This novel, originally published in 1876, was Eliot's last. It has remained controversial ever since, and some critics delete it from her first-rank work. It is an ideological novel, and its plot is forced at times (too many coincidences, for one thing). The central character appears to be Gwendolen Harleth at the start (note the echo of her last name with "harlot"), who pawns a necklace at a gaming table only to have it returned by a disapproving observer--the eponymous Deronda. While offended, Gwendolen is also fascinated by Daniel and finally takes him on as her conscience as the novel continues, at great length, weaving a multitude of characters and issues into a fabric with an echo-chamber effect (in the sense that various elements of the book echo each other in odd and unpredictable ways throughout the novel, such as the continuing ways that people gamble with their own fates and the lives of others). This is a novel of sensibility, a link between Austen's method and Woolf's. But it is also a romantic treatment of Zionism (well before it was a popular issue, especially in Victorian England), with all the Jewish leads ennobled and idealized. In this sense it reads differently than MIDDLEMARCH, which was strictly realistic except at the very end. It's closer to SILAS MARNER, a morality tale with symbolic characters. Gwendolen is one of the saddest and most beautiful figures in any novel. She wants so deeply to be the center of attention, and finally can't even be the title character of the novel she's in. There are so many marvellous moments in this book, it repays the time it takes to read it many times over. I do not think Eliot arrived at a satisfying structure for the book, though; her need to promote Zionism prevented it. The Oxford paperback edition is the one I read, and I can recommend it highly -- its notes are superb. But the print is very small, so if that bothers you use another edition.

Daniel Deronda is a brave piece of literature. It attempts to chronicle the budding Zionist movement and anti-semitic attitudes of Victorian society, and combine it with a more traditional George Eliot soul-searching story of a young woman (a gentile who has a complex relationship with Daniel Deronda, the young Englishman who discovers he is a Jew). While many people have quibbled about various details of the story, with some justification, the overall impact is one of awe. It's amazing how an accomplished writer defies popular criticism and explores a subject matter which was, at the time, politically incorrect.

Strictly speaking, Daniel Deronda isn't quite the same level of immaculate fiction as Middlemarch. So I think George Eliot fans will be somewhat disappointed. But on the positive side, the book is much more accessible (ie, easier to read). And the subject matter makes it required reading for everyone interested in modern Judaism/Zionism. It's fascinating to compare how Jews were perceived during the mid-1800s relative to today (..in western Europe).

Finally, the Penguin Classic edition of Daniel Deronda has both great Notes and Introductory sections (which, oddly, is supposed to be read AFTER reading the book).

George Eliot's last novel is nothing less than extraordinary. The most obvious thing is that most of it is a thumpingly good read, especially the first third - witty,lively and devoid of Eliot's sometimes irritating commentaries (Eliot has an amazing mind, and her comments can both fascinate and slow the speed of the narrative). We seem to be in a decaying world of Jane Austen, with a descendant of her Emma Wodehouse - silly, headstrong, egotistical yet alluring Gwendolen Harleth.

The tension heightens when Gwendolen finally marries Grandcourt, and both she and the reader realise she has made the most ghastly mistake. Brilliantly, Eliot portrays in disturbing detail the psychological twists and turns of the relationship, as the 'powerful' Gwendolen finds herself trapped by a silent sado-masochist. Grandcourt is actually shown to do very little out of place - which is the achievement - and we are left to imagine what Gwendolen must be going through in the bedroom. We become enmeshed in her consciousness - not always a pleasant experience. It is a brave novel for its time.

The rest of the novel concerns the eponymous Daniel, his discovery of his identity as a Jew, and his final mission to devote himself to his race. It is thought-provoking, and interesting, and much has been said about how the way the novel is really two stories. The problem really is that the Gwendolen part is so well done that a reader feels disappointed to leave her and join the less enthralling Daniel.

The ending doesn't quite thrill as other moments of the book do, and there is an over-long section relating the conversation of a philosophy society, but, thanks to Gwendolen and Grandcourt, it stands out as one of the most memorable pieces of literature in English. Take away the 'Daniel' part and it is Eliot's masterpiece - and great material for the cinema. Maybe it's because she played the aforementioned Emma, but Gwyneth Paltrow could do a fantastic job as Gwendolen - just imagine her playing the great scene where the melodramatic diamonds arrive on her wedding night, and she goes beserk and throws them around!

This is the book on which the Academy award winning movie was based. Listed as for "young adults," I still found it to be a delightful read for summer's train ride to work. The movie, by the way, is rather loyal to the book's story, but improves it in some areas. The book, though, gives the reader more background on Homer Smith (the protagonist) and the subtleties of his character. The author also better explains the reasons for Sister Marthe's obsession with building the church and her effect on the community. The writing flows smoothly and the author does not use the religious characters for proselytizing. I would recommend this book for any secular or non-secular reader of middle grade age and higher.

I'm not going to quote from the book, and I'm not going review this book by telling you who did what to whom. This is what I believe is the jist of this story:

When someone is expected to do something, this someone has an opportunity to be loved by people who sought his work. If the expectation is unreasonable, or highly unprobable to be fulfilled, then this is faith. One who does not disappoint faith is the one who achieves greatness.

This is the story of one such person.

There is a young legend developing on the west side of the mountains. It will, inevitably, grow with the years. Like all legends, it is composed of falsehood and fact. In this case, the truth is more compelling than the trappings of imagination with which it has been invested. The man who has become a legendary figure was, perhaps, of greater stature in simple reality than he will ever be in the oft-repeated, and expanded, tales which commemorate his deeds. Here, before the whole matter gets out of hand, is how it was...

His name was Homer Smith. -The Lilies of the Field

And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you- you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' For it is the gentiles who strive for all these things. But strive first for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 'So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today. -Matthew 6:28-34

It's maddening to see so many references to The Lilies of the Field, both book and movie, as "minor." Sure, it's a short book. Yes, the characters and situation are so idealized that it's nearly a fable. No, it does not accurately reflect the state of race relations in America in the early 1960s, nor at any other time anywhere, for that matter. But ask yourself this : how many books have you read in your life that actually made you feel more optimistic about the prospects of the species ? If it's really that easy to create sympathetic characters and write a story that uplifts the spirits, why haven't more authors written them ? Isn't it fair to conclude that the paucity of such stories, and the memorable nature of this one, indicate just how major an occurrence it is when one gets written ?

At any rate, hopefully everyone knows the tale, either from the great film or from a required reading in High School. As the opening lines above indicate, Homer Smith is a nearly mythological figure, a kind of John Henry, Paul Bunyan, or Shane. In an unlikely turn of events, this black Baptist former Army sergeant ends up helping some Catholic nuns, refugees from East Germany, to build a chapel in the New Mexico desert, despite a lack of help, tools, and materials.

Homer Smith brings an invaluable set of qualities to his task, chief among them : self confidence, self reliance, a puritan work ethic, and a healthy amount of pride. Mother Maria Marthe, the Teutonic leader of the tiny band of nuns, brings one great gift, faith :

Faith. It is a word for what is unreasonable. If a man believes in an unreasonable thing, that is faith.

Mother genuinely believes that God will provide, even that Homer has been sent by God, and that He will see to it that the chapel is built. The powerful combination of this mismatched pair's inner strengths serves as an inspiration to the entire community. Hispanic, Anglo, and Black; Catholic and Protestant; wealthy and poor; German, Mexican, and American; they come together to create a unique house of worship. And as the legend of Homer Smith grows in the desert, Mother Maria Marthe says of him :

'That is the chapel of Saint Benedict the Moor. ... That painting of the saint is the work of Sister Albertine. The model was a man named Schmidt who came to us under the direction of God. He built this chapel with his two hands under great difficulties. It is all from him.'

She pauses then and her voice drops. 'He was not of our faith, nor of our skin,' she says, 'but he was a man of greatness, of an utter devotion.'

Just as Homer's devotion to his task and Mother's faith give them a certain greatness, the aspirational beauty of this book gives it too a greatness that defies that parsimonious "minor" classification.

GRADE : A+

Having taken a hiatus from cycling for 10 years, but now approaching mileage consistency to do my first century, I picked up this book primarily so I'd know what to expect, but also as an update on what's transpired in the last ten years. For example, training based on time at particular heart rate thresholds -- NOT mileage -- is now the generally accepted method of optimizing your development.

This is a relatively quick and easy read providing hints and tips on working up in the distances. One may initially interpret the casual, non-snooty writing style to suggest it would be appropriate for beginner. It's not. I think you should really have at LEAST a year of riding experience before ratcheting up the mileage. For example, their demarcation of "long distance" is roughly sub-century (< 100 miles), century, double (200 miles), and beyond 200 miles.

It was especially interesting to read their insight into the physiology of higher mileage levels. For example, once you're riding centuries comfortably, success in the additional distances essentially depends upon eating and hydrating effectively. Those who made their first transition beyond the 40-60 mileage range without eating are familiar with "the bonk."

A couple of nits: First, the book assumes the "long distance" will be an all-the-way-through event. I would have been especially interested material on multi-day events, specifically on nutritional "tricks" one might use to restock the body's primary glycogen stores. They suggest generally eating a high-carbohydrate meal within 1/2 hour of the ride.

Another -- probably humorous -- question is "how do you find time for these longer rides?"

Long-Distance Cycling covers all aspects of how to pull off long rides, not just the training aspects.

The book starts off with the basics, choosing the right gear and making sure your bike fits properly. These are easy to overlook, but will make all of the difference in the world on a long ride.

It then spends some time overviewing a good training program. Like other cycling books, the authors recommend picking up a heart rate monitor and using it for the basis of your training. They provide training programs for different goal distances (such as your first century) that recommend spending time in different heart rate zones. The training and nutrition information is well done, but not amazingly in depth. If you get more serious about the sport, you'll probably want more information, but this book hits is target audience just fine.

The later chapters of the book cover all of the unpleasantries that come up during a long ride: sores, pain, general discomfort. Again, this information is invaluable during a long ride.

All in all, the authors have done a great job at putting together the information you need to complete your first (or next!) long distance bike ride.

Anyone who ridden a century knows it takes more than strong legs and will power. Authors Ed Burke and Ed Pavelka know this and clear the path for successful riding.

"The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling" divulges the secrets of centuries, doubles and beyond. This is a serious book for serious riders.

It starts with a forward by long distance racing great Lon Haldeman who redefined the limits of long distance biking.

Learn which bike serves which distance and course, proper form, clothing and diet. You'll find training tips unique to each distance, ideas for dealing with mid-ride pain, ways to approach sleep deprivation, stretching techniques, pointers for managing bathroom breaks. You'll be on the bike for many hours and every morsel of advice helps.

As a long distance biker and as a reader of many biking books, I am impressed and fully recommend "The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling" by Ed Burke and Ed Pavelka.

Anthony Trendl

This is the story of a beautiful, headstrong, and emotionally detached courtesan Marguerite Gautier who seems to live her life for the moment and her tragic love with Armand Duval. The main plot of the story is that their love can really never be allowed because of society's strict standards. Kind of in the themes of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. This book was written by the famous Alexander Dumas's son, so the style of writing is very different. In the film version, Greta Garbo plays Marguerite in the movie, and plays her beautifully. This is one of the classics that everyone should really read, several classic novels and movies take their inspiration and ideas from Camille. The imagery is really pretty outstanding and several scenes stand out vividly in my memory even after several months. My favorite scenes are when Armand Duval and Marguerite meet for the first time in an operahouse,it's entertaining to see 19th Century social conventions-- and to peer into its darker underside. I think the novel is a little lacking in originality, but is made up by the beauty of the charactars and the depth of the love. It runs in the strain of Romeo and Juliette, very very quickly. The book can probably be read in a day or two without any effort. A classic.

I read this in a day...it was very, very hard to put down. Camille's plot is much like that of my favorite movie, Moulin Rouge. Unlike most "classic" novels, I wasn't bored and I could easily understand what they were talking about. (Have you ever tried reading Homer or even Jane Austen? Those were pretty boring books.)

The love story of Marguerite and Armand was beautiful and at the end, even if I didn't cry, I was miserable.

I highly recommend it!

Near the end, when she was coughing blood and had a fever, Marie Duplessis sat in her usual box at the Varietes for the last time, said a Paris columnist, like something beautiful, he reported later, something white and spectral. For the last time the imagined Marguerite Gautier had dragged her white face and camellias to the opera. After Alphonsine was buried in Montmartre, there took place the famous sale auction of her many possesions, furniture, hangings, dresses, objects d'art bibelots and bijoutterie. Literature is not a trusty reproduction of reality and like in most roman-a-clef the original yarn is more vivid and interesting than the fabricated version concocted by an author. This is no exception. Before Verdi's Violetta and Dumas young's Marguerite, there lived briefly and died a mislead soul of such unusual qualities, she was destined to cast a tall artistic shadow. "La dame aux camellias" are the novel (1848) and play (1852) by the son of Alexander Dumas, France's literary lion. The young Dumas, while growing, somewhat dissolute, was one of the many lovers of the fascinating courtesan who was Paris' arbiter of elegance, perennial in the gazettes, carrying camellias, always. An exquisitely enchanting maiden, who rented her love, thus making and spending millions. Duplessis was notorious for her extravagance, and, conveniently, the spell she cast on rich men. She was a fixture at theaters and gaming houses. A madly desired Marie Duplessis could never have imagined she would one day be the muse of Sarah Bernhardt Pola Negri, Eleonora Duse and Greta Garbo. 'La dame aux camellias" the novel and play both became success-de-scandale, both finding an instant and feverish acclaim. This old Romantic novel is based on the true story of Alphonsine Plessis, an abnormally pretty farmer, who abused by her brutal father, runs off to Paris and becomes a grisette. It's believed Plessis began selling his daughter at the age of twelve. There, in Paris, quite effortlessly, she becomes a ravishing courtesan, a swan, before dying of consumption at the age of 23. In the real biography Marie Duplessis (in her climb Alphonsine changed her name) is always juggling lovers (and debts) some, more fabulously wealthy than others. She also finds time for handsome and brilliant young men of fashion, despite their monetary limitation, and soon we learn she gives up Dumas for Frans Liszt (can you imagine the cinematic possibilities here?) Later, as the shadow of death grew near, Duplessis marries a faithful titled paramour, becoming a countess thus adding coronets to her plate. Now in the outs with Liszt (trust me, I can't go into everything but the life of the real heroine is very interesting)and while young Dumas (the original Armand Duval) travels with his father (in reality having perhaps forgotten Plessis, or Duplessis, Gautier or Valery, it's a bit confusing) the lady of the camellias dies alone of tuberculosis, in her dismantling, erstwhile courtly apartment. In this sad note ends the story of Alphonsine, also Verdi's opera, Garbo's movie and Dumas young's novel and play. The novel, a sometimes mistreated literary treasure that has seen print since the days of Louis Napoleon. Some dismiss it, some find it a bridge between the Romantics and the new realism of Flaubert. A curiously intimate young love account ending in a heart-crushing pathos. My regret is not seeing Duse or Eva LeGallienne in the role. See, I think this story would make a great modern movie. Unless you cry at dog-fights and are innately sentimental, don't pick up this book. If you like it, go on to read Abbe Provost's 'Manon Lescaut'. I could have never imagined I would one day get to grade 'La dame aux camellias', but here it is, you guessed it, I give it five stars.

In today's ambience of eclectic magickal practices and "traditions" made up out of whole cloth, this book provides a unique commentary. It's clear that Allison's book is Paul Huson's "Mastering Witchcraft". It's witty, well-written and insightful. Ought to be brought back in print, but probably won't be since it's not as removed from reality as Harry Potter, Eleanor Estes' "Witch Family", etc.

I borrowed this book from my sister one summer vacation and never gave it back. I have to say it's right up there with Watership Down, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Wrinkle in Time and The Great Brain (another underappreciated book) for pure enjoyment for kids and adults alike. I didn't become a witch but truly related to Allison's quest to assuage her summer confinement and her passion for ceremony and mystery. The author's style is wittier and more sophisticated than most preteen stories and I appreciate the humor to this day. I hope people can get past the "witch" and enjoy this story for what it is, a charming, hilarious account of the mishaps and "miracles" of this imaginative and exasperating girl.

Like another reviewer, I, too, first stumbled upon this book in a library. I didn't "forget to return" it, but I did borrow it probably 100 times or more. As an adult, it took me years to remember enough of the name to find it again. But you know, I think I even enjoyed and appreciated the story's combination of subtleties and slapstick more as a 29-year-old that I had as a 9-year-old! The book is a wonderful example of a pre-teen who knows it all, and knows that she knows it all. Allison's trials and secret triumphs in a world ruled by uncomprehending adults is one of the truest stories I've seen. It made a lasting impression on me, as I think it must on any young girl, because I could identify so closely with Allison's self-confidence, her cutting sense of humor, and her unbending belief that she, and only she, really understood the way the world worked. Regardless of one's religious preferences, this is a fantastic book for any kid. It encourages exploration and imagination, and the only permanent damage it did to me is that I can no longer look at a tube of toothpaste and a comb without laughing so hard that I cry (read the book, you'll get it).

As a one time chef myself, I can honestly say that Charlie Trotter's has been a big part of my life over the last ten years or so. I remember seeing him ten years ago in a Food Arts magazine and was instantly in love with his food and restaurant. After dining there twice and reading all of his cookbooks I can say one thing, "Charlie Trotter's knows about longevity". This book will give you an insight on how the restaurant was started. It will also show you how Charlie's mother would have never expected him to be one of the top chefs in the country. It's almost scary to look at some of the pictures of Charlie when he was younger. Even some with really long hair. I laughed out loud at a couple. Anyway, if you know anything about this great restaurant, you have to buy this book. You can go to the bookstore to look at it, but I can guarantee you'll buy it. And by all means, if you have never eaten at his restaurant make the trip. You'll love every minute of it. Thank you Charlie for all the great books.

This is the best restaurant book I have ever read. Lawler absolutely brings to life the workings of Chicago's finest eating establishment. Trotter's is one of my all-time favorite places and this book makes it even more special. Super photos, too. A must read for anyone interested in fine dining.

This book is about my absolute favorite restaurant - how could it not be fabulous!?!? I could not wait for this book to be published! The photos are phenominal. OK, I guess I am a bit partial, because the restaurant holds a special place for me - I was engaged there! But, I would have liked the book for the inside look at the world-class restaurant anyway. Definately put this one in your basket, you will not be sorry.

This is a well written book that is useful regardless of your sport or fitness interest. The author distills the latest research and clearly explains how to manage your nutrition for optimal muscle recovery. The book also gives clear explanations of such procedures as carbohydrate loading, and explains a variety of metabolic issues. It is incredibly useful, and a must for any athlete or fitness enthusiast! I found it impossible to put down.

...and I own ALOT of books on training. I got this book specifically for muscle recovery after running, but it turned out to be alot more. Nutrition for training, helping you understand how the physiology works during & after exercise, what EXACTLY to do during & after for optimal fueling & recovery. I hike, run, mountain bike, and I'm starting adventure racing. The information in this book has helped ALL my activities, and I highly recommend it. I thought I was going to get a "1+2=3" type of formula for muscle recovery and that's it...but the book actually provides much more. I'm buying it for my adventure racing team members.

This book is a must for any competitive athlete serious about excelling in his/her sport. I'm a novice mountain bike racer who just fumbled his way through his first race season, and for those of us who aren't sponsored and don't have coaches, this book is invaluable. I think as I build experience, this knowledge will help me be competitive against guys with years of experience.

The author is able to relay the scientific aspect of the body's functions during and after exercise to the lay person without making the reader feel lost. The book opened topics that I was familiar with but not terribly knowledgeable about. I now have a much better understanding about how my body uses what I put into it, and how this affects my performance. I'm also able to better plan my training/racing schedule because I know how to properly recover and prepare for the next ride.

If you want to compete, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Whether you own a small business, are thinking about starting one or would just like to improve the quality of your life, this is a book you should read -- right now. It's chock full of common sense imparted to the reader by a woman whose phenomenal success speaks for itself. When you read how Gladys Edmunds, at the age of twelve, began using her spunk and imagination to put her on the road to riches in the travel industry, you come away thinking: Doggone it - if she can do it, I can, too! A combination of fascinating anecdotes about Edmunds' own life and instructive case histories of people who have sought and benefited from her counsel, 'There's No Business Like Your Own Business' is not the usual dry-as-dust business primer, but rather an encouraging, easy-to-read look at how it is possible, by managing ourselves, to manage our businesses and our lives, and that they should not be mutually exclusive. We are reminded that we needn't try to do it alone, and that it's a sign of wisdom, not inadequacy, to enlist help from others. 'There's No Business Like Your Own Business' is peppered with nuggets of wisdom from the ancients to the modern. Don't even think about starting a business until you've read what Edmunds has to say.

This book was excellent, it not only kept you interested with Edmunds funny anecdotes, it was so informative. This book is a must have for anyone who owns a business and it is also great for people who have a full time job and need to find some insight on staying sane and balancing your life. This book may be geared toward entrepreneaurs and future entrepreneurs; however I think it is great for anyone who needs to maintain balance in a workworld. Great book, it will change your life.

Gladys Edmonds writes with the power of one who has searched for and found her way through the labybrinth of life. She weaves the threads of her life story together with strands of common sense and logic. The writing is a flawless blend of homespun advice and sophisticated principles. This book is highly recommended to anyone who is seeking guidance and direction in owning their own business.

My recommendation was for the Oxford rather than the Everyman edition, edited by L.G. Mitchell. I apologise for this error.

I personally find, overall, that other persons writing
about and analyzing Burke and his views tend to be a bit
more interesting and compelling, than Burke himself in
his prose.
I do not consider myself a "conservative" -- in the
sense that that is a political agenda or mindset, nor
a reactionary. There is much in academics and political
philosophy which tends to want to damn by labels -- and
by putting ideas into boxes, filing, and forgetting...rather
than listening to, or thoughtfully considering.
One can believe in classic values, and find his
grounding in classical philosophy without being a
rigid reactionary or even a doctrinaire conservative.
So, when Burke speaks with the speech of the
Ancients and espouses classical warnings and
remonstrances about the necessity of restraint
and careful consideration, one can agree with him.
And, as the editor and author of the "Introduction"
to the Penguin Classics edition, Conor Cruise O'Brien,
points out, there is that of the prophet in Burke as
well, since he published these REFLECTIONS in 1790,
before the Reign of Terror in 1793, yet he correctly
foresees the excesses to which the French Revolution
will proceed in its unchecked course.
One of the best quotes which I like very much from
this work follows:
"When I see the spirit of liberty in action, I see
a strong principle at work; and this, for a while,
is all I can possibly know of it. The wild GAS, the
fixed air is plainly broke loose: but we ought to
suspend our judgment until the first effervescence is
a little subsided, till the liquor is cleared, and
until we see something deeper than the agitation of
a troubled and frothy surface. I must be tolerably
sure, before I venture publicly to congratulate men
upon a blessing, that they have really received one.
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver;
and adulation is not of more service to the people
than to kings. I should therefore suspend my
congratulations on the new liberty of France, until
I was informed how it had been combined with
government; with public force; with the discipline
and obedience of armies; with the collection of an
effective and well-distributed revenue; with morality
and religion; with the solidity of property; with
peace and order: with civil and social MANNERS. All
these (in their way) are good things too; and, without
them, liberty is not a benefit whilst it lasts, and
is not likely to continue long."

Reflections on the Revolution in France written by Edmund Burke and Edited with an introduction by Conor Cruise O'Brien the Penguin Classics version is the best version of this unparalleled powerful work. The reason for this is that included in this version you have an introduction that gets the reader upto speed. For Burke is without doubt the foremost conservative British political thinkers of his time, (1729-1797).

There is a biographical note on Edmund Burke right after the introduction giving the reader a historical perspective into who is Edmund Burke and why his advice was sought after with regard to the French Revolution and the consequenses of its following. Unlike the United States, France had an established entrenched government, so any change in form of government meant that an upheavel of property, religion, and traditional French institutions would have to occur. Underlying the French Revolution was the latent Catholic Cause which being Irish Burke had a good deal of sympathy.

Burke's Reflections written in 1790 was a really good prediction of the events pretaining to the Reign of Terror experienced by the French. This edition of Edmund Burke's "Reflection on the Revolution in France" has well explained footnotes further giving the reader a much greater appreciation for the practical wisdom of Burke. Burke was a man who would've rather seen a gradual or piecemeal reform as opposed to a revolution as he was sceptical in his belief in expediency.

Another plus for this edition, in contrast to the others available, is that there is a well appointed "Notes" at the end of Burke's writing. Also, at the very end of this book you'll have a recommended reading list, which for those inclined is indispensable. By far this edition is well worth reading and great care has been given to bring this important work in a form that is easily understandable, with enough detail to make it interesting reading.

This is not an easy book. It is striking and memorable. If you read it more for the immediate effect of the imagery rather than try to figure out a plot or the characters, it is much more rewarding. I'm not knowledgeable about the model of Fire Island society but that is secondary anyway. If you are looking for a real page-turner, this book is not for you. If you read slowly and visualize what the author describes, you will be amply rewarded.This book may be about life on a beach but it is not a "beach book."

This is a classic novel, and one that works on several levels. A satire of Fire Island gay culture? Yes, but it works even if you have no idea that this is what the book is supposed to be "about," as I didn't when I first read it years ago. The prose is seamlessly perfect, and the device of the amnesiac narrator, which shouldn't work, actually does.

A vanished gay culture and setting (recognizably The Pines in the 1960s) transformed into an icy fantasy, with details borrowed from the ceremonial court life of ancient Japan and Java. An amnesiac narrator finds himself in an imaginary island society, at once funny and horrific, where refined, ever-changing rules govern the slightest action. He must somehow deduce his own identity from the enigmatic offhand remarks of others around him while not giving himself away.

Though infused with a gay sensibility, this is not a "gay book". In it, obsessive aestheticism and obsessive love face each other, gradually becoming deadly enemies.