>>>>
>Personally, I prefer Len Deighton. If you haven't read the trilogy trilogy ( Berlin Game, Mexico Set, London Match, Spy Hook, Spy Line, Spy Sinker, Faith, Hope, Charity ) I think that represents some of the most compelling work in the genre.>>>>
>>>>So many books! So little time! I haven't read Len Deighton in at least 20 years ... time for a re-visit methinks. <g>
>>>>
>>>>BTW, thanks for starting this particular set of posts in this thread. I'm always looking for new (to me) authors, and you and Alan have always recommended some good ones.
>>>>
>>>>~~Bonnie
>>>
>>>Bonnie, don't read Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann. Just a heads up. ;)
>>
>>Which translation did you read? John Woods or Lowe-Porter?
>
>I honestly can't remember. All I remember about the book was the seemingly eternal boredom I felt while reading it. I wanted everybody in the book to die of consumption and for the sanitarium to burn down so I could be free.
>
>I know Mann is supposed to be one of Germany's finest, but even though I plowed through Doctor Faustus and 'sort of' enjoyed it, Magic Mountain defeated me unequivocally.
Which brings us to Herman Hesse, whom I remember loving 40 years ago, but have no idea what I'd think now. I know my favorite was The Glass Bead Game.
Charles Hankey
Though a good deal is too strange to be believed, nothing is too strange to have happened.
- Thomas Hardy
Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm-- but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.
-- T. S. Eliot
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed sheep contesting the vote.
- Ben Franklin
Pardon him, Theodotus. He is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature.
