price though, it's nice enough and I would buy it again.

Beware other versions - this is the one to get!
I made the mistake of purchasing the paperback 8-in-1 Jane Austen book -what a mistake!It was sloppy and cheap-looking, with its unattractive, clumsy two-column format that didn't seem to show due respect to the material.I found it too depressing and unpleasant to read, so I ordered this version, and I am so happy I did!What a gorgeous book, classy and elegant, with lovely illustrations, nice typeset, padded leather cover and gilt edges.And for only a few dollars more, it's a no-brainer decision to choose this version over the paperback.Even if you go with a used copy, it's still a far better bargain than the other one, and something you'll enjoy reading with pleasure for years to come. I will definitely look into the other classics in this series.

Beautiful Book!
I'm so glad I waited for this edition of Austen's novels to become available again.It's a beautiful volume, and I finally have all of the novels in less shelf space.Along with the embossed leather cover, readers will find gilt-edged pages and a ribbon bookmark. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Literary Criticism    3. Sale Adult - Literature - Classics & Contemporary    4. 19th century fiction    5. Fiction / Classics    6. Fiction anthologies & collections    7. Sale Books   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (57)

Excellent Quality for the price
Very nice edition, highly quality finish and binding. The pages are standard re-production for Shakespeare issues - but overall it is excellent value for money and is attractively bound. For those who want 'notes' and 'critiques' - look elsewhere. It is as described - a leather bound edition of the complete works of Shakespeare. I love it! Thank you Amazon USA, you cant get this edition in the UK.

Excelent
What can I say? Shakespeare is the man. For any of you who love shakespeare, or just need a good reference for class; this book is amazing... not only that but you will look really intelligent if you have a thick leather bound shakespeare book on your bookshelf haha

Remember......
Remember, this is a rating of not the WRITING of Shakespeare, but of the VOLUME that it is in.For those who have railed on against Shakespeare (And about how they wrote better plays about ninjas or whatever--tis true, stupid people do make themselves look like idiots on a regular basis.)this is for the book that it is in, not the writing, because there are so many books about Shakespeare, and that is what the potential consumers need. (Rated on the product's average, so as not to throw it off much.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Literature: Classics    3. Sale Adult - Plays / Drama    4. Shakespeare    5. Drama / Shakespeare    6. Shakespeare plays, texts    7. Sale Books   

Editorial Review

Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect Austen heroine: intelligent, generous, sensible, incapable of jealousy or any other major sin. That makes her sound like an insufferable goody-goody, but the truth is she's a completely hip character, who if provoked is not above skewering her antagonist with a piece of her exceptionally sharp -- but always polite -- 18th century wit. The point is, you spend the whole book absolutely fixated on the critical question: will Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy hook up? ... Read more

Reviews (728)

Wry & Insightful Romantic Writing
Considering 'pulp romance' is the top selling genre, one could do a lot worse than Pride & Prejudice. This perceptive classic of English society plays out like a 19th century "Sex In The City."Miscommunications abound. Just as you're about to scream, another dangle of hope transpires. Will the young lovers EVER end up on the same page?I'm not telling you if you've missed this classic.You'll have to read it.

girly chick lit
god forbid i be so bold as to trash a classic.and yes, maybe because of all the raving reviews from my friends and from the book's great reputation, i entered it with high expectations. - which the book however did not satisfy.yes, it is a good comedic parody of the upper class of the time, a lampoon of the courtship ritual, and of course oh so witty, blah blah blah, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.the main character was likeable, but that aside, i found it completely insufferable to read through, and absolutely painfully boring.every subsequent event from the very beginning could be predicted, let alone the ending.not that anything really ever happens - the entire book could be summed up with, "then they walked and talked and had tea and walked and talked and had tea, walked and talked and had more tea, then got married and lived happily ever after."the entire novel was a headache of girly gossip and mental drama.it would save more time just to watch a chick flick.so if you're interested in the relationship fiascos of fictious characters, witnessing the agony over who's going to marry who (even though the reader could already predict the happily-ever-after match-making light-years in advance), then this is the book for you!!if not, then i suggest picking up some dan brown.

A True Classic
There is no other story told and re-told as much as P&P.This book transcends many generations with a true and tested story.The characters and story line are so similiar to this day and age.Austen's poetic writing gives readers a sense of the social times as well as insight to each character's thoughts.I read this book every year and see all the movies based on it.Love it, love it, love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Literature - Classics / Criticism    3. Literature: Classics    4. 19th century fiction    5. Fiction / Classics   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (8)

Shakespeare in Wisconsin
This is a gorgeous production that is indeed a treasure.I listen with a Creative Zen Vision player and every word is delicious.I have enjoyed the first seven plays, thru Hamlet, and every nuance, every word, every inflection, pause, sound, background music theme and all the audio panorama makes every minute an absolute delight.I am now in a quandary about whether to continue listening thru the series or begin again to search among the endless audio treasures for gems I might have missed.This Arkangle series is a gift from the gods and worth many times its price. This kind of talent, dedication and flawless performance beggars description.

"...poesis, poesis, the literal characters, the vatic lines..."
I give this project five stars, but a qualified five. Like one of the other reviewers, I agree: there were certain scenes/characters I would have liked to hear performed differently, but considering the enormity of the project, 100% sustained satifaction seems an unreasonable expectation (indeed, the bard himself has some weak moments across the 38 plays--he was only human, after-all). And I would have liked it if the nondramatic poetry were included (there are several wonderful recordings of the sonnets available--I recommend Helen Vendler's rather introspective performance and Alex Jennings has recorded a fine complete version of the same--he also plays Berowne in the Arkangel "Love's Labor's Lost", a fine touch, considering the connections between the sonnets and that play!). But overall, how can you argue with an effort like this? Shakespeare is the greatest poet the Western world has known, and these recordings give overwhelming support to that critical commonplace. As literary values change (decline?), the eminence of Shakespeare becomes more important. To hear these plays is to hear the english language bursting at the seams. To know these plays is to know what poetry is capable of, which is nothing less than a sanction of life. And the audio format is perfect for poetry, which MUST be heard. Long live the audiobook!
Shakespeare sounding fabulous!
I have studied, listened to, and viewed Shakespeare's plays in all available formats for thirty years and I am thoroughly pleased with the Archangel Complete Shakespeare audio. Having listened now to Hamlet and Macbeth, I judge these two productions to be perhaps the best vocal interpretations I have heard ever, any where. They are easy to listen to and easy to understand. The actors interpretations are neither over-done nor under-done. If the remaining plays are as good, this production of the totality of the plays is a gift to scholars and to groundlings as well. Thank you Archangel et al. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Drama    3. Shakespeare    4. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616    5. Unabridged Audio - Drama/Poetry    6. English    7. English literature: drama texts    8. Shakespeare plays, texts    9. Shakespeare studies & criticism   

Editorial Review

Here, for a change, is a fish tale that actually does honor to theauthor. In fact Read more

Reviews (650)

A Long Overdue Return to 'Old Man And The Sea' . . . A Joyful Read!
Reading once again 'Old Man And The Sea' by Ernest Hemingway was simply a joyful reading experience that will stay with me for a very long time.The writing is eloquent yet raw.The reader experience humble yet filled with sheer power.The connectivity is filled with singularity yet there is a sense of one with the universe.
He dreamt of Lions on the beach...
Top Notch! A man, a boy, and a fish. Hemingway was at the peak of his powers when he wrote this brutally tender tale. Epic struggles are the theme here. Man against Nature, and more poignantly Man against Himself. Hemingway gracefully exposes the deep emotions Santiago has towards the fish and the boy. If you fail to become misty-eyed at some point during this yarn, you are a tin man. This book should be read on a annual basis.
true grit
Santiago is a Cuban fisherman version of John Wayne, who despite his bad luck has more determination and optimism than he deserves.Much of this novella is devoted to the struggle of catching a fish, then the battle of who will wear out first - fish or man?This battle lasts for more time than you would think possible, until Santiago recounts an arm wrestling match he had in his youth, and then you realize Santiago is not a quitter.You live through the physical pain of the catch and the gritty determination.To endure the pain, Santiago amuses himself with thoughts of the great Joe DiMaggio.And just when things look good, your heart sinks when predators arrive.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Cuba    3. Fiction    4. Fishers    5. Literary    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Male friendship    8. Older men    9. Sea & Ocean    10. Fiction / Literary    11. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

When Read more

Reviews (549)

ken boire author of Inherit the Tide
Steinbeck's work shows us the grit, pain, tiredness, disappointment, and failure of humanity.He did it by bringing us into a story by telling it to us.Secondary to that he showed us the story.Yes, he was a great story teller and he obviously had a voice of his own.Interesting thing is his books made great movies but they still remained top sellers for decades."Grapes", is still up there with the best Amrican writers.
The Woe of the Great Depression
Set during the Great Depression, this novel chronicles the life of a family of sharecroppers, the Joads. They are driven from their home in Oklahoma due to the Dust Bowl (a series of dust storms causing severe drought) and hard times. Along with thousands of others who have also lost their land, the Joads decide to move to California with the promise of work and a better way of life. However, once they get there, they find that there is not much work to be found and even if they get work, the pay isn't fair. The Californians they encounter treat them with disdain, calling them "Okies" and fearful that these newcomers might band together and take over the land.
Complete misery and no plot
First let me say I'm a Steinbeck fan.I love the majority of his work.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Depressions    3. Fiction    4. Labor camps    5. Literary    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Migrant agricultural laborers    8. Rural families    9. Fiction / Literary   

Editorial Review

Let's get this out of the way: David Rakoff is not David Sedaris. When you hear him being incredibly smart and funny on Read more

Reviews (54)

Keep it simple, stupid

Very good, very clever
Comparing David Rakoff to David Sedaris, while probably unavoidable, is more than a little disinginuous.David Sedaris writes in a way that is understated, even simplistic, yet which makes him easy to relate to.Reading David Rakoff, by contrast, is not effortless.His writing is more complex and more obviously literary, which makes it less immediate, and less relatable.He has a considerable intellect, and skill as a writer, and is not afraid to show it.As a result, there is a sense of effort, of him trying to say things in a way that is probably not as straightforward as it could be.That's only bad when it doesn't work, and during those times when it seems that he is trying too hard, or at least, too hard to be clever.Fortunately, that is not often.
brilliant!!
No other word to describe this collection of short stories, or rather essays on life in general.
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Subjects:  1. American Essays    2. Essays    3. Form - Essays    4. Humor    5. Literary Collections    6. Literature: Classics    7. Humor / Essays   

Editorial Review</