Book Description
In the little town of Palomo Grove, two great armies are amassing; forces shaped from the hearts and souls of America. In this New York Times bestseller, Barker unveils one of the most ambitious imaginative landscapes in modern fiction, creating a new vocabulary for the age-old battle between good and evil. Carrying its readers from the first stirring of consciousness to a vision of the end of the world, The Great and Secret Show is a breathtaking journey in the company of a master storyteller.
Customer Reviews:
Just Not For Me.......2007-06-17
Public Reviews Written by You
Reviewer Rank: 35 Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11-20
pixel
The Great and Secret Show: the First Book of Art by Clive Barker
Edition: Unknown Binding
Availability: This item is currently unavailable.
Not Really For Me, 17 Jun 2007
Clive Barker was born in 1952 and he is the best-selling author of a large number of books, including his first book for children, The Thief of Always. He is also an acclaimed artist, film producer, and director. For four years Mr, Barker has been working on a vast array of paintings to illuminate the text of The Books Of Abarat, over one hundred of which can be found within this first volume.
Mr. Barker lives in California with his partner, the photographer David Armstrong, and their daughter, Nicole. They share their house with four dogs, five goldfish, a parrot and a large number of other pets of all shapes and sizes.
This book is a fantasy novel and describes a race against time to try to find the secret of "The Art" - a state of being or consciousness which allows its owner to transcend their humanity and enter into a heightened spiritual state - between Fletcher and the evil-intentioned Jaffe.
I had heard such good things about this author that I felt I really ought to get round to reading one of his books. I can understand the attraction of the book, but it was not really my kind of thing. That is not to say that someone interested in this type of book would not find it a page turner and I am certainly not going to start to criticise the book until I have read other offerings from the author. Suffice to say it just did not do it for me.
The Book of the Art I.......2007-03-24
In the late '60s Randolph Jaffe and Richard Fletcher find a secret metaphysical world, the dream sea called Quiddity, with limitless powers. Jaffe sees using these powers to become a tyrannical god like being. Fletcher wants little do do with it, but sees it as his moral responsibility to stop him. They wage a magical war across the country until they finally decide the next generation should continue the fight, so they mystically impregnate four young California women. Years later the children of that mystical pregnancy are targeted by their fathers and meet more people in the long, magical war, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
To say that Clive Barker's "Books of the Art" books are epic is an understatement. Like his novels before this book has a lot of graphic violence and sex, but it never feels gratuitous. The plot is huge and so are the themes; the book deals with religion, faith, multiple worlds, good, evil, and how they all intertwined. The characters are pretty interesting. Tesla was pretty interesting as a lady who is enlisted to gather help for the forces of good, and her discovery is ours, she is the one that the story is reveled to. Her feelings are ours, and so I was able to identify with her more than anyone else. Jaffe was a megalomaniac who learns too late that the power he wishes to master is too unwieldy to control. Fletcher is a '60s radical who (unlike most of his generation) found something to believe in, even if it is at the expense of his sanity. The brother Tommy-Ray and sister Jo-Beth are a weird couple. There are also a cast of odd balls who are by no means normal, and will be memorable long after the book is finished.
Ooooookkkkkaaaaayyyy.......2006-12-22
Without a doubt the weirdest book I have ever read. I loathed it and loved it. It entertained and revolted me. Full of originality yet swarming with cliche.
My dream-life has been somewhat more complicated since reading this book. The waters of Quiddity must be getting choppy.
Disappointed.......2006-11-22
I actually bought this book because of the great reviews. I was hoping for a gem. I had to actually force myself to continue to read it. I just couldn't find myself attached to any of the characters. I had absolutely no bond with the characters. Clive Barker is an excellent, beautiful writer. He is definitely gifted. I loved the concept of the book, but I just wish that the story was more developed. Mostly about what EXACTLY is the Art. I needed to know more about Quiddity, it's history, the Shoal, Kissoon. What exactly did Jaffe read in those letters to drive his ambition. Why did he believe those letters? I tried to get attached to the characters. Even the Good Man Fletcher. But something was missing from the characters. They lacked depth. Death boy was overboard. It's as if Barker is writing specifically for a movie. A "B" horror flick at that.
The Triology - the rest of the books.......2006-03-18
I love Clive Barker and I am getting ready to go pick up his second book Everville. However, I wanted everyone to know that this is a Trilogy but this book does stand on its own. If it had just ended without a second book I would have been a little bit unsatisfied because it leaves unanswered questions, but ones that you can wait on for the next book to answer - not a cliff hanger. Also, it does tend to resolve all of the big outstanding issues.
Luckily, I have been continuing to read all of his books just recently, so I won't have to wait for the second book (Everville). However it appears the third book is not out yet and will not neccessarily be out any time soon. Please see the following link for his reasoning for this http://www.clivebarker.dial.pipex.com/newbooksb.html
In a nutshell he says that the last book will be a monster and that it takes time to prepare to write this type of book. It also says that he has other series going on as well that take time. Too many ideas running through his head and that he needs to clone himself. Anyway - take a look at the link if you are interested but he says that he promises it will be out before the end of this century.....
Happy reading!
Book Description
It begins here! The second half of an adaptation of master of horror Clive Barker's epic journey into the fantastic, The Great and Secret Show.
Book Description
In this one-of-a-kind book, Dr. Rovenia M. Brock—known as Dr. Ro™ to fans of Black Entertainment Television’s Heart & Soul—reveals practical, satisfying ways for African American women to eat healthy, get fit, and overcome weight problems and the health risks that accompany them.
From the “Big Ten” myths about miracle weight-loss diets to how eating the right foods can help you live longer and why soul food (if prepared properly) really can be good for you, Dr. Ro shows how many serious illnesses can be largely prevented—and even reversed. And you don’t need Oprah’s salary to do it. Using her own inspiring story and those of many other women as well, Dr. Ro discusses the health, fitness, and even cultural issues that are unique to black women, and outlines a diet and nutrition program to fit every lifestyle.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Dr. Ro delivers a great message-it's time for us to listen!.......2007-02-27
Thank you, Dr. Ro, for your timely and on-point message about African American women and health. We are sadly losing too many African American women needlessly from poor eating habits, sedentary living and lack of self-care. This is an issue that we can longer ignore! It's time to stop talking about the problem and really do something about it. Dr. Ro's book, Ten Secrets to Livin' Healthy is a must read for every African American woman. Her book outlines a gimmick-free, no-nonsense plan that can save your life as well as those you love. I love Chapter 5 entitled "Heart Disease Begins at Six". How scary is that? Monitoring our children's diets and activity levels is so important. Thank you, Dr. Ro, for your commitment to saving the lives and livelihoods of African American women who may not have the time, interest or ability to seek out this information. Kudos to you!
More good information for a healthy lifestyle.......2006-07-19
My main focus is to change my lifestyle and not just "diet" and this book gave me some information that I found to be an all around educational reading
Very Informative!.......2006-07-17
This book was a little repetitive, but all in all.... very informative!!!! This book is similar to the 3 hour diet.
humor and diet.......2005-10-04
Contains a wealth of knowledge of diet and nutrition and several interesting recipes that I have already tried. The book is well written and the author has a sense of humor. I only wish there were more recipes. I am white and unfamiliar with some of the food, but I am having a wonderful time learning. It is fun to go to the supermarket and seek out some of these products. I enjoyed the book thoroughly.
Mary Lou Wood
AAA1!!!.......2005-10-02
The service was prompt and the book was in excellent shape. All vendors should be this good!!!
Book Description
It begins here! The first half of an adaptation of master of horror Clive Barker's epic journey into the fantastic, The Great and Secret Show. Adapted by Chris Ryall (Shaun of the Dead) and artist Gabriel Rodriguez (Land of the Dead), this first collection presents the beginning of a battle between good and evil that will span many decades and different dimensions. Featuring a special introduction from Clive himself!
Customer Reviews:
Clive Barker's The Great and Secret Show, Volume 1.......2007-09-19
It's always interesting to see how graphic novel adaptations of complex and long books are going to turn out. Thankfully, Ryall's and Rodriguez's adaptation of Barker's book is one that he is proud of, and will make fans happy. For a summary of the novel, see my review for The Great and Secret Show.
The key here is that this is the first volume in an at least two-volume series, because the forty or fifty pages would not be able to cover the whole story. What's so refreshing is the art. Clive Barker has a very vivid imagination and to see these crazy and complex images show in art form rich with color and detail is a truly enjoyable experience. Along with a brilliantly written script that manages to condense a six hundred page book, or three hundred in this case, into this slim graphic novel.
Clive Barker's The Great and Secret Show is perfect for the fan of the book looking to see it done in a whole new way, as well as those not sure if they want to tackle a long dense book, and looking for a Cliffnotes version. Of course, once they've read it, they will probably want to read the novel version, which of course, is highly recommended.
For more book reviews, and other writings, go to www.alexctelander.com
Beginning to A Beautiful Friendship.........2007-05-14
This Is an outstanding adaptation of an equally amazing novel. I am amped to see the continuation, and the Everville adaptation hinted and hoped for by Clive himself in the introduction. After perusing this graphic novel, I am wanting to read the novel again.
Average customer rating:
- Super Reader
- Quiddity (the secret essence of things) must be preserved!
|
The Great & Secret Show
Barker Clive
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Barker, Clive
| ( B )
| Authors, A-Z
| Horror
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
ASIN: 000617695X |
Customer Reviews:
Super Reader.......2007-08-04
Two men come into contact with some arcane information, and end up on opposite sides of a battle to gain control and power. The battle continues through the next generation, when their children and others become involved. It is just not as interesting as some of his other work, I think, despite the horror and magic themes that abound.
Quiddity (the secret essence of things) must be preserved!.......2004-01-31
_Randolph Jaffe was a man at the end of his rope. He hungered to be a big man, a king, yet all his life he had never managed to rise higher than a private in the ranks as he passed from job to job. At 37 he felt that time was running out. Now he had a dead end job in the central Dead Letter Office of the U.S. Postal Service. Yet, even here his brutal, vulgar coworkers and supervisor left him no peace. He found himself forced to participate in systematic looting of unclaimed mail for money and valuables. As he did this day after day he seriously began to contemplate suicide.
_Then, as he started to read the letters that he was opening he discovered, slowly, that the world was not what it seemed- not even remotely. Here and there, certain people hinted at a world behind the world, a Sea of Seas, the Shoal, Quiddity- and the Art.
_One day, Jaffe found a medallion in the mail- and everything changed. What had first been synchronicity in his life as he deciphered the mystery, now turned to direct supernatural power. This was a power that Jaffe never should have possessed. He was a petty, unworthy, little man that had learned nothing from his own maltreatment by others. He used the power from the start to murder and exploit. Yet, he hungered for even more power to remake the world to serve his ego.
_Unfortunately, this would create all sorts of problems for the guardians who were worthy of the secrets of the Art....
Customer Reviews:
Small, But Grand On Ideas!.......2002-10-21
Sherry Brooks, 101-Great Gift Giving Ideas, may be a small book, but it is packed full of GREAT ideas for gift giving. I love it, I use it, and have bought copies to give to my friends. Also, I just love the illustrations that went with it. Hope she does more for us! Thanks Sherry!
101 Plus Great Gift-Giving Ideas.......2000-12-31
This wonderful little book gives some unique gift ideas - many of them are one of a kind. The resources are not just mentioned and listed, but the actual phone numbers are given to order things like a copy of an historical magazine from the year someone was born as a birthday gift, for example. It's a valuable resource for those who wish to do something special for someone, but may not have much money to invest. Very thoughtful approach and a good resource for Secret or Santa Pal programs as well as for personal gift giving.
Grossly overpriced for a mere short LIST.......2000-10-20
This was horribly disappointing. For example, one PAGE reads solely "a disposable camera", another reads "picture frames".
This would have been fine had it mentioned unique packaging ideas, ways to personalize gifts and make them more special, etc. -- or, ideally, directions and recipes to be able to make some of the gifts yourself. However, to just list one short, simple idea per page was a hideous waste of space. Others were ads with 800 numbers to order cookies, etc. (rather than giving recipes to make your own, perhaps with ordering as another option).
Even at $ 5.99 plus shipping, this flimsy paperback is grossly overpriced (e.g., two words per page for things like "picture frames"). Amazon offers a large number of excellent books jam-packed with marvelous gift ideas. I would very strongly recommend that you do a search on gift ideas and buy one of them, instead.
Book Description
Collected here in one deluxe edition is the complete 12-part saga that comprises the comic book adaptation of master of horror Clive Barker's epic journey into the fantastic, The Great and Secret Show. Adapted by Chris Ryall (Zombies vs. Robots) and artist Gabriel Rodriguez (Land of the Dead), this collection presents the ultimate battle between good and evil that spans many decades and dimensions. Also featuring complete cover galleries by Gabriel Rodriguez and Clive Barker, full issue-by-issue annotations by Ryall and more! Also available in a hardcover edition (978-1-60010-110-6).
Book Description
Collected here in one deluxe edition is the complete 12-part saga that comprises the comic book adaptation of master of horror Clive Barker's epic journey into the fantastic, The Great and Secret Show. Adapted by Chris Ryall (Zombies vs. Robots) and artist Gabriel Rodriguez (Land of the Dead), this collection presents the ultimate battle between good and evil that spans many decades and dimensions. Also featuring complete cover galleries by Gabriel Rodriguez and Clive Barker, full issue-by-issue annotations by Ryall, and more!
Book Description
SECRETS VOLUME 15 ISBN#-0975451650
Simon Says by Jane Thompson Simon Campbell is a newspaper columnist who makes his living pandering to the adolescent fantasies of American men. Georgina Kennedy is a respectable librarian with a holier-than-thou attitude towards Simon's lifestyle. On the surface, these two have nothing in common…but you should never judge a book by its cover.
Bite of the Wolf by Cynthia Eden Gareth Morlet, alpha werewolf, has finally found his mate. Gareth will not let anything stop him from claiming his woman—not the rogue wolf who is on Trinity Martin's trail and certainly not his mate's own fear. All he has to do is convince Trinity to join with him, to give in to the pleasure of a werewolf's mating, and then she will be his…forever.
Falling for Trouble by Saskia Walker With 48 hours to clear her brother's name, Sonia Harmond needs all the help she can get and finds it in the shape of irresistible bad boy, Oliver Eaglestone. When the erotic tension between them hits fever pitch, securing evidence to thwart an international arms dealer isn't the only danger they face. Can either of them resist falling for trouble?
The Disciplinarian by Leigh Court Trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience in Victorian England, headstrong Clarissa Babcock is sent to the shadowy legend known as The Disciplinarian for instruction in proper wifely obedience. One look at the dark and dangerously handsome Disciplinarian has her fantasizing about what it would be like to be at the mercy of his sexual tutelage.
As The Disciplinarian, Jared Ashworth has never failed to transform a difficult wife into a dutiful spouse, but not in the way their husbands expect. He uses the tools of seduction to show Clarissa how to control a demanding husband, but her beauty, spirit, and uninhibited passion make Jared hunger to keep her -- and their darkly erotic nights -- all for himself!
Customer Reviews:
Sparks Fly!.......2006-05-03
I have to admit this is the first Secrets Volume I've read. I received another one once (I forget which number) but the type was too tiny for me to try to tackle it. Thankfully, this font was much easier to read, because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
In Jane Thompson's "Simon Says," the hero rubbed me the wrong way at first, but like Georgina, I grew to understand and like him more and more. Married to a frat boy myself, I can vouch for the fact that they can grow up!
Cynthia Eden has a talent for writing erotic, and her hero Gareth is deliciously alpha, but I think "Bite of the Wolf" needed more room to develop. I didn't get enough of the werewolf "world" to fully understand it.
Saskia Walker did a fantastic job with "Falling for Trouble," intertwining a credible suspense plot and a romantic one, especially considering the short length of the story. It's tough to satisfy my standards when it comes to characters being thrown into life-threatening situations. Too often a woman miraculously knows how to fight off someone as if she's developed the physical skill by just watching action flicks, but Sonia acts and reacts in a completely believable way.
This volume just strengthens my opinion that when compiling an anthology, publishers place the strongest story at the end of the book so the reader goes away with that wonderful feeling of completeness. "The Disciplinarian" was a terrific read. Leigh Court balanced all the elements of an erotic romance masterfully. Not only did she include frequent, well-written, sex scenes (a must in this genre!), she wove them into a story about a woman who learns to trust a stranger, and a man who battles his honor. I won't give away the ending, but want to say that it was also satisfying to see Ms. Court stay true to the demands of the historic period and the requirements for society gentlemen of the period.
So, if you like your stories short, hot, and romantic, I recommend this book quite highly!
Sensual erotica at it's best!.......2006-02-18
Another wonderful Secrets volume! As an erotica author myself, I look for very specific things when I read: are the characters compelling? Are the sex scenes written in a sensual, rather than vulgar, style? This volume of novella-length stories has it all!
I must admit, my favorite story was The Disciplinarian by Leigh Court. While I admittedly rarely read historicals, this story was so gorgeously written I couldn't put it down. I loved the unique and clever premise, and this author writes with riveting attention to sensual detail. Truly one of the sexiest stories I've read in a long time with enough emotional conflict to please any die-hard romance fan.
My other favorite, and in a completely different tone, was Jane Thompson's Simon Says, a refreshingly humerous tale with a to-die-for hero and smokin' sex scenes. Hot and funny-what more could you ask for?
While the other two stories by Saskia Walker and Cynthia Eden are quality work, these two in particular really stood out to me.
Eden Bradley
erotica author
Wooo-hooo!! Another great Secrets Anthology!.......2005-12-19
Finally! After reading volumes 12 and 13, neither of which I was impressed with, I actually got to read this newest volume 15 of the Secrets anthologies - It made for a good read, by the way, in comparison to the previous two mentioned. Yes, there were flaws to be found, in my humble opinion, but as a whole the book was very satisfying. Now, on the the descriptions!
"SIMON SAYS" by Jane Thompson - Simon Campbell is the typical rich playboy American with a dream job writing a column for a newspaper, one where his weekend exploits, partying and hook-ups are center stage for all the world to read. Georgina Kennedy is the typical spinsterish librarian that turns her nose up at the mere thought of socializing with the likes of Simon and she vows NOT to be one of his many conquests. The two think they have nothing in common, but looks are almost always deceiving and fate has thrown them together for an entire weekend, one where each realizes there was more to the other than they thought. This was by far the most enoyable of the four stories. Simon is hiding an intelligent and sensitive demeanor under his wild party boy armor, while Georgina finally decides that now is her opportunity to let someone see her for who she really is - a total wild woman on the lookout for someone that can handle her more "kinky" desires in the bedroom. Both characters turned out to more than this reader bargained for and each made "Simon Says" a spectacular read.
"BITE OF THE WOLF" by Cynthia Eden - Trinity Martin is your everyday girl-next-door type, happily going about her everyday life till Gareth Morlet, alpha werewolf, steps in to turn her normal routine upside down. Gareth believes Trinity is his destined mate and is determined that she will be his, despite her feelings on the matter. Too, he knows he must keep her safe from his enemy, who hunts her in order to hurt Gareth. Trinity is understandably resistent to the idea and fights him and her own body's desires, which certainly agree with Gareth. I felt that "Bite of the Wolf" suffered from the short story format in that it seemes rushed to a completion. One minute Trinity is determined to resist Gareth, the next she's happily getting intimate with him and then she's on the defensive again. Yes, no, yes, no...Please, let this author have more space in the book next time! Maybe then the story could have panned out to make more sense and seem more feasible. I liked the story, but I could have loved it if it had been more developed.
"FALLING FOR TROUBLE" by Sakia Walker - Sonia Harmond is an intelligent gal living in London and working on the political research scene. When her boss needs a courier to deliver some important papers, she knows her brother, Alec is just the guy for the job. However, he's gotten in way over his head when said papers turn out to be questionable and a possible threat to the world's safety looms. In walks Oliver Eaglestone, good cop with a bad boy reputation, who is friends with Alec. He's going to get Alec out of the tight spot he's in, but he needs Sonia's help to do it. Together, they go traipsing across Europe on a mission impossible-esque trip that, while fun to read about, would be completely unlikely in the real world. First of all, who in their right mind would put the "sfety of the world" on the line just so their beautiful, sexy companion (a.k.a. Sonia) could help clear a family member's name? The premis is that the papaers are of major importance to the world, but Sonia, and sometimes Oliver, doesn't seem to take it that seriously, unless it's in the bedroom. I did actually enjoy reading this one, I just had to remind myself that it is fiction and therefore at liberty to take leave of everyday common sense. Take it with a grain of salt and enjoy the initimate scenes if nothing else.
"THE DISCIPLINARIAN" by Leigh Court - Jared Ashworth is a teacher, a master in the art of the submissive, dutiful wife. His career is built on taming the wives of prominant society into the way women "should be". When he takes on teh job of Clarissa Babcock, he gets more than he bargained for. Her brute of a husband actually expects Jared to "warm up" Clarissa for him! Certainly a scandalous idea for Victorian times. While horrified at the idea, both Jared and Clarissa meet in the middle and come to care for one another. This could have been a really sweet story to me - if I hadn't wanted to laugh at so many of the things happening in it. The idea for this story has been done so many times that I admittidly wasn't expecting much out of it. But what really spoiled it for me was the repeated referral of Jared as "The Disciplinarian". I kept hearing hokey suspense-like music in my head (DUH-DUHNNNN!!!) whenever it was mentioned, like when some dumb point is brought to light in a bad movie. Yes, Clarissa did not actually know Jared's name, but every other line, it's The Disciplinarion this, The Disciplinarian that...enough with the disciplinarian! And when Jared finally unbends enough to declare himself at the end of the story, instead of "soulfully" pouring his heart out, he "hisses" his proposal to her. I kid you not. "When the kiss ended, he hissed, Marry me Clarissa." Please, get down on bended knee, something, anything romantic, but don't hiss the important question! I was rolling on the floor at that point. This was the only story of the four I could have completely done without.
Books:
- The Key to Rebecca
- The Nannies: Friends with Benefits (Nannies)
- The Oathbound (Vows and Honor, Book 1)
- The Old Contemptibles (A Richard Jury Novel)
- The Position: A Novel
- The Pride and the Pressure: A Season Inside the New York Yankee Fishbowl
- The Quiche of Death (Agatha Raisin Mysteries)
- The Rebel: An Essay on Man in Revolt
- The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea
- The Serpent's Shadow (Elemental Masters, Book 1)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Pat the Bunny
- How to Interview Like a Top MBA: Job-Winning Strategies From Headhunters, Fortune 100 Recruiters, an
- Crystal growth and characterization: Proceedings of the ISSCG2 springschool, Japan, 1974
- Confessions of a Polish Used Car Salesman: A Novel
- History: Fiction or Science
- History: Fiction or Science
- Hunger of Memory: The Education of Richard Rodriguez
- Occupied Japan for the Home
- Declaraciones Abundancia: Tu Puedes Desarrollar una Conciencia Millonaria
- Cytology of ferns of the Western Ghats, South India
Everville
Weaveworld
Imajica: Featuring New Illustrations and an Appendix
The Damnation Game
The Reconciliation (Imajica, Book 2)
