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Eco's Foucault's Pendulum for the second time in two decades, especially in light of feeds about various anomalies linked in my RSS reader.
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Discovering H.P. Lovecraft, a collection of essays about the author, edited by Darrel Schweitzer. It's published by Wildside and holds a very similar format to their Thomas Ligotti Reader. I found most of the essays contained between the covers to be very eye opening. The research directions for Lovecraft studies are truly boundless, as this book demonstrates. While some of the entries weren't exactly cutting edge scholarship (it reprints many from the 1970s), one could do a lot worse than this little book when embarking on a more serious look at HPL's writings.
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I just finished a book that I think is really worth reading!
Lucio Anneo Seneca, Epistulae morales ad Lucilium ( I don't know how it's been translated in english, I guess "Letters to Lucilio") |
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L.F. Céline, Bagattelle pour un massacre ...
first italian edition, ed. Corbaccio 1938 some delirium going on there... :eek: |
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I've read three books recently.
The General of the Dead Army by Ismail Kadare. This is Kadare's first novel. It is decent. It is about an Italian General that travels to Albania to locate and repatriate soldiers who were killed in WWII. No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy. A good novel. McCarthy continues to populate his rogues gallery with interesting characters. There is more room in the book for Chigur's evil philosophy than in the movie. The movie ends differently too. I'm still not sure which ending I like better. My Work is Not Yet Done by Thomas Ligotti. Only my first reread of this book. I absolutely love it. I did my 20 year sentence in corporate America and I detest it with a passion almost equal to Ligotti's. Some great nightmarish imagery in these stories. Reading Ligotti is such a rewarding experience for me. |
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Critical Care by Richard Dooling. A funny novel about death and dying in our health care system. The ICUs sound like torture chambers. This was made into a splendid film starring James Spader, Kyra Sedgwick, Helen Mirren, Wallace Shawn, Anne Bancroft, and with an unforgettable comedic performance by Albert Brooks.
The Croquet Player by H.G. Wells. An interesting novella that prefigures much of what John Gray had to say in his philosophy book Straw Dogs. Wells, as usual, was way ahead of everyone. When All the Gods Trembled: Darwinism, Scopes, and American Intellectuals by Paul K. Conkin. More on the battle of Evolution vs Creationism. A good book, but it devoted a couple chapters to Christian "intellectuals" that I could have done without. I did learn of two interesting, albeit nonsensical, religious concepts: Annihilationism (we sinners get our souls destroyed and we don't have to be tortured in the Lake of Fire for eternity. That's nice) and Soul Sleep (after our bodily death, we are unconscious until Judgement Day. Ho Hum). |
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-Albert Caraco, Supplément à la psychopathie sexualis
mocking the original "Psychopathia Sexualis", this book is a compendium, in a cold medical language and from an "enlightened" point of view, of many sexual pervertions. - Camille Paglia, Sexual Personae: Art and Decadence from Nefertiti to Emily Dickinson for an interesting review of the book: Camille Paglia's : A Synopsis |
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D K Broster -- Couching at the Door. This is a short story I last read in 1961 or 1962. I think that, in 2008, I was more aware of the points at which it is over-written than I was as a teenager:
'I am going mad, mad, mad!' thought Augustine, Do we really need more than one mad? That said, the story is effective. It is, I suppose, a black magic story. A little while back, I commented, on another forum, on a volume of black magic stories. I observed that there is something ludicrous about the idea of black magic -- and that the best stories in the book weren't concerned with black magic. Couching at the Door manges to steer clear of seeming ludicrous by remaining very spare with details of the black magic ceremonies. In fact, all we learn of the central character's immersion into the black arts is that it took place in Prague and involved a prostitute with a fur boa (her part in the procedings is never clear, but I formed the impression that she had not survived the business). The story reaps a notable dividend from its reticence. D K Broster was Dorothy Kathleen Broster (1877-1950). Nine of her stories are available as a cheap paperback in Wordsworth Editions' Tales of Mystery & the Supernatural series. At less than three quid from Amazon, worth a look. |
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http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg
description Erotic cartoons and stories. Synopsis Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed Voluptuous Panic, HOT GIRLS OF WEIMAR BERLIN reveals that the feminist archetype was not an invention of 1960s America. In World War I many German men lost their lives, and afterwards women's roles expanded, creating aggressive, powerful, sexual beings. Like Marlene Dietrich, Weimar women could wear suits and also retain their attractiveness and femininity. Weimar Berlin was the primary city of European sex culture, and its permissive sensibility allowed women to transgress the usual ideal. These women were allowed to exercise their sexual prerogatives right up until the Third Reich insisted that they return to the role of child-bearer. |
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Books Of Blood Volumes 4-6 by Clive Barker. I like his short stories almost as much as Ligotti's, maybe because he is quite his perfect opposite in horror fiction.:p
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I haven't visited this thread in some time. I finally got around to reading my Reggie Oliver books: The Dreams of Cardinal Vittorini and The Complete Symphonies of Adolf Hitler. It is nice to know that the praise given this author is completely deserved. I enjoyed both volumes very much. You can detect the influence of M.R. James, Aickman, Henry James, and even a touch of Machen, if I'm not mistaken. Does anyone know how many copies of Symphonies was printed? And are they all signed (or just mine)? ;) It is nice to have them back on the shelf, though, I was distinctly aware of how valuable they are. I even did without my usual peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while reading these books. His other two collections are a "must buy" now.
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I have recentaly finished reading The Chronicles of Solar Pons - clever little stories and it's highly amusing listioning to Derleth trying to sound like a very differant author.
Next I'm starting My Work Is Not Yet Done by some "Thomas Ligotti" person... |
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Not long ago, I finished reading Dances with Werewolves by Niki Flynn. The memoirs of a spanking model. It's very well written. I found only three things I would have changed, and I'm a very picky reader. Better -- it is, I feel, a truly great book -- full of self-evident honesty and illuminating insight. I recommend it. Here's a link to Niki Flynn's website:
NikiFlynn.com |
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Just finished Carlos Ruiz Zafon's irresistible The Shadow of the Wind. Dirda in the Washington Post calls it, "scary, erotic, touching, tragic and thrilling", it's all of that and written in utterly gorgeous prose. This is a novel that truly deserves all the praise that it has received. Just pre-ordered his next, The Angel's Game . . . If it's half as good I'll be in heaven.
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I have (literally) just finished reading My Work Is Not Yet Done.
Ran out of new reading material at present so I'll buy some more horribly expensive hardbacks next week and dive into them. I'm interested in trying some of Mark Samuel's stories. Annoyingly the strong sunlight makes it really hard to read at the moment. Call me unpopular but I prefered the idea that British Summertime was an oxymoron. |
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That's a shame - incriminating evidence relating to others is allways nice to have. I belive there is a link to a downloadable tale on his wiki page. I was interested in checking out some of his fiction after noticing his collection with Ex Occidente Press. It's a touch too expensive for me to get just like that so I was hoping to get hold of a copy of The White Hands to try first. |
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There is another story by Mark Samuels online (other than Vrolyck).
Vrolyck Mysteries of the Abyss Fantastic Horror presents by Mark Samuels |
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I found Samuels's latest book, "Glyphotech", quite remarkable. Your mileage (like Mads) may vary.
I have not yet read the latest Oliver book, but plan to shortly. I've not finished a proper book in a while, but today I finished Simon Bestwick's novella "The Narrows" from the book We Fade To Grey (Pendragon Press). Quite an interesting apocalypse tale. Ellen Datlow agrees, as it's to be included in this year's Best Of book. |
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The cheaper (£10) edition of Glyphotech is sold out. So yes, I'd go with the White Hands (£9.99), as an affordable alternative introduction to the sort of stuff I scribble.
Mark S. |
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According to publishing information provided at time of release, there were only 250 copies printed (tCSoAH) of the book. I don't believe they were all signed, because I have one that is not. Isn't it a beautiful book, though? It just feels good to hold.
The thing is as heavy as a cinder block... Tim Book Details & Ordering Information Specification * First edition strictly limited to just 250 copies * Cloth bound * Silk tailbands * 110gms art quality paper * Laminated illustration mounted to front cover * Sewn signatures * Profusely illustrated Ordering * £28.50 UK delivered to anywhere in Europe * Cheques to Haunted River, Silver Street, Besthorpe, Norfolk NR17 2NY in the UK * Paypal payments to enquiries@hauntedriver.co.uk * US customers are invited to order from our sole US agent Mythos Books * UK dealers are welcome to trade discounts when ordering multiple copies * Owing to the sheer heaviness of this book - 1.35kg - postage to the USA will incur an at cost £15.00 surcharge. For that reason, we strongly recommend US customers to order direct from Mythos Books via the link above. Future Editions * Quality large format paperback planned for February 2006 publication * Second hardback edition proposed mid 2006 Reviewers & Awards Bodies * Reviewers for established journals or online e-zines are invited to request a free review copy * We are happy to provide a reasonable number of free copies to all bona fide awards bodies * Reputable anthologists are also welcome to a gratis copy |
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I agree, it is a beautiful book. The production values are outstanding. And I really appreciate Oliver's illustrations at the beginning of each story. I even like the smell of the book. How is that for bibliomania? I bought mine from Mythos books for $60 not long after it was published. It was the last copy they had. I lucked out. |
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Complete Symphonies of AH is, I think, not only the best produced of Reggie's books, it's also the best in terms of content. Although I wouldn't be without any of his collections. They're all wonderful.
Mark S. |
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That info is way old, and no it has long been out of stock. They are ridiculously hard to come by and go for pretty large bank when they do show up. I just happened to see the questioned posed about how many were produced and cut and pasted the original info from Haunted River.
It's really funny that you mention the smell, because I, too, have been a bit obsessed with its smell since I acquired my copy several years ago. It has a unique smell unlike any other book I've ever had, and I've had many. I don't know if it's the ink that was used or the paper stock, but whenever I take the book out of its mylar protector, I find myself putting my nose deep inside the book and taking a really big whiff. When trying to come up with an adjective to describe the smell, I think of sour, if that many any sense at all. It's the kind of smell you shouldn't love, but for some reason do. Tim |
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Not that I know of, but you never know. It is a great collection and deserves wider exposure, no doubt. I also agree with Mark's comment about it being RO's best. I have them all and am very glad I do, but for some reason Symphonies really struck a chord in me.
Tim |
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For those interested in Reggie Oliver's work, there are podcast readings he did for Ash Tree (though I'll be damned if I can find the links at the moment -- I'll look around).
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A Donkey at the Mysteries The Ghost Story Society Puss-Cat The Ghost Story Society In regards to Mark Samuels stuff I'm going to go for The White Hands. I really enjoyed Vrolyck and this seems the best way forward. |
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It is late at night where I live so by all laws of perverse logic I feel hideously wide awake and chatty.
I have just finished reading The Overnight by Ramsey Campbell. As usual for his novels Campbell turned out a interesting story. At first I was slightly worried about the book being narrated in the third person present tense but it didn't cause a problem at all. The novel has a very slightly similar flavour to Hungry Moon in that it features a great deal more characters than normal for Campbell. However I think it far exceeds Moon in terms of execution and characterisation. The only note of warning is that it does start rather slow and the reader should be prepared to have to learn quite a bit about each characters personality (though that does have an important baring later) My copy of Ritual and Other Stories arrived this afternoon from Tartarus Press. Its a beautifully turned out book and I look hope to be able to buy more of their Machen collections should my sourceless funds permit (I would have went for Tales of Horror and the Supernatural this month and been damned with the flagging account if it had contained all of the stories from The Three Imposters) I'll set about ordering Mr Samuels The White Hands and Other Weird Tales in a day or so. These books are costing so much I probably ought to get one of those job things. |
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The Conspiracy Against the Human Race by Thomas Ligotti. A great book! I have looked forward to reading this book for years and it has been worth the wait. Wonderfully written, full of interesting ideas, and at times absolutely hilarious. Ligotti's caustic humor is at full strength. I bet I had to put it down half a dozen times because I was laughing so hard. That Freaks of Salvation chapter is a classic. Nietzsche and his "sackload of unrealities". LOL.
The Memorandum by Vaclav Havel. A play in the Kafkaesque mold. I enjoyed this one. Very funny and sadly accurate. It won the Obie Award for Best Foreign Play in 1967-8. It is about the introduction of a new "office language" into a government organization. Like most fiction based in bureaucracies, I found it both funny and exasperating. The Shell Collector by Christopher Golden and with art by Glenn Chadbourne. This book is one of the Cemetery Dance novella series. An entertaining story of about 100 pages and with a pretty cool monster. Just what I was in the mood for at the time. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...vL._SS500_.jpg |
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I just finished reading Gustav Meyrink's The Golem. I absolutely adored it and found it quite spellbinding. Taken in the context of its time, it is really quite a powerful social commentary, along with being a wondrous tapestry of mysticism, myth, alchemy and the supernatural. Last week I finished Meyrink's The Green Face, which I also enjoyed, although I found it much more inaccessible. From what I gather, as his writing career progressed, his novels did get more and more inaccessible, but that shall not stop me from working my way through them all. I feel that I need to do this before tackling Cinnabar's Gnosis, so that I can fully appreciate the tales therein.
Currently I am reading Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human. I have mixed feelings about this work. I was somehow expecting to relate to it more than I do. I suppose if I take into account where and when and by who it was written, this should not really surprise me. Anyhow, I shall reserve my final judgment of the book until I get through the whole thing. |
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Finishing Mark Danielewski's House of Leaves for the second time, and it's amazing how much I feel like I missed on the first reading. But then again, the book is ridiculously dense and almost laborious to read, but I mean that as a compliment. It is certainly one of the more unique and original tomes I've read, and a reading experience that made me understand why it has a cult following that seems to continue to grow. Essentially a haunted house story at its core, and a story, within a story, within a story, but yet so much more. The book is truly like a labyrinth of literature, loaded with esoteric literary references and endless footnotes, some real, some fabrications, but part of what makes it infinitely interesting. Certainly not for the faint of heart or for those that require a linear story line. It's a novel that requires ones undivided attention and a high frustration tolerance, especially considering the unconventional layout of the book, which has to be seen to be believed.
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HOUSE OF LEAVES is major classic fiction. Essential reading for Ligottians. No Mistake.
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I agree, Des. I edited my post above to reflect the "proper" presentation of the word in house in HoL. :)
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I had to chime in and say that Danielewski's book is excellent. It's a rare and successful matchup of weird elements in an experimental format with incredible signs of how well read the author is (and that's part of the treat too, for those who've read widely in literature).
The book definitely takes a little work to get through--almost a favor, though, because it forces you to slow down and take in most of its nuances. I experimented a few times with different ways to read it. In my experience, I had a different reading experience when I read the main text and the "inner story" mostly told in the footnotes separately, and then when I read them in the order they're meant to be read. House of Leaves also has something of a cult following online. The last time I looked a couple years ago, there were two or three entire messageboards devoted to trying to decode its many oddities. I hesitate to call House (or should I say house?) weird fiction because there's so much overlap with many other genres. Plus I'm not that familiar with Danielewski's biggest influences. However, it's a masterpiece of psychological horror. The house's contorted, shifting spaces described in the Navidson Record is the best example I've seen yet of a novel that severely plays on one's fears of space and changes in environment. |
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Reading these posts makes me want to reread House of Leaves. I enjoyed it the first time, but I admit that by the end I felt a little let down. It sounds like a second reading would do me much good.
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Been reading James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux series. I tried them back in the '90s but couldn't get on with them but decided to give them another go and this time round I'm enjoying the hell out of them. Tore through the first seven titles in just over a fortnight and am just taking a quick breather before plunging into number eight.
Fore those of you who haven't read any of the books Robicheaux's an ex-alcoholic Louisiana cop who writhes in Catholic guilt while his DT's conjure up conversations with dead loved ones as he tries to track down various murderers, drug dealers and rogue CIA hitmen. The books also contain lyrical descriptions of Louisiana and New Orleans, meditations on morality and redemption, reminiscences of Robicheaux's tour of duty in Vietnam and the occasional burst of violent action. Cool titles too -- Black Cherry Blues, Dixie City Jam, Cadillac Jukebox etc. Right now he's my favourite new author. Even if I did first read him over 10 years ago. |
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