Gibson Books

I bought this book about 10 years ago, and I did not read it till last year, i could not put this book down, This book is so relevant to a woman's heart, to the human being's gemotions, What I love about Jane Is that she always kept fighting through all her trials and never let hate poison her heart, always made the best of everything. I bought the miniseries from BBC, I recommend Pride and prejudice and sense and sensibility by Jane Austen to those who love this genre.Nobody writes this way anymore!

I will leave the telling of Jane Eyre to some of the other reviewers. This particular version is my favorite. This is the cloth bound version or the book with the lovely attached ribbon bookmark. This is a very lovely version of this book.

What can I say about this beautiful classic that hasn't already been said?
My only word of caution: DO NOT READ THE INTRODUCTION if you've never read this book before. Ms. Jong feels the need to fill you in (spoil is more I like it) on several key details/events that any hungry reader would rather devour on their own. Skip her.

I consider 'Jane Eyre' to be one of the greatest works of art ever achieved. Certainly better than almost any other work of literature and on a par with Michelangelo's 'David' and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Jane Eyre / 0-451-52655-4

Unlike many of the classics, which contain a superb message under vernacular that is sometimes hard for us to read, Jane Eyre still flows easily to our ears and eyes, and the plot is gripping and suspenseful.

While Jane may seem, to our modern sensibilities, to be something of a weak heroine in her jealousy of her master's suitor, her insistence upon actual marriage in spite of the cruelty of the situtation, and her weak acceptance of her missionary suitor's almost vampiric leaching of her spirit (in spite of his own sisters' exhortations to stand up for herself, no less!), Jane is still a strong and modern female in light of the standards of her own day. Her bravery in taking up her post as governess in a strange land, her 'presumptuousness' in courting (or being courted) by her master, her daring in considering to be a missionary's wife, and her final decision to set out again in search of her lost love all point to a strength of will and character which would have made her character - at the time - to be quite 'mannish' indeed! We can admire Jane her strength and will, while marvelling happily at how far things have come, and wonder hopefully at how much farther they may yet go.

What girlhood is complete without the charming adventures of one of literature's most spritely heroines, Anne [with an e] Shirley? I've read this book time and time again since I was a child, and I still cannot get over just how much character and heart can be splashed into a single novel.

In the lovely world of a Victorian Canada the Cuthberts, an elderly brother and sister, decided to adopt a boy to help with farm work. However, there is a mistake and instead the awkward, idealistic Anne winds up in their home. She's an orphan who lives romantic dreams and is not afraid to speak her mind. She sounds irritating, but she is a fantastic, well-rounded character, as is everyone else. Anne quickly makes a name and a place for herself in her new home as she grows up through all the usual horrors of adolescence.

I had never read this book for fear that it would be too much like Little House on the Prairie which I had heard were heartwarming books where nothing much ever happened. Though Anne of Green Gables is certainly heartwarming and describes the interesting but not action packed life of a young girl, Anne's character is not the ordinary sweet little girl that you might expect to read about. Though wanting to be good, Anne spends most of her time dreaming about "romantic" things such as a beautiful pond near by which she named the Lake of Shining Waters, and the demons and goblins that live in the Haunted Wood. Her chatter fills the entire book and barely a page goes by without her contemplating some fantastical thought. This is a beautifully written novel and there needs to be no wondering as to why it has endured for the one hundred years that it has.

This full-length play, adapted from L.M. Montgomery's novel, has roles for 6-12 men and 12-19 women, with extras as desired. The time period is the early 1900's. The place is Avonlea and other locations on Prince Edward Island, Canada. All locales in the play can easily be performed on a unit set, however.

This dramatization faithfully conveys the spirit, events, and characters of the original novel, from her youth to early adulthood. The flexible casting and simple unit set make this play an ideal choice for community and school groups to produce.

Book arrived in good condition and in a timely manner. Excellent rating for seller. Would purchase from seller in future.

No matter what age you are or what genre of book you usually read, this is a terrific work of art. Everyone should take a rainy afternoon off to sit back, relax and read one of the greatest novels ever published. (And all other novels in the Anne of Green Gables series is just as exceptional!)

CENTENNIAL EDITION LITTLE WOMEN OR MEG, JO, BETH, AND AMY A wonderful book I remember from my childhood and plan to read again. The illustrations by Jessie Smith are outstanding. Also, the story is set in a period of our history which is so fascinating.

I have loved this book ever since I was in grade school! I bought this copy because I wanted a nice, hardbound version and I liked the illustrations.

The words are so crowded. So I won't suggest this one.

I bought this book as a gift to impress the receiver. To my shock, the receiver told me the book was very nice indeed but it contained only the first half of the book. I did not see anywhere where we are told about this being only half of the book unless you include the Library Journal description.

This is a classic we wanted our grand daughter to read. The illustrations are professional and wonderful

The story of a 'frightful little girl', whose point of view changes as she discovers the secrets of her new surroundings.
A well-written story at times, but it definitely had its draggy moments. It seemed to promise more than it delivered(I expected more of a fantasy tale, along the lines of 'The Chronicles of Narnia'.)
The characters were well-developed, though Colin kind of took over what had been 'Mary's story' toward the end.
Perhaps not the best 'classic children's lit' out there, but it shows how life was at the time it was written, and it's best not to give up on it because it's not entirely 'PC'. Judge for yourself.

This book is awesome. I loved the story of this two neglected kids that find each other. Both were mighty in their own ways, yet lonely in their soul. That is until she found the secret garden in her cousin's home. In it, it grew more than plants, their lives intwine with that of the flowers and they too bloom at the end. Beautiful story.
Anna del C.
Author of "The Elf and the Princess"
and "Trouble in the Elf City"
The Elf and The Princess: The Silent Warrior Trilogy - Book One (The Silent Warrior Trilogy)

This was my favorite book as a child. Still love it today. MUCH better than any of the movies made!

If there is a main character for the book it is Misselthwaite Manor. If there is a present theme is that we (metaphorically speaking) can all unlock our secret garden and make it grow and make a world which we can invite others into.

The story examines a series of characters from Mary Lennox, Dicken Sowersby, Martha Sowersby and of course Colin Craven as they find their lives revolving around the gardens and the moores of a place located in Yorkshire England as they find 'the magic' of the place managing to provoke life changing lessons for all of them.

Like her other book 'The Little Princess', the book starts off in India, and like 'Little Princess', Mary suffers the death of her parents and finds herself trapped in England but that is where the novels part ways. Instead we are immersed into a world of robins, flowers, gardens and shimmering fog and springtime activities. Mistress Mary is cast among a world she barely understand but must learn to survive in. She unlocks mysteries, gets new friends and changes the life of another -- Colin forever.

Both my daughter and I enjoyed the novel until the very end where it decays a bit into endless exposition as Colin begins his scientific experiments. The ending itself almost leaves open a sequel as several character issues find themselves a bit hanging in a lurch but the focus is not on any one single character -- mistress Mary pretty much drops out of the novel halfway through it. It is on the world around us and how it can change us if we let it. We all have beautiful secret gardens in all of us if we are willing to find them and share them with others and in the world of today, that's a great message.

I can't believe I missed reading this growing up. My daughter and I just read this together. It was wonderful, and we both loved it. She likes to read books over and over, and I think she will appreciate reading this even more when she gets a little older. She loved the idea of secrets, twins, and the transformation of Mary. Having not had similar experiences to the characters in the books, such as losing close family members, she didn't quite understand the concept of a person having to learn to love and cry.

I loved the symbolism of the young girl blossoming with the garden, the relationship she develops with her cousin, the flower imagery, and the many little details like the birds nesting in the chairs in the run-down part of the manor. The mystery of this story is also wonderful and very suspenseful.

I think many adults who missed reading this growing up would enjoy this book. And I think all children, both boys and girls, should read this at least once. It is an absolute treasure.

Cute book to add to my table of Christmas Stories. Will make a cute addition this Christmas.

I ordered 30 copies of this Dover Thrift Edition of A Christmas Carol and used them as stocking stuffers at work.

This is a great item for the price, lower than some greeting cards, and I suspect appreciated a tad more than the usual overflow of candy around at holiday time!

Everyone has their favorite version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Make this dramatic retelling yours. At about 2 hours, its perfect for listening in the car while running around during the holidays or on your MP3 player while putting up Christmas lights. I plan on listening to it every year from now on. Patrick Stewart gives voice to every character, including the narration, and gives the kind of performance which I have come to expect from an actor of his immense talents.

I saw this script produced at the Castle Museum in York during its first run. It's the most faithful adaptation I have ever seen of A Christmas Carol, which is one of my favourite novels.

Highly recommended.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMER i HAVE EVER HEARD. MR. STEWART BRINGS TO LIFE THE COMPLETE STORY. MAKING THE STORY MR. DICKENS INTENDED GO RIGHT TO YOUR SOUL.
I HAVE PUT IT ON THE LIST OF THINGS WE ARE DOING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND TO SIT DOWN AND LISTEN TO THIS GREAT STORY.
YOU WILL NOT BE UNHAPPY WHEN YOU BUY THIS CD.
THE HALLEY FAMILY

This is a re-read for me, and one that I have to admit doesn't hold up nearly so well as an adult. Part of this is not the fault of the book as much as it is the fault of its many imitators. The foppish irresponsible aristocrat who is actually the super-competent avenger of justice has, in the meantime, been done-- done to death-- done again-- done some more. It lacks the kick that it had when I first read it so very long ago.

None of which makes it a bad book, not at all. It is still fun to read. Lots of romantic not-quite betrayal, love and derring-do. I don't think it's really a great book, that's all.

Orczy is worth a read simply for the influence that her work has had on other later authors. Don't expect too much, and you should be pleasantly surprised.

(Has anyone out there read any of the follow-up books to Pimpernel? Despite having loved this as a kid, I never read any of the other books with Sir Percy as the main character. Are they any good? Leave me a comment and let me know.)

When I first began reading this book,I wasn't quite certain I was going to enjoy it, as the English prose wasn't quite my type. However, after the first few chapters, I became an ardent fan of this spellbinding novel! What an incredible love story it is...and it's not one of those books that you read once, and then put back on the shelf, never to be taken down again, either. It is one which you can read again and again, and each time you do, it is as new as when you FIRST read it. It is one of those few novels that retain innocent romantic dialog, and yet it is intriguingly poetic and beautiful beyond words.
Everyone I've recommended this story to, agrees with me that it is well worth reading. The story of Percy and Marguerite, quickly becomes every girl's dream love story!

This book was thoroughly enjoyable. It almost seems way ahead of it's time as an 1800s version of the modern thriller novel. This book is a great adventure and a spy thriller set in the time of the bloody French Revolution. It has romance, action, espionage, twists and turns, and fun characters. At times the plot is fairly predictable, but it still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is a fun and entertaining read if not deep. Definitely recommended as a light summer read and an alternative to much of today's popular novels.

This was such a great book that it has found itself on my re-reads for the October,the finest month. Margurite, Sir Percy, The Fishermans Rest, Dover, Calais, The Chat Gris...What a story. And That Demmed Ellusive Pimpernel. Once the book starts ,it does not stop. It rolls like a snowball. Being near the end of August now I am looking at the book on the shelf with greed. Buy it read it and savour it.

It is most unfortunate that I must disagree with the vast majority of the reviewers of this book, as I had high hopes for it after hearing it compared to the work of Dumas. I was rather disappointed with The Scarlet Pimpernel, however, as I found it to be of rather mediocre quality. It was rather unpolished compared to Dumas, which is surprising considering the haste with which Dumas penned his numerous volumes. The Scarlet Pimpernel is simply not nearly as fun and exciting as either Dumas, Stevenson, Shellabarger, or Sabatini (the other swashbuckling authors). What I found most unappealing about it was Orczy's apparent underestimation of the reader. The first three quarters of the book is obviously supossed to leave the reader guessing as to the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but it was rather easy to guess who it was early on in the book, and by the half-way point it was so blatantly obvious that no one could conceivably be surprised by the much-hyped discovery of the hero towards the end of the book. Add to this the over-the-top melodrama and frequently cheesy dialogue and you have the makings of an average adventure novel.

Some may think that I have been harsh with this book. That may be so, but if it is it is because I am so shocked that others dare favorably compare this to the masterpieces of Dumas, or to the great Zorro writings of McCulley. Orczy is not a terrible writer, but it is rather outrageous to compare her to the great swashbuckler authors. She is almost entirely missing the raw spirit of adventure present in others, and this spirit is at the very heart of the adventures of those like Dumas. For me there was no point in this book where I was entheusiastically turning the pages, eager to find out what would happen to the main character, following with glee each turn of events. This is not at all because the main character is female. It is because the main character is not the hero, and is not even adventuresome. To be quite frank, she is rather boring until toward the very end of the book, and even then she does not endear herself to the reader in the manner of a D'Artagnan or an Edmond Dantes. There are no supporting characters worthy of comparison to Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Even the villains are rather boring (not to mention wooden), leaving us with little to really care about in this book. I think author's intended "hook" was supossed to be the mystery about who the Scarlet Pimpernel is, but this was entirely lost by the half-way point, so I found the last half of the book rather unremarkable.

The most redeeming merit of this book is not its enjoyability, but its historical significance. The dual persona of the hero was the inspiration for further variations on the theme, beginning with McCulley's Zorro in the early 20th century and subsequent rise of superheros. It is hard to imagine that such a motif is so recent, but we really do have Orczy to thank for that, and I am truly grateful, for The Mark of Zorro is one of my favorite books. Beyond that, however, my advice is to stick to Dumas, Stevenson, Shellabarger, and Sabatini. They are all far better than this.

Overall grade: C+

I know there are probably a lot of people that would gag on the sugary sweetness of this book, but as a book for little girls it is absolutely enchanting. Even as an adult I still adore its sweet little heroine and her bravery and goodness.

The story is about Sara, a pampered little girl who travels to New York to attend school whilst her father does his work. She begins as the gem of the school, the administration falling over her, or more precisely Daddy's money. Then tragedy strikes, and Sara is left as poor orphan shuffled to the attic with the rats and the servants.

Good think she has such spunk to get through this hard time!

Don't worry, it's not entirely eye-rolling. Sara truly develops as a precocious character. While she was never villainous, we see her become kinder and more aware of the misfortune in the world around her despite her own problems.

It's an enchanting, dramatic story full of rich character and Burnett's signature gorgeous writing.

Having been already exposed to both film versions of the book, I was finally curious enough to engage myself in this classic and this time with my seven year old daughter.

Needless to say this is a fairly direct departure from the films. Sara Crewe and her world is not the sappy musical world of Shirley Temple nor the melodrama of the more recent version. This is an exploration of character. Sara Crewe is struggling with her identity and the toolkit she had built up to cope with life and discovers that poverty and cruelty cannot repair a hungry stomach or a lonely heart. Readers may be surprised by the ending which is far less melodramatic than the film and frankly much better. This book is a more gentle Oliver Twist. It is a reminder to us all that we cannot hide from the torments of the world around us. Instead we must face the trials of society if we are to make them better.
At the end of the story, Sara learns the true meaning of being a Princess and the ending is as poignant as anything I have read for it is real drama based on real situations.

Just as a caution please be aware the language is a bit dated. The term 'queer' is used to describe strange long before other meanings were added on. The term 'oriental' and 'yellow man' were used as well but this is just a reflection of the time, not overt racism.

This book is about a rightly raised little girl and how she turns out - nearly PERFECT. This goes to show parents to BE NICE TO THEIR dependant and helpless little kids - brats are raised by @sshole parents, NOT by kind and loving parents, as Sarah's dad had been. It is about a very serious battle of the Self. Sarah says to every one "me and you are the same. it just so happens that I was born rich and you born poor." It doesn't make us WHO we are." which is true, but then her self-doubt manifests "who knows? maybe I am kind and generous because I have everything I could ever want. I give someone 100 pence and I don't lose anything because I have many many more. maybe if I was poor or had to work I'd be cruel and just a total Miss Michnkin or something." Note: these quotes are not exact from the book.

at this, "the Magic" steps in so that she DOES become poor and wretched, and thus proves to herself that she is who she is BECAUSE SHE IS, NOT because of being rich and doesn't work. Being poor and wretched gives the child the opportunity to manifest her inate kindness in unprecedented ways, like giving other people food when SHE herself had been so cold, wet and very hungry. See, she could not have proven this to herself had she stayed rich, and she apparantly needed to. All in all, a beautiful story of truimph of good over evil, abundance over poverty, exuberance over stale bread, and self security over self doubt (which she didn't have before). A truimph of the SELF shown where it always begins in life - in childhood. We are used to seeing this type of stuff in adults but adults do NOT have the same battles as children do. For one, adults are not helpless, dependant, and our battles are not as serious life-and-death. so, whatever empathy we have for other adults, should be increased a thousand times for children, like this soldier this little girl. yeay!

Good to see that readers are still enjoying this marvelous 1905 book which makes it a century old. Reminiscent of Dickens, but mercifully shorter, the prose flows in beautiful rhythms keeping young readers and readers like myself who are young at heart poised to keep on reading to find out what becomes of our tough little heroine.

Sara had a charmed life as an only and beloved child which fortified her through later immense difficulties as she fell from riches to rags. Her ability to tell stories and to help others saved her from the appalling treatment she received from the aptly named Miss Minchin. The author's own life (1849-1924) as a child parallels that of her heroine.

Young readers will find Sara a loving spirit to emulate. We are truly THERE with her on every page. When she eats her hot cross buns and tea we long for the same. Although drawn out at the end, the book ends at a surprising and perfect place.

My son and daughter were both enchanted by this story as I read it to them a few weeks ago. We all fell in love with Sara and her very active imagination. She inspired us to do good, as she did.

I thought it provided an excellent opportunity for us to discuss how important it is to treat others with respect, even when you think you will gain nothing from it. Sara seemed to be nothing more than a lowly pauper, but the man who chose to provide some beautiful things for the pauper next door was so immensely blessed by having done so. Conversely, Miss Minchin thought she could treat Sara in a humiliating demeaning fashion, but it ultimately brought her harm. Thus, there is value in being kind to everyone we meet. This point wasn't made in the story (I know that would turn some people off), I just thought it worth using the story to drive home the point.

Anyway, it is worth reading for more reasons than just that it is a great story, but it definitely is that.

I really liked Wharton's "House of Mirth" but could not stand this book. I think it was my extreme dislike of all the characters--all shallow, manipulative people who rigidly followed the aristocratic social mores of the time. The language was stilted and the social scenes boring. Read "House of Mirth" and forget this one.

Eighteenth century American "high" society is shown in this subtly uncomfortable, at times merciless novel by Wharton. It explores the unwanted, inevitable, but, in the end, understandable change that occured within a young man on the verge of being married.

On the onset, everything seemed headed for bliss: perfect fiancee, stable prospects, and a comfortable yet predictable soon-to-be married life. But then he meets the Countess Olenska, cousin of his betrothed. This epitome of eccentricity (and source of ignominy of her relatives) becomes strangely alluring to him, what with her unconventional looks, manner of dressing, chosen companions, and overall lifestyle.

As his interactions with her become more frequent, he finds his fiancee somehow paling in comparison next to the vibrancy of the Countess. He becomes disdainful of the ridiculousness with which young men and women are brought up into their glittering society, and who will no doubt foster the same beliefs and traditions to their sons and daughters. As his life and everything he was taught at birth ostensibly comes crashing down upon him, he discovers his attraction to the Countess grow into passionate love. But these two lovers are mired into a world that would shun their relationship: the Countess at the very least is still very much married, and Archer is still very much engaged to be so...

This novel is a veritable force to be reckoned with (though it was tough gaining momentum on the first few pages). Not only does it explore the many intricacies in romantic love, it sheds a blinding light on the ways society draws its defenses around itself, constructs rules and traditions to be followed for the continuation of its existence, and in turn drowns out the very foundations of reason. There is subtlety in the way the author exposed a society so caught up in the world they have built around itself that it becomes blind to change and is still, in so many ways, innocent in its need to keep itself closeted from things both severely chaotic and beautiful that make up the inherent human experience.

Imagine living in a world where life is governed by intricate rituals; a world "balanced so precariously that its harmony [can] be shattered by a whisper" (Wharton); a world ruled by self-declared experts on form, propriety and family history - read: scandal -; where everything is labeled and yet, people are not; where in order not to disturb society's smooth surface nothing is ever expressed or even thought of directly, and where communication occurs almost exclusively by way of symbols, which are unknown to the outsider and, like any secret code, by their very encryption guarantee his or her permanent exclusion.

Such, in faithful imitation of Victorian England, was the society of late 19th century upper class New York. Into this society returns, after having grown up and lived all her adult life in Europe, American-born Countess Ellen Olenska, after leaving a cruel and uncaring husband. She already causes scandal by the mere manner of her return; but not knowing the secret rituals of the society she has entered, she quickly brings herself further into disrepute by receiving an unmarried man, by being seen in the company of a man only tolerated by virtue of his financial success and his marriage to the daughter of one of this society's most respected families, by arriving late to a dinner in which she has expressly been included to rectify a prior general snub, by leaving a drawing room conversation to instead join a gentleman sitting by himself - and worst of all, by openly contemplating divorce, which will most certainly open up a whole Pandora's box of "oddities" and "unpleasantness:" the strongest terms ever used to express moral disapproval in this particular social context. Soon Ellen, who hasn't seen such façades even in her husband's household, finds herself isolated and, wondering whether noone is ever interested in the truth, complains bitterly that "[t]he real loneliness here is living among all these kind people who only ask you to pretend."

Ellen finds a kindred soul in attorney Newland Archer, her cousin May Welland's fiancé, who secretly toys with a more liberal stance, while outwardly endorsing the value system of the society he lives in. Newland and Ellen fall in love - although not before he has advised her, on his employer's and May and Ellen's family's mandate, not to pursue her plans of divorce. As a result, Ellen becomes unreachable to him, and he flees into accelerating his wedding plans with May, who before he met Ellen in his eyes stood for everything that was good and noble about their society, whereas now he begins to see her as a shell whose interior he is reluctant to explore for fear of finding merely a kind of serene emptiness there; a woman whose seemingly dull, passive innocence grinds down every bit of roughness he wants to maintain about himself and who, as he realizes even before marrying her, will likely bury him alive under his own future. Then his passion for Ellen is rekindled by a meeting a year and a half after his wedding, and an emotional conflict they could hardly bear when he was not yet married escalates even further. And only when it is too late for all three of them he finds out that his wife had far more insight (and almost ruthless cleverness) than he had ever credited her with.

Winner of the 1921 Pulitzer Prize and the first work of fiction written by a woman to be awarded that distinction, "The Age of Innocence" is one of Edith Wharton's most enduringly popular novels; the crown jewel among her subtly satirical descriptions of New York upper class society. By far not as overtly condemning and cynical as the earlier "House of Mirth" (for which Wharton reportedly even saw this later work as a sort of apology), "The Age of Innocence" is a masterpiece of characterization and social study alike: an intricate canvas painted by a master storyteller who knew the society which she described inside out, and who, even though she had moved to France (where she would continue living for the rest of her life) almost a decade earlier, was able to delineate late 19th century New York society's every nuance in pitch-perfect detail, while at the same time - seemingly without any effort at all - also blending together all these minute details into an impeccably composed ensemble that will stay with the reader long after he has turned the last page.

Also recommended:
Wharton: Four Novels (Library of America College Editions)
Edith Wharton: Vol 1. Collected Stories:1891-1910 (Library of America)
Edith Wharton: Vol.2 Collected Stories 1911-1937 (Library of America)
Henry James : Novels 1881-1886: Washington Square, The Portrait of a Lady, The Bostonians (Library of America)
Henry James: Novels 1901-1902: The Sacred Fount / The Wings of the Dove (Library of America)
Ethan Frome
The House of Mirth
Washington Square
The Portrait of a Lady
The Wings of the Dove

In the beginning of the book I felt suffocated and annoyed by the old New York society yet appreciated Edith Wharton's caustic and dry humor when describing it and its denizens. I worried, though, that the book would aggravate me too much because of the characters and all of their rigid rules and arrogant affluence. However, that was what Edith wanted. We are thrust into the world of Newland Archer.

Just like Newland, I experienced the Countess Olenska as a delightful diversion and immediately wanted to read more about her world and conversations. When she asks Newland if he is much in love with his fiancee, he replies: "As much as a man can be." She then asks, "Do you think, then, there is a limit?" Through his relationship to her, Newland comes to the realization that all he had dreamed of turned out to be created by a fabricated self. Ellen Olenska awakened his authentic self, but because he had spent his entire young life on conforming to what he thought would equate with happiness, his former fantasy is suddenly turned into a constricting nightmare that he has to continue navigating.

May is brilliantly portrayed as a perfect and vapid beauty, almost mannequin-like in her icy and "innocent" approach to their future together.

I think both men and women would gain a lot from reading this, because we all have at one time yearned for someone or something (whether another person, career goal, etc.) that would require sacrificing one's identity so that if you followed your heart you would lose everything in the process except for your true self.

The suspense and angst builds as the novel progresses until I wanted to scream at Newland to run away with Ellen. The story ends when we find out what decisions were made, and that is followed by many years later and what had become of everyone. That part, to me, was the saddest.

"...people who dreaded scandal more than disease, who placed decency above courage, and who considered that nothing was more ill-bred than "scenes", except the behavior of those who gave rise to them." Edith Wharton "The Age of Innocence"

The realm of high society in 1870's New York was a world that was much more sated with hypocrisy and odious ostentation than of innocence. Most of the main characters in this classic made my stomach turn, talk about a bunch of phony, self-important, affected aristocrats. However, what really made this Pulitzer Prize winner so enjoyable for me is the main female character - Countess Ellen Olenska. What a wonderful creation! She is not the least bit pretentious (she actually treats her maid as an equal and friend) and possesses a genuine, compassionate heart of gold. She had the courage to stand alone and be her own person, despite being ostracized from her inner circle.

The story centers upon the upcoming marriage of one of N.Y.'s elite couples - Newland Archer and May Welland - and the free spirited Ellen, who has all of upper-class society in an uproar since separating from her abusive husband. For in their myopic world, divorce is not an option and most of her family and friends believe she should go back to her husband despite all the unhappiness he has caused her with his persistently perfidious ways. Ellen's arrival also abruptly shakes the fragile foundation of Archer and May's union. For when Archer first meets the Countess, his life and his future dreams suddenly change drastically. For the first time in his life, Ellen helps him see how truly trapped he is in his superficial world.

This may be a fictional novel, and it may take place in a different era and place, but the world of the privileged class hasn't changed all that much in today's American society. Bottom line, Edith's attention to detail is dead-on accurate when depicting the singular, shallow world of the elite. This is the first Wharton novel I have ever read, however, as a fan of Naturalism (i.e. Zola, Maupassant, Dreiser, Steinbeck, et al...) I knew I had to give her a shot. Needless to say, I was not disappointed in the least. I really enjoy her witty style and also the empathy she showed toward the plight of her characters, particularly her main protagonist Newland Archer and his shallow wife May.

Definitely recommended!!!

Some twenty-five years ago I read "Of Human Bondage" and thought it was a stunning read. So when I saw a good copy of it at a secondhand bookstore I thought I would re-live the experience. Well, it didn't quite "blow my skirt up" the second time around. Why?

It can't be because of its overall premise: an often painful story of a young man working through life from his mid-teens until about thirty. He tries to find himself, which he eventually does, but along the way he takes foolish missteps and learns that obsessive love can destroy one's soul (well, almost). At times one gets deeply entrenched with the young man's plight. So the overall story and characterizations are terrific.

But I think the problem lies with the overall scope and length of the novel. In between some very emotional episodes there are seemingly hundreds of pages that seem like literary churn. At the end I felt it was a road well traveled but I had wished the author could have placed us on a short cut.


Bottom line: of course it's a literary classic. But I would suggest first reading Maugham's "The Razor's Edge" or "The Painted Veil" for a taste of his brilliance. You'll get the oomph of "Of Human Bondage" in half the time.

While all of Maughams books are delightful to read, Of Human Bondage is the novel where he really puts it all together. As always, Maugham's characters are impeccable, and every character in this book stands out and is memorable in his or her own way, exposing a different aspect of our nature as only Maugham can express it. Even though it is two or three times longer than his other books, it never loses momentum. By the time I was into it, I was emotionally invested as I can get in a book. Everyone will find a way to identify with Phillip's struggles and lack of confidence, and Mildred truly is one of the most savage and heartless characters I have come across. Maugham can be either the most ruthless or the most sentimental writer depending on the occasion, and Human Bondage finds him gracefully leaping (and sometimes combining) the two. I wouldn't recommend this as a first read of Maugham--The Razor's Edge is more immediately accessable--but for anyone someone who wants a biting critique of society at its most primitive, this book is irresistable.

Of Human Bondage is a study of how life circumstances mold human behavior and thought. The story follows Philip Carey's life from birth to age 30. We see life through Philip's eyes to understand the experiences that shape the boy and the man. Through life's trials; disability, loss, deprivation, ridicule, friendships, love and achievement Philip grows and changes. He reveals in his human struggle bounded by his passions his desire to find a meaningful life.

Maugham's characters are writ large. Philip's uncle is not simply stern, but austere, coldly unemotional, miserly, and unsympathetic. Philip doesn't just have financial problems, but falls upon near starvation and homelessness. His girlfriend is not simply hurtful but calculatingly cruel, and devoid of human decency. Anthley cannot just be a jolly sort, but a verbose and bellowing character bursting with goodwill and humanity. Philip's actions and insights are sometimes disgustingly selfish and other times heartbreaking sincere and humble. He is fully and believably human.

After loving Maughams other works such as, The Razors Edge, Up at the Villa, Theatre I felt I must give Of Human Bondage another try. My first attempt failed as I did not have the patience to make through the sluggish first 200 pages of Philip's early years. After Philip goes off to Paris to pursue an artist's life, things really take off for both Philip and the reader. Though written almost a century ago the story is as relevant as ever and will be as long there are people taking life's journey. A full and absorbing tale deserving of it's classic status.

When little club-footed Philip Carey's mother died, he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle, severe, religious relatives who knew not how to handle the child thrust into the midst of their lives. He grew up without coddling or affection, but with books and the fantastic worlds they brought to him, worlds he would strive his whole life to recreate in fact. From his experiences in school to an artist's paris, to the hospitals of London and the dregs of society, Of Human Bondage details his search for himself and for his own brand of reality as he waits, desperate for life to finally begin. I see a lot of myself in Philip's apparently directionless wanderings, which is the beauty of this novel. He is believeable to extremes, and gloriously ambivalent morally. The book is beautifully written and wonderfully unpredictable, avoiding trite cliches and overlong prosaic rambles alike. Read it for school, or for pleasure, or for the experience of seeing plainly a slice of someone else's life, someone neither virtuous nor sinful, someone wholly real.

Little read these days, but Maugham remains head and shoulders above almost all contemporary novelists and this is his masterpiece.

It's kind of sad that we have passed that period of time when every little girl was obsessed with this book. Ah, that glory time of girls and horses! Even so, Black Beauty continues to endure as a classic in my mind of both decent anthropomorphism and great Victorian writing.

In the tradition of great animal classics, this story is written from the perspective of the horse, called, among other names, Black Beauty. This strong horse of the most delightful British personality leads a life full of change that ranges from the best of circumstances to the worst.

Without being overly dramatic or adventuresome, the story still remains gripping due to the sparkling narritive and the fact that we just want to know what happens to the poor horsie.

A classic for all horse lovers.

I read this book a while back when my husband, a horse lover, introduced me to it. A great tale of the life of a horse that teaches values to anyone who reads it. I have learned much about these beautiful animals and can see why my husband loves them. Strongly recommended for your children, you and they will love it.

Anna del C.
Author of "The Elf and the Princess"
and "Trouble in the Elf City"
The Elf and The Princess: The Silent Warrior Trilogy - Book One (The Silent Warrior Trilogy)

I waited my entire life to finally sit down and read "Black Beauty". What a GREAT book!!! This is one I will be keeping!

This was a fun addition to my library as it was a childhood favorite. This was a lovely edition, beautifully printed and bound. The seller packed to be sure it arrived in the same great shape it was in when it was sold too. I am very pleased with the book and the seller.

Not up to par with the Disney classics, of course, but entertaining enough and of decent quality. Good for students learning Spanish.
My 3 y.o has watched it several times even though he's not into horses, so I guess he likes it well enough.
I would say that girls would like it better.