Average customer rating:
- A splendid novel
- Plot is a little thin, but mood galore
- OBSESSION AND PASSION, GOTHIC STYLE
- Unusual point of view
- Good, but not one of his best...
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Dr. Haggard's Disease
Patrick Mcgrath
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary
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Literary
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General
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The Grotesque
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Spider
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Asylum
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Port Mungo
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Martha Peake: A Novel of the Revolution
ASIN: 0679752617
Release Date: 1994-07-12 |
Customer Reviews:
A splendid novel.......2006-12-15
Dr Edward Haggard is a country doctor in England just before the beginning of World War II. He has a practice on the south coast and one day James Vaughan pays him a visit. He is the sun of the most fascinating woman Dr Haggard ever knew. And so the memories of a passionate love affair are resurrected and the reader slowly discovers why Dr Haggard is practicing general medicine in a small forgotten sea resort, now a shattered and broken man in body and spirit.
The novel catches the feel of England in the 1930s; the barely suppressed terror in the face of approaching war. It is also the story of a relationship which goes wrong, a beautiful story impressively told with a restraint which gives the description of the love affair an epic quality. A splendid novel in the same vein as Graham Greene's The End of the Affair.
Plot is a little thin, but mood galore.......2003-09-04
I have read most of Patrick McGrath's novels, and I enjoyed Dr. Haggard's Disease as much as any of them. McGrath again explores the depths of obsession, and like most of his books you get the story from a somewhat unreliable narrator, who borders on mental illness. This book is set in England in the 1930's, with ominous storm clouds of war starting to form. Edward Haggard is an aspiring surgeon, and after a glance at a cocktail party he begins a passionate affair with Fanny, a colleague's wife.
The affair seems doomed from the outset, as the story is being narrated by Haggard years later at his sea-side house to Fanny's son, a young RAF fighter pilot hungry for details about his mother. Haggard frequently tells us that "Spike" is acting up or making noise, and only later do we learn that Spike is the name given to the metal rod holding together Haggard's shattered hip.
The plot of the novel is fairly uneventful, and I won't give away too many details, but suffice to say the story is an exploration of obsession. Haggard, the narrator, is a literally broken man by the end, his once-promising career in ruins, tormented by his love for another's wife and haunted by the memory of his affair as he spills his heart out to her young adult son. The ending of the novel, as many have observed, was astounding. It took my breath away and had me re-reading the page several times.
Like all McGrath books, the settings are a large and effective component of the story. The author made the dreary, run-down manor house come alive in The Grotesque, and in Martha Peake the British moors and the wild New England colonies provided a perfect setting for the tale. Dr. Haggard's Disease is no exception, here you can hear and smell the surf crashing against the rocks, and the wind whipping through Haggard's drafty house as our narrator sits by the window, watching the RAF pilots taking off to battle the Luftwaffe. If you are a newcomer to the fiction of McGrath, I think this book would be a good place to start.
OBSESSION AND PASSION, GOTHIC STYLE.......2003-03-26
McGrath is an excellent writer - as a purveyor of `modern gothic' he has few peers. I have to agree with another reviewer that this is not his best work - SPIDER is amazing, and ASYLUM and THE GROTESQUE both rise to heights not matched here - but it has many good points, and is definitely head and shoulders above much of the gothic literature on the market today.
The story is set at the beginning of the Second World War, and is told by Dr. Edward Haggard to the adult son of a woman with which the doctor had an ill-fated affair - but rather than being told in words, it plays itself out in an instant, in the minds of the narrator. Dr. Haggard sees himself as a grotesque character - his head is large, out of proportion to his body size, with a shock of wild, unkempt hair; he walks with a limp and a stick, as a result of a hip injury sustained at the hands of his lover's husband, a fellow doctor; he has become addicted to morphine in attempting to quell the recurring pain from this injury; and since the ending of the affair, he is prone to depression and melancholy, which are not helped by his choice of a new abode: a foreboding house perched atop a cliff on the southeastern coast of England, in a small town that will bear the brunt of a German invasion, if one should come.
Throughout the story we hear Haggard attempt to reconcile the deep love and passion he experienced during the course of his affair with the pain and separation he feels after its inevitable end. He ruminates at length on his beliefs on the nature of love, of passion, of life itself. When a young British airman comes to his door, and turns out to be the son of the woman with whom he remains obsessed, he sees the young man's mother reborn, and quickly becomes obsessed with him. This obsession, as it turns out, has a physiological and medical basis, as well as an emotional one.
The story is a dark one - and fans of McGrath's fine writing should expect nothing else - but it has many bright moments. Many of Dr. Haggard's ideas and views on the nature of love and passion are moving, and will most likely resonate within many readers, coming close to things that they feel themselves. The story is an unusual take on the `depression after and affair gone wrong' motif, and in the hands of McGrath, it is a memorable piece of writing - moving and disturbing at the same time.
Unusual point of view.......2002-02-09
Dr. Haggard's Disease is intriguing because of the way it's written: the protagonist addresses another character in the story.
But there isn't a whole lot of plot. Dr. Haggard falls in love with his pathologist's wife, Fanny. She dumps him. There's an assault; Dr. Haggard falls down a stairs, breaking his hip. Throughout the book, he refers to this ailment as Spike. He takes morphine, tries to kick it, can't. He's fired after the "accident" and goes to live in the south of England at a house called Elgin, where he treats a retirement community. But then Fanny's son, a WWII Spitfire pilot comes to see him. He's found out about his mother's affair and wants to know more about Haggard. That's when the book really really gets strange. Haggerd turns his obsession on James and we're wondering whether Haggerd's disease is his obsession with Fanny or insanity. James finally shuns the doctor, worried that there may be some homosexual interest. But that's not the doctor's take. He's worried the boy may have a disease, a disease that will remind you of THE CRYING GAME. Of course, we're not sure what's happening to James is really occurring because of the unreliability of the narrator. I read the novel because I wanted to see how McGrath handled the unusual point of view, but I wouldn't recommend it for the beach.
Good, but not one of his best..........2002-02-08
While I enjoyed Dr. Haggard, it didn't compare to Asylum or Spider.
For me, the book ended up being about a poor loser who couldn't get over his brief love affair. On some levels I can relate, but at some point you have to move on. Dr. Haggard did not move on, and eventually moved even further out there (as you'll learn from reading this book).
I love Mr. Mcgrath's writing and his novels and look forward to more of his work.
Average customer rating:
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DR. HAGGARD'S DISEASE
PATRICK MCGRATH
Manufacturer: Viking
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary
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ASIN: 0670851957 |
Book Description
The 72 dragon patterns included in this guide cover all of the major types and traditions and can be used in a wide variety of media, including woodworking, quilting, painting, illustration, and computer graphics. The basics of dragon anatomy are covered, as are the details of dragon design, such as fire, scales, and fins.
Customer Reviews:
Love it!!!.......2007-10-01
I have no idea what the naysayers on the other reviews were so disappointed about. This book has wonderful variety, excellent descriptions and layout. If you can't find something to use on your craft project you aren't very creative. Wonderful ideas and examples of how to apply to different mediums. Would recommend to any crafter looking for non-copywrited patterns and designs of all types, age ranges and genres of dragon lore. I will be looking to purchase more of the author other works, from tattoo art to celtic patterns.
Great Book of Dragon Patterns.......2007-09-05
I really liked the Dragon Art in this book and they show how to draw the dragons. Images can also be copied or traced for other craft projects. Would recommend for ages 10 and up.
Gift for 13 year old.......2007-08-10
When this book arrived at my home I flipped through it, and got hooked on the details on the creatures. They say you should learn something new everyday and that day I discovered there are many different kinds of dragons and other magical creatures. My Granddaughter, who received the book as a birthday book says she can now do the drawings for the "Dragon" book she's writing.
Dragon Pattern Book.......2007-03-23
Very nice collection of dragon patterns, nicely done. I would recommend this book to all who are interested in dragon drawings or patterns.
Great Book of Dragon Patterns.......2007-01-18
I bought this book as a Christmas present for a grandson. Both the grandson and I are very pleased with it.
Book Description
When a young boy named Eragon finds a blue gem stone in the middle of the forest, he has no idea what magic is in store for him. It hatches a sapphire-blue dragon, a member of a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon and soon discovers that he is the first in a new line of Dragon Riders, fated to play a part in a war that is poised to sweep his land. With over two million copies in print, Eragon (the first book in the Inheritance trilogy) is one of the bestselling books for young readers since Harry Potter first landed. Now author Lois H. Gresh brings us The Ultimate Eragon Guide: a fun, interactive book that looks deep inside the complex world of Alagaesia to reveal facts behind the magical people, places, and creatures that fill the Inheritance series. Also included is an in-depth look at the many folk references, myths, and legends that form the basis of the books, as well as quizzes, a fascinating trip through the lore of dragons, a biography of the young author, plus tons of fun side bars and more! The Ultimate Eragon Guide will be an entertaining resource for fans of the series and curious readers alike.
Customer Reviews:
Pathetic.......2007-07-22
Pathetic. Sad. Lame. Disappointing... The list goes on. I was a big Eragon fan when I was given this book(before the movie came out and completely destroyed the storyline) and I was very exited to get it for Christmas. I was startled when I opened the book and found out that the introduction was just an argument about why faeries must exist in the real world. This feeling quickly changed to disappointment as I found that the book's main goal was to show how Eragon's magic didn't match with how the person writing the guide sees it is in their version of reality. This guide is a waste of time... unless you want to learn about a paste that you can make with poppy sap and put on your eyes to see faeries.
Not what I expected.......2007-05-29
This book uses the Eragon stories as a jumping off part, but then goes on to talk about all sorts of other things. I was hoping for a book that would give me more about the stories and characters and it really does not.
A Sad Try.......2007-02-04
I'm a teenager and I've memorized every single aspect of the Inheiritance trilogy and when I got this book for Christmas I was expecting something useful. Instead I got nothing useful. The author has no idea about the books. She says that Durza(A shade) taught Galbatorix the secrets of dark magic wrong. There are many other 'facts' in the book that aren't even in the books. She says that ERagon is attacked by trolls in Eldest. Never happened, ever. Don't buy this book for anyone. They'll be sorely dissapointed.
Not what I thought it would be.......2007-01-12
I bought this book after reading the two books published in the series(Earagon & Eldest). I was excited that it would have a list of creatures, people and other things about Alagaesia. It does mention certain aspects of the books, but it is more for children. I was disapointed that I paid almost 10 bucks plus shipping for this book. If you have a child that is interested in the series this is a good book for them, but for teens and adults it is a bit lame. It is a very thin book, and has few illistrations. I have a five year old and I read parts of the book to him and it was a little complicated for him. It has a section on how to see Faries, that includes a reciepe for a mixture of cloves and other herbs that are smashed then added into a ointment. Then the ointment is smeared on the eyes. Not recommended, and she states this in the book, but why put in a book designed for children? I can see some poor child tring to make this mixture so they can "see" faries. Not a good purchase.I am very disapointed with this book.
Wonderful!.......2006-12-08
Bought this for my nephew who is a big fan of the series and he loved it! Lots of great facts and insights. The author clearly knew a lot. Great job!
Product Description
On-the-go Instrction Because your time is valuable... All Audio All on the go! Beginning level instruction is presented in an all-audio format on 4 digitally-recorded CDs. You have the opportunity to learn on the go, taking advantage of time normally wasted. Study in your car, while exercising, doing yard work anywhere you can safely listen to a CD player. No accompanying books are needed to help you complete the lesson activities. Why can t learning be fun? It can! Linguaphone has chosen to present the allTalk series in an entertaining, soap-opera format. No dry old teacher with a monotone voice putting you to sleep, you follow the adventures of a visitor to a Spanish-speaking country as she interacts with individuals in a variety of interesting situations, learning the language and beginning to understand the culture. Actually learn the language Tired of spending money on language courses that don t work? Did you ever think the problem could be with the course and not you? With Linguaphone s unique learning sequence: Listen, Understand, Speak, you will find yourself actually using the language in no time at all! You are presented with a unit of the language, it is then broken down and explained to you, then you put it back together with greater understanding than just repeating what you may not have understood in the first place. . . . and learn it well! The all Talk methodology not only teaches well, but will have you speaking and understanding basic spoken Spanish in no time at all. Other popular all-audio courses require four times the cds, four times the money and four times the time to do what Linguaphone s allTalk Basic does with 4-one hour CDs.
Customer Reviews:
Dragon Ultimate: Ultimate Trash.......2002-06-20
If there were a way to put less than a single star, I would. Lamentably I am forced to use a single star and give basic honor to the culmination of the worst book in a bad series.
Back in the first book in the series, we get to meet Relkin and Bazil the broketail dragon and we romp through various battles with them. It's mildly entertaining. Around the middle of the series the story hasn't progressed much and they're still having cookie cutter battles. Characters are introduced to die and it's nigh-templated with whose going to perish and who isn't.
Dragon Ultimate goes into some horrendously cliche situations after repetitive battles which is supposed to tell the reader how far the two heroes have gone-but only wind up being boring. Rowly apparently has an issue with size in that each book the Enemy got bigger to show the direness of the situation. Stupid.
If you want to read a good war book, read Armor or Starship Troopers or the ever incredible Enders Game and the new Scott Card series based on Bean-Enders Shadow. This junk was tripe. Let it lie.
Relkin and Bazil final adventure in the last gripping novel.......2002-03-29
I have always been a big fan of Chistorpher Rowley Bazil Broekn tail series since I first stumbled on to it. I was saddened however when reading this that this would be thier last adventure. The tale picks up months after returning from Qoush and stopping the revolt from within the empire by the hands of the Dominator. Relkin of Qoush still trying to figure out his new found power has no time to ponder he and his dragon the well known and feared battle dragon Bazil Brokentail (aptly named for the end of his tail looks to be broken when it healed back after being cut off in practice) The sisters have sent Relin and Bazil to an island of monks who would teach them both how to send themselves to another plane of existance and fight the Dominator last plan. I won't give to much away on this for those reading this review. Needless to say it was interesting and the only reason I did not give this a five star review was that fact that one it was much shorter then the other novels before that. Two its pace was very quick and didn't have the usual full scale detail as the others did. But it had a point that this focused on Relkin and Bazil. The other novels had many view points from the others of the fighting 109th battle dragons and the various enemies and heros that would populate the world of the battle dragons. All in all this is really ment for the fans who loved reading the book. I hope if Mr. Christhoper Rowley reads these things of even gimpes through it would be nice to see a follow up to this. Who knows we may see Relkin children following in ther fathers footsteps or even Bazil offspring of wild dragons join the empire. Or even see who from the fighting 109th surived to join Relkin in making thier own village? We may never know at this point but still for some a fine ending to a wonderful series. To others a rather dull and somewhat pointless way of ending a fine series. I just hope this review was helpful in some way.
Did he even care anymore?.......2001-06-21
It seems that Mr. Rowley was told by his publishers that he had to make another book for Bazil Broketail before they would let him move on, so out of disgust and exhaustion he wrote this garbage. It is obviuosly no longer a labor of love for the author as the two protaganists go on some astral journey to destroy the dominator and fight Mighty Morphin Power Ranger style.I am firnly comvinved that the author did not wish to continue this series afer Battledragon and the subsequent writings clearly show this. What a sad ending to what was a great fantasy romp.
sad to see it end :(.......2000-11-04
ok folks, this was teh final book, and i have to say one of the strangest. i finished the book very quickly, but more out of intrest. the end of the book, was slightly dull. but being a fan of the series, i read it, and loved it. after reading all the books in such a short period of time, i actually forgot how grown up relkin was. he went from a poor boy to a great war hero. i, liek how rowley left the book, because it through out the book s rowley let you use your own imagination, abotu how their lives were going to turn out. the last book just gave a little encouragement towards how the rest of their lives would end up. but i am sad to see it end.
The best book I have ever read.......2000-10-02
I really enjoyed reading this book, but there was only one problem with it. That is, I'm willing to bet you wont enjoy it as much if you havent read the rest of his books in this series: Bazil Broketail, A Sword for a Dragon, Dragons of War, Battledragon, A Dragon at Worlds End, and finally Dragons of Argonath. You should definately get this incredible series.
Average customer rating:
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The Ultimate Dragon
Byron Preiss
Manufacturer: I Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Anthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Anthologies | British | Canadian | General | United States
Preiss, Byron | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Anthologies | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Unwilling Warlord
ASIN: 0743458680 |
Book Description
In this wondrous collection, some of the world's best-known authors of the fantastic explore the legends and lore of the fire-breathing creatures that have captured the imagination of adventure lovers everywhere-dragons. From S.P. Somtow's dramatic tale of an ancient dragon owned by a family in modern Thailand to Ursula K. Le Guin's classic story of the power of a dragon's naming, from Tanith Lee's portrait of a dying dragon on to Harlan Ellison and Robert Silverberg's look at a dragon whose love for a human woman could spell doom for the whole Earth -- here are spectacular dragon stories transcending time and place.
Customer Reviews:
Most are Awesome........1998-10-31
I got this book 3 years ago, and every now and then I still go back to read it again. Some of the stories in here I could read forever, and apparently one author, Joanne Bertin, just came out with her first novel, based on the world in this book. Her story, "Dragonlord's Justice," is my favorite in this book, and can't wait to read her novel.
Average customer rating:
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Dragon Ball Z - ULTIMATE BATTLE 22
Manufacturer: INFOGRAMES - FUNimation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
Dragonball Z | TV | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000V7K2HS |
Product Description
THIS IS THE VIDEO GAME VERSION.Since there's probably some confusion about why a Dragon Ball Z game for the PlayStation is being released in this day and age, here's a little history lesson. Back in 1995, before DBZ had really taken hold in the US, Bandai, the then-holder of the Dragon Ball Z license, released its first PlayStation Dragon Ball Z game, Ultimate Battle 22. Eight years later, well after the PlayStation has settled into quiet great game play, Infogrames has decided to make a sturdy collection off its Dragon Ball Z license by releasing Ultimate Battle 22 for the first time in the US. Even by the significantly more lenient 1995 standards, the game did look or play particularly well, and to put it mildly, it has aged very well.
Book Description
Collecting the best spells from both Mongoose Publishing and a host of other d20 System publishers, Ultimate Spells presents the cream of arcane and divine magics in one volume.
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