Posts: 35
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2011
Reputation:
0
Rafael Wrote:Something Sir Clarence might be specifically interested in:
I lately read all the book by Gustav Meyrink - Dunsanyan fantasies from the 1910s in Germany - as part of my job.
I doubt they have been translated into any other language, but for Germans, they are worth a look.
In short, Meyrink anticipates Lovecraft.
Thanks for the pointer, Rafe. I read Der Golem sometime in the mid 80s, but back then it didn't appeal to me for whatever reasons. Perhaps I should give it another try.
Posts: 6,209
Threads: 454
Joined: Nov 2009
Reputation:
8
I have to say, the stuff I read so far was solid, but not especially appealing.
It's very esoteric, unnecessary complex and overloaded literature - but, since I like Kafka as well as the 1920ss fantasy writers,
it works for me. Der Golem is not actually THAT good, though. I like Der weiße Dominikaner, though that one is batshit crazy.
But, now, after yet another day over the books, I doubt I would touch them again if not for my research.
It's like they are written like on drugs and hell boring. Think, Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf, just even slower,
and less transparent to the reader.
In contrast, I have lately read Arthur Miller's "Presence" collection, and that, while equally slow and somber, was a very entertaining read.
Posts: 6,209
Threads: 454
Joined: Nov 2009
Reputation:
8
Bumpin' and sticky'ing this one.
Always delighted to get new input from you guys.
Right now, rereading "Dracula", and will likely take a while forit, but welcoming any suggestions for other good stuff.
Also on my list: Boris Akunin's "The Death of Achilles".
Posts: 681
Threads: 21
Joined: Jan 2010
Reputation:
0
I just picked up a new book called "Under the Moons of Mars", which is an anthology of new short stories set in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom. The first story is decent enough so far, and I have high hopes for the rest of the book.
Not exactly Blackmoor, but pretty cool.
Marv / Finarvyn
Member of The Regency Council
Visit my Blackmoor OD&D board
OD&D since 1975
"Don't ask me what you need to hit. Just roll the die and I will let you know!"
- Dave Arneson
Posts: 6,209
Threads: 454
Joined: Nov 2009
Reputation:
8
I am reading this one: "After London", by Richard Jeffries.
http://matt-landofnod.blogspot.com/2012 ... -that.html
Not "the best read", but, hell, most engaging, if you buy into the premise.
Posts: 817
Threads: 8
Joined: Mar 2010
Reputation:
0
I've just re-read John Ringo's 'Looking Glass' series.
Salutes to various sci-fi classics, and a good sense of humour, make this a great series. The science is a bit hard core at times, but the action more than makes up for it. There's even space hamsters!
Posts: 1,015
Threads: 6
Joined: Nov 2009
Reputation:
0
I am reading book two of the Hunger Games series, Catching Fire.
Baetho an Elf
The Vales campaign
Posts: 6,209
Threads: 454
Joined: Nov 2009
Reputation:
8
Now that the campaign is over, and I have, like, ENDLESS time, I have gotten myself a Clark Ashton Smith anthology.
I expected to find campy crap; I am surprised to find some excellent prose in an engaging, if a bit outdated, short story collection.
Posts: 6,209
Threads: 454
Joined: Nov 2009
Reputation:
8
I'd like to make the case for this most excellent book:
The Road to Xanadu, by John Livingston Lowes.
It's the best book I have read in the last ten years, and this I say not out of some strange sort of euphoria, but out of true conviction.
Posts: 6,209
Threads: 454
Joined: Nov 2009
Reputation:
8
Hey, Sirs, recommend me a good book, please!
My bookshelf is full of university stuff, but... It's summer.
|