>>>>>>>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.
>
>Maybe we actually were separated at birth. Of course, reading Hesse was pretty much mandatory if you wanted to live in that time, but I actually enjoyed most of his stuff (not all - Peter Camenzind and Beneath the Wheel were a little tough on me). Magister Ludi was my favourite too, although I have to admit I never really figured out the game. I don't think there was enough information.
>
>Speaking of games; ever try to draw up a set of 'Fencing' from Burnner's Shock Wave Rider?

The typo on Brunner threw me at first. <s> Never read Shock Wave Rider (though now I may). Did read Stand on Zanzibar, The Sheep Look Up, The Stone that Never came Down, and Squares of the City (which was what I flashed on when thinking Brunner - game ) From these titles you can tell *when* I read Brunner. Shortly after that I was in places where books in English were hard to come by and then I think I just got onto other things. Now I am going to go look for Shock Wave Rider (looks interesting) and find my dog eared Square of the City.