In his study of the crime novel "Bloody Murder " the critic and novelist Julian Symons made out a persuasive case for Caleb Williams to be considered the first fully fledged crime novel to be published.As a contrast Scott Bradfield ,writing in the book " Horror ;the Best 100 books"(edited by Jones and Newman)included the book as his choice for the best horror title.
I am more persuaded by Symons categorization -although there are elements of the Gothic novel present that lend support to Bradfields assertions and it strikes me as an interesting paradox that such a pioneering work in the crime literature pantheon is one that fundamentally contradicts so many of the values espoused by later crime writers with their social and intellectual conservatism.Caleb Williams is the work of a political radical , an Anarchist and supporter of the French Revolution,many of whose friends and associates were in prison for sedition and treason at the time he wrote the book eg Tom Paine.
Caleb is a young man taken into the employ of the local squire Falkland ,a kind and public spirited man but one who harbours a secret ,which is concealed in a room that Caleb is instructed he must never visit .He disobeys and finds evidence that Falkland is a murderer ,guilty of a crime for which another man was hanged.He is forced to flee to escape Falkland's vengeance ,a flight that sees him throw in his lot with a robber gang amomgst others.
On one level it is a tale of pusuit and flight ;on another it is a swingeing critique of injustice ;an injustice Godwin sees as inherent in any oligarchial political system.
The first part of the book -which establishes Falkland as an essentially kind and decent man-is heavy going for modern readers but as the novel gains pace and Caleb's plight intensifies it becomes a more gripping tale .

Recommended for crime fiction devotees who want to see what the pre Poe practitioners were doing ;it will also interest students of the relatively unexplored highways and bye ways of the English novel.

Today, William Godwin is perhaps best known as the 'anarchist' philosopher who wrote "Enquiry Concerning Political Justice..." It is my understanding that in the 19th century, although his philosophy was popular, his fiction also garnered significant attention. After reading both "Enquiry" and "Caleb Williams," I can see both why his novels were popular then and why they're scarcely in print now.

As a story, this novel is pretty good. It is a psychological suspense story of first (teetering on second) rate. The tale is about Caleb Williams's descent from a promising career as personal secretary to an intellectual, to a fleeting criminal that ironically was, at first, innocent. So, while the plot and action are good, these are buried in over-emotional asides and one dimensional characters. You never quite get to know Caleb, Mr. Falkland or anyone else here. All in all, as a story, I give it 4 stars as the plot makes up for any weaknesses.

As a political/social commentary, this novel has 2 stars. First, unless she has read "Enquiry Concerning Political Justice," the reader will not pick up on many of the subtle points Godwin makes about the nature of liberty and its preconditions. Second, while trying to show Caleb as victim of a flawed legal system, Godwin created in Caleb a character that was just as villianous. The only way Calebs often villanous behavior could be explained is Godwin's belief in determinism; the theory that our actions are predetermined solely by external circumstance - in other words, Caleb, while increasingly underhanded in his actions, is not responsible for them as he is treated like a criminal anyhow. At any rate, one may not get these points if they've not read Godwin the philosopher.

In short, I would reccomend this novel but with hesitancy. First, I would qualify the reccomendation with "but you should read "Enquiry" first." Well, since "Enquiry" is 800+ pages (and out of print in every edition) this is quite an undertaking in itself. However, if the reader JUST wants a good suspense story (minus the philosophical undertones) then this is a pretty good novel.

Having never myself been the victim of a wrongful criminal accusation, imprisonment, or torture, I was ill-prepared for the experience of reading "Caleb Williams". I once thought that Orwell's "1984" and "Animal Farm," or the fiction works of Camus, Kafka, or Sartre were more than adequate to address the problem of total alienation and isolation in the very midst of humanity. Even Richardson's "Pamela" carries its heroine through half the novel in a state of claustrophobic paranoia. In 1794, Godwin created a world and a mind no less frightening than the worst and most depraved of the 20th century. That we still toil through issues of basic human and legal rights entering the 21st century speaks to the complexity of these issues and casts a shadow of doubt over our ever finding a suitable solution.

In an effort to expose the hypocrisy of a legal system under the complete influence of the "long purse" and the lack of recourse of the common man to justice, Godwin has his hero Caleb suffer increasing terrors, imprisonment, and the threat of ceaseless surveillance at the hands of the ex-thief Gines. Like Richardson's Pamela, Caleb's suicidal fantasies enable him for a short while to claim control over his mind and his situation.

Unlike Pamela, Caleb fails to maintain this control, even after he forces the ruthless Falkland to admit to the murder of Tyrrel. In a scene reminsicent of ones in "1984" and Kafka's "The Trial," Caleb relinquishes what little power he has been able to garner over his torturer. Falkland, a frail, physically powerless, demoniacal 'gentleman,' through a constant and pervasive presence in Caleb's own fragile mind has unwittingly reclaimed final power over the novel's helpless hero.

By internalizing the social hierarchy since childhood, Caleb is finally unable to bear the disgrace he brings upon Falkland. Ironically, while he is pursued across England and Wales as a thief, he claims innocence. Once he is exonerated of his crime, he is insistent on his guilt. "Caleb Williams" is an endlessly complex and captivating novel, frought with issues of power, levels of narrative, and takes issue with the flawed notion of human justice.

This is a must read for the layman who doesn't want to read Economics 101. Many politicians and well-intentioned citizens should realize what they're up against when they try to thwart the laws of economics, whether it's the minimum wage, ticket scalping, drugs or abortions. This book explains in clear terms why many laws to regulate these issues are doomed from the start. In addition, this book is a great companion for a macroeconomics course to promote class discussions. However, if you already fully understand the laws of supply and demand, then this book is little more than light reading on a plane, and probably not worth the price. Paul Krugman's, The Accidental Theorist, addresses many of the same issues, is a lot cheaper, and more fun to read.

The Economics of Public Issues is an enjoyable textbook for the college student. It is perfect for its compact size, yet concise in detail. The topics are very illustrative, and students will find them relevant to today's world.

This book covered a wide range of topics with articles pertaining to economic issues. The articles were short and entertaining. The questions at the end of the articles were useful and thought provoking. Difficult topics are covered (e.g., rent control, airline safety, drug usage) in a fashion that allowed the reader develop their own opinion of the role economics plays on the issue.

Now when I spotted this book, I thought it would actually be worth reading. Yeah, right. I hate Simon. I hate him with a passion. He was a lackluster character made by a ghetto character designer trying to sell the character for a rock. I did like 'Albino Chick' as I affectionately dubbed her who was a really good character unlike some people. Mainly because she acted like a real person. This author doesn't write in an interesting fashion and it's really really sad when you skip through all the parts just to find parts with 'Albino Chick.' The plot idea was okay but you'll probably fall asleep before you finish reading it.

The first Witch World novel was published in 1963 so this book almost marks the 40th anniversary.

In her Introduction, C. J. Cherryh refers to Norton's Witch World novels as "the good stuff". She is right. I am so pleased to have this omnibus collection of the three seminal Witch World novels although it can never replace my tattered old Ace paperbacks with the Jack Gaughin covers. It even felt a little odd to be reading clear text (minus some of the typos that Ace was notorious for) on a white page instead of the yellowing pages of the acidic paper of these old books.

However, I found myself just as caught up in the story of Simon Tregarth, the tarnished war hero who stepped through a gate ahead of an assassin into the world of Jaelithe, the Witch of Escarp, as I have ever been. The story of these two who fight, along with Koris of Gorm and Loyse of Verlaine, to try to preserve the ancient world of Escarp from the advance of the Kolder, is played out against a vivid background of cultures such as the Falconers, who value their hawks far more than their women; the Sulcar, valient seagoers; and last but not least the matriachal Witches who rule the land of Escarp through the power of the jewels and their minds.

The third book is Year of the Unicorn. It is set in High Hallack, a land of dales and small holdings. High Hallack has been torn by war with Alizon from overseas. This story is set after the war has been won when the Dalesmen are faced with meeting a bargain they made during their most desperate hours with a people they feared, the Were riders.

The premise is the barter of 13 brides for the services of the Were Riders against the hounds of Alizon. The heoine is Gillian, who also came from overseas on an Alizon ship as a child, but not of Alizon. The hero is Herrel who does not fit into the mould of his kinsmen and thus has suffered all his life as an outsider in a very close knit group.

Published in the 60's these books have not aged a bit and are as fresh as the first time I picked them up.

"Witch World". Of Cornish descent, court-martialed former US Army Colonel Simon Tregarth seems on a path to certain death due to his recent activities when he meets Dr. Petronius. The odd doctor introduces the desperate American to the world of his Cornish ancestors, which enable Simon to escape his earthly fate through the gate to Witch World. However, Simon quickly lands in a war against the powerful Kolder, who makes the Nazis look like pre-school children.

"Web of the Witch World". The Kolder continues to menace Simon and the witches he has vowed to keep safe, but the coven he wants to protect seems reluctant to accept him. To save his brave new world, Simon and a witch must journey to their enemy's stronghold and accomplish the impossible by defeating the Kolder in their home turf.

"Year of the Unicorn". In far removed from the war Norsdale, a bored Gillan obtains what she always desired, but soon learns that wishes that come true might not be what one really wants in life. Now she is embroiled in an adventure of a lifetime that probably means certain death for her unless she can enable the power within her to come alive.

THE GATES TO WITCH WORLD is a compilation of three of the best science fiction novels of the twentieth century. These books deservedly made Andre Norton a household name in the early sixties and yet the tales retain the freshness that enthralled readers then and will fascinate a new audience with its exciting plots and engaging characters.

Harriet Klausner

it is worthless equal to todays soap operas

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This book is a great buy for someone who is doing an essay or project involving review or criticism of Hamlet, or for someone who would just like to know more about this wonderful play. The essays and background information are very helpful and informative.

This is worth buying for the critical essays and background information alone. Most interesting is the 'true' story of AMLETH, chronicled around 1100 by Saxo Grammaticus. This piece is bona fide history, albeit with some retouching. It was written about 500 years before Shakespeare took up his pen to write his mighty play, and is very interesting to contrast with the play. Much more is contained in this Critical Edition, particularly essays by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and other famous literary figures.

The characters and settings were a bit simplistic making the novel more suited to the junior reader. Ethnic characterizations however, are the weak point of the novel and some readers might find them politically incorrect.

When their father is reported missing in action in Viet Nam, Holly, Judy and Crock find their entire world changed. Their mother is forced to take a job where she cannot keep them with her and they are sent off to stay with their grandparents in a small New England village.

Near their grandparent's home is an overgrown garden shaped into a maze. Compelled to explore, they discover that it is a door into a bubble in time.

While Norton's books for younger readers tend to be more didactic than her books for young (and old!) adults, she makes an effort to include touches that her older readers would appreciate and enjoy. In this book which deals with magic, mystery and time travel, she tucks in a message about tolerance and accepting responsibility for one's actions. She also does not provide a pat happy ending (which children often see through and reject in books meant for them) but she does offer hope to her young characters that their situation would improve.

FROM THE COVER: A World of witches, rare herbs, and a curse are quickly discovered by Holly and the twins, Judy and Crock, when they move away from their comfortable home in Boston to live with their grandparents at the rural, rundown "Dimsdale place".... Inspired by a dream - or was it some kind of supernatural command?-the three children set out to explore the neglected, overgrown garden at the edge of the property, where they find and enter a secret house - and another century!!!...

The conceit of this book is to take one along on a start to finish ride on a tour of Vietnam as experienced by the typical 'grunt.' It's a pretty good idea and I believe that the editors did a fine job of selecting various essays, short fiction and brief sociologies to describe the process from induction through return to the "world." There are issues raised in this book that, unless you were a participant in the actual war, I am quite certain will be new to you. I am thinking in particular about the issue of race and the relationship of the war to the Civil Rights movement in the United States and also, of course, the reactions of both blacks and whites to them. There is a lot of day to day life experience included here too which is not always addressed in other literary sources on Vietnam. Not every selection is golden however, and one may find himself, as I did, skimming some bits to get to the better bits but on the whole this is a good, solid effort that, for the price, definitely merits a purchase. One critic below pans this book and recommends Tim O'Brien's book but, quite frankly, all of the best bits from that book are included in this one which means that you don't have to wade through the gaseous prose surrounding them in the original. I would recommend a book titled 'Reporting Vietnam: American Journalism 1959-1975.' This is an utterly brilliant compilation that, rather than tracing the year in the life of the grunt, does a treatment of the entire American conflict. It is filled with riveting stuff and will have you staying up through the night devouring it.

There's a lot of great writing about all phases of the Vietnam war experience, so there's really no reason for editors putting together a selection of stories, chapters from books, articles, etc. to fail to assemble a fine collection. However, in my opinion, Greenberg and Norton did a mediocre job of picking writing for this book.

Rather than reading this book and getting a couple of chapters from Tim O'Brien (mixed in with some lesser quality writing), I'd recommend you read a full book by Tim O'Brien (If I Die in a combat Zone is a favorite of mine) or some other top writer.

As a former grunt in Vietnam I still remember my tour indelibly. This book brought back many, many memories--some searing, some distressing and a few pleasant. The contribution by Asa Barber is especially fine. I think this is the book I would like to give people to sample what a tour was really like.

This collection is terribly read, especially the woman's voice, the strange crying tune she had bothered me so much that none of the words registered. If you like to buy an audio reading of poems, I highly recommend the collection producted by BBC, it is so far the best.

All I know is that I checked this out from the library expecting it to be annoying because of the other review, and expecting to just have it play in the background while I ignored it. But I figured why not it's from the library & to my surprise, I was quickly drawn in.

I will expand on this review as soon as possible (at the moment I am only briefly near a computer). But I think these readings are sensitive, subtle, lyrical & the collection exquisite (see table of contents). I really did not find the woman's voice to be screechy at all, in fact it is very calm but maybe a bit too formal. She reads a large segment on the first side of the first tape right after the cuckoo song, (actually until 200 for those who have a tape counter) but afterwards very little. Again, a better description on the way.

I paid a fortune for these books and was very disappointed. First, I've had these books two months, and I've already discovered six factual errors. Interestingly, one show opened in 1978 and closed in 1976 -- quite a neat trick! Second, the ads claimed it chronicled EVERY musical produced in New York -- in fact, it includes very few off Broadway shows, even famous ones.

This book is an astounding work of scholarship and an invaluable resource for all those interested in the history of American musicals. I have been using it frequently, and the amount of careful work and detailed information constantly overawes me. Although previous reference works gave vaulable information on those shows judged by earlier generations of scholars as "important," these volumes reveal much more of the big picture: the many long-running successes ignored by most historians; the numerous shows (particularly in the earlier years of American theatre history) who made only brief stop-overs in New York, but that had a lively history of touring the nation; the simultaneous presence on Broadway of shows of many types using music (many of them difficult to define in terms of genre); etc., etc. As in all reference works of this scope, there are slight errors, ommissions or inconsistencies in formatting the information, but these are negligble in light of the scope, detail and accuracy of the entries. This takes its place as the single most important reference work on the Broadway musical -- the one that we have been long awaiting.

I had high expectations of this book, as I've read a lot of Robert Bloch's work and enjoyed it. The book is very well-written, but a bit slow. Jekyll's niece, Hester, doesn't recieve her inheritance until after more than half of the book has passed. It is interesting to see what happens to the original book's surviving characters, such as Poole and Utterson. But simply too much time is taken up by Hester getting upset over slum conditions and (after getting rich) buying herself new dresses. And the ending was a big disappointment, too simple and totally unbelievable.

This books suffers in comparison with the literary giant it spawns from, but Norton and Bloch manage to create an entertaining murder mystery that also happens to examine how little times have really changed since Victorian England and Mr. Hyde's unfortunate appearence.

This book was originally written and published in 1913 by Civil War veteran and author Oliver Norton. Norton takes a look at both sides of the battle for Little Round Top and tries to give a fair and accurate account of what really happened. Instead of offering his complete insight, he paraphrases from popular figures of those involved in the confict such as Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, Colonel Strong Vincent, Colonel Oates, General Law, General Sykes, General Barnes and a host of others. This book is basically a collage of personal accounts summarized and paraphrased into almost a confusing format. Norton doesn't follow a easy format to his book and often left me confused on whether or not he was talking about the battle himself or another person was. Besides the confusing style, I would have to say that the book did offer some interesting insight as to what happened from a variety of key people. It was interesting to read about what one Confederate colonel wrote about a particular movement while comparing that to what a Union colonel wrote. Norton had a great idea with this book but it really left me confused because nothing flowed or connected in the writing at times. I couldn't recommend this book to many unless they wanted a quick source of paraphrased personal accounts. I was disappointed in not getting more information on Colonel Chamberlain or his opinions of what really happened.

Author was present at the battle as an aide to a Union officer. He has assembled in great detail battle reports by participants, and does not hesitate to offer corrections where he sees fit. He wrote the book toward the end of the century. It is reasonably well organized, but fairly poorly illustrated (good period photos, but minimal maps). Slow reading, but ok for those fascinated by the detail of Day 2 battle at the southern end of the field.

Many times, a book by a participant involved on the winning side in a battle is very much obscured by bias towards being the winner. However, in this case, Norton has taken the many reports written by the regimental commanders and presented them as is, some with his own added comments. This presents a less biased view. Again, however, reports written days or even weeks after a battle may tend to overlook serious mistakes by leaders, dead or living at the time. But the reading is interesting to the serious student of the Civil War and should be in your library.