Exile: The Dark Elf Trilogy, Part 2 (Forgotten Realms: The Legend of Drizzt, Book II)

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Exile: The Dark Elf Trilogy, Part 2 (Forgotten Realms: The Legend of Drizzt, Book II)
R. A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Salvatore, R.A. | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Forgotten Realms | Dungeons & Dragons | Gaming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Sojourn: The Dark Elf Trilogy, Part 3 (Forgotten Realms: The Legend of Drizzt, Book III)

Homeland: The Dark Elf Trilogy, Part 1 (Forgotten Realms: The Legend of Drizzt, Book I)

The Crystal Shard: The Icewind Dale Trilogy, Part 1 (Forgotten Realms: The Legend of Drizzt, Book IV)

Streams of Silver: The Icewind Dale Trilogy, Part 2 (Forgotten Realms: The Legend of Drizzt, Book V)

The Halfling's Gem: The Icewind Dale Trilogy, Part 3 (Forgotten Realms: The Legend of Drizzt, Book VI)

ASIN: 0880389206
Release Date: 1990-12-01

Book Description

Exile

Hostile in ways that a surface-dweller could never know, the tunnel-mazes of the Underdark challenge all who tread there. Among these souls are Drizzt Do'Urden and his magical cat, Guenhwyvar.

Exiled from his drow homeland, Drizzt must fight for a new home in the boundless labyrinth. Meanwhile, he must watch for signs of pursuit -- for the dark elves are not a forgiving race.

Homeland (Forgotten Realms: The Dark Elf Trilogy, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Salvatore is the master
Probably the best series set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting
Best of the series! Compared to other fantasies...
Excellent - Read this book until 7 am
Great! A fantasy epic.

Homeland (Forgotten Realms: The Dark Elf Trilogy, Book 1)
R.A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0880389052
Release Date: 1990-09-19

Book Description

The first in a series of premiere hardcover editions of Salvatore's classic dark elf tales.

This stunning new release of the classic R.A. Salvatore novel recounts the origins of Salvatore's signature dark elf character Drizzt Do'Urden and is the first-ever release of this Forgotten Realms novel title in hardcover. This title kicks off The Legend of Drizzt series, which will showcase the classic dark elf novels in new, deluxe hardcover editions. Each title features annotations by the author, all-new cover art, and forewords written by those who have become familiar with Salvatore and Drizzt over the years.

Customer Reviews:

Salvatore is the master.......2007-08-31

Homeland follows the story of Drizzt from around the time and circumstances of his birth and his upbringing amongst the drow (dark elves). The book takes the reader into Menzoberranzan, the drow homeland. From here, the reader follows Drizzt on his quest to follow his principles in a land where such feelings are threatened. In an essence, the book introduces Drizzt Do'Urden, one of Salvatore's more famous characters from the Icewind Dale Trilogy

This book is the reason I became a fan of RA Salvatore. It is core reading for anyone interested in fantasy, Drow, or just want to read a wonderful adventure.

Probably the best series set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.......2007-08-20

Series review: The Dark Elf Trilogy

This series is easily one of the best written, and the best selling, series in the entire Forgotten Realms genre.

It is the story of Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf loner, and an outcast from the underdark. His crime ? Being the lone heart of gold in a civilization devoted to darkness, the worship of an evil goddess, the pursuit of power and endless inter-clan warfare.

The trilogy follows Drizzt, a master swordsman/ranger, as he makes his way out of the underdark, towards a new life among the surface peoples ... only to encounter distrust and bigotry, which he has to fight tirelessly to overcome. It's an epic saga in the grand tradition, with enough swordfights, spells, and monsters to please even the most the most jaded gamer.

Best of the series! Compared to other fantasies..........2007-06-30

When I first discovered the wonderful world of Salvatore, I was in the bookstore, staring at the large, beautiful cover of Sojourn. I than immediantly went and picked up the original cover edictions of The Crystal Shard - The Halfing's Gem. I fell in love with the series, and also picked up Homeland - Sojourn, along with The Thousand Orcs - The Two Swords, (skipping past most of the series, which I somewhat regret now) and read all of them. The Hunter's Blade Trilogy was a disapointment, the plot seemed to drag somewhat, and I found that Salvatore seemed to be losing that magical touch he possed in early novels. Nevetheless, the trilogy was a fun read, and I'm looking forward to Transitions (The Orc King, The Pirate King, and The Ghost King), and maybe the series will come to a nice close.
The Crystal Shard - The Halfing's Gem was fantastic! My favorite being The Halfing's Gem, and the wonderful battle scene at the end. I have yet to go ahead and read Legacy, and the rest of The Legend of Drizzt series.
When I picked up Homeland, I especially loved the cover. Throughout my 7th - 11th grade of reading epic fantasy novels, few had the appeal to keep me reading the series. Dragonlance: Chronicles/Legends/Second Generation & Dragons of a Summer Flame/The War of Souls were nice, but later on the series got a little dry and stale. I missed the original Hero's of the Lance, especialy my favorite Raistlin Majere. Even though he appeared breifly and made his peace with his older brother, Caramon, the series seemed to come to an uncertain halt.
While Homeland is my favorite of the series, I loved Drizzt Do'Urden journey into the Underdark, and his training he received from the drow and his father, Zaknafein Do'Urden. The Dark Elf Trilogy will keep you reading long into the night, and you won't be disapointed with any of the books. Even though Sojourn can be boring at parts, it makes it's point. Drizzt found a place to defend and stay forever...

Excellent - Read this book until 7 am.......2007-03-14

This was an excellent book. While it is not an overly complex read, and I had worried that the book may be a bit simplistic and aimed solely at a younger audience, as I read the book I found my concerns more than met.

I started this book around 2:30 in the morning when I couldn't sleep, intending to read it for 30 minutes, however, the book's story was so engrossing that I ended up finishing the entire book (at 7 am) and heading to buy the next in the series at the local bookstore the next day, which I also read cover-to-cover.

A fascinating series that is highly enjoyable, though a leach on one's time. Highly recommended.

Great! A fantasy epic........2006-12-03

I remember it so well, I had just finished The Return of the King and a friend recommended the Drizzt series. He let me borrow his copy of Homeland, and I was absorbed by the book. The fast-paced fight sequences, the insight into the politics of the drow, and of course Drizzt. The book amazed me. This book is a great start to a great series and you won't want to put it down! When you eventually have to, you will Immediately want to pick up the next book in the series, Exile.

The Elf Queen of Shannara: (#3) (The Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

A classic
Another Classic
again, pretty good not great-not disapointing either
"Goodbye Wren That Was..."
Disapointing.

The Elf Queen of Shannara: (#3) (The Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0345362993
Release Date: 1992-03-03

Book Description

"Find the Elves and return them to the world of Men!" the shade of the Druid Allanon had ordered Wren.
It was clearly an impossible task. The Elves had been gone from the Westland for more than a hundred years. There was not even a trace of their former city of Arborlon left to mark their passing. No one in the Esterland knew of them -- except, finally, the Addershag.
The blind old woman had given instructions to find a place on the coast of the Blue Divide, build a fire, and keep it burning for three days. "One will come for you."
Tiger Ty, the Wing Rider, had come on his giant Roc to carry Wren and her friend Garth to the only clear landing site on the island of Morrowindl, where, he said, the Elves might still exist, somewhere in the demon-haunted jungle.
Now she stood within that jungle, remembering the warning of the Addershag: "Beward, Elf-girl. I see danger ahead for you . . . and evil beyond imagining." It had proved all too true.
Wren stood with her single weapon of magic, listening as demons evil beyond all imagining gathered for attack. How long could she resist?
And if, by some miracle, she reached the Elves and could convince them to return, how could they possibly retrace her perilous path to reach the one safe place on the coast?

From the Paperback edition.

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"Find the Elves and return them to the world of Men!" the shade of theDruid Allanon had ordered Wren.

It was clearly an impossible task. The Elves had been gone from theWestland for more than a hundred years. There was not even a trace oftheir former city of Arborlon left to mark their passing. No one in theWestland knew of them -- except, finally, the Addershag.

The blind old woman had given instructions to find a place on the coaston the Blue Divide, build a fire, and keep it burning for three days."One will come for you."

Tiger Ty, the Wing Rider, had come on his giant Roc to carry Wren andher friend Garth to the only clear landing site on the island ofMorrowindl, where, he said, the Elves might still exist,somewhere in the demon-haunted jungle.

Now she stood within that jungle, remembering the warning of theAddershag: "Beware, Elf-girl. I see danger ahead for you...and evilbeyond imagining." It had proved all too true.

Wren stood with her single weapon of magic, listening as the demonsevil gathered for another attack. How long could she resist?

And if, by some miracle, she reached the Elves and could convince themto return, how could they possibly retrace her perilous path to reachthe one safe place on the coast?

Customer Reviews:

A classic.......2007-07-08

The story in elf queen moves along quickly and with almost non-stop action. The author also shows alot of creative with his monsterous creations that dwells on the dangerous island which this story takes place upon. Wren begins in search of the lost elves, a task given by the druid shade Allanon's request. She soon finds them on a cursed monster filled island.

I'm really impressed with Terry's imagination and ability to keep coming up with new areas and characters in his Shannara world. There are many memorable scenes through out and some emotional events that will leave you near tears. The perail and dangers Wren and Garth face will have you reading on the edge of your seat and unable to stop. I higly recomnd this book.

Another Classic.......2007-05-21

Terry Brooks is one of my favorite authors and I think this is one of his best works. The atmosphere he creates in this book is chilling. Treat yourself to this gem.

again, pretty good not great-not disapointing either.......2007-02-23

above average, willing to continue with the series. got alittle boring at some points

"Goodbye Wren That Was...".......2006-08-29

The third volume of "The Heritage of Shannara" quartet, and also the most insular. Although there are brief mentions of what fellow-heroes are up to, "Elf Queen" almost exclusively focuses on Wren, quite different from the other three books that tell the over-arching story from various points of view.

The deceased Druid Allanon has given three scions separate quests that must be fulfilled if they are to defeat the mysterious and sinister Shadowen and the totalitarian Federation that is slowly encroaching upon the freedom of the Four Lands. Par Ohmsford was to find the Sword of Shannara and Walker Boh to return the Druid Keep Paranor to the corporeal world. But Rover-girl Wren was instructed to find the Elves, who had gone missing from the lands years ago. With her travelling companion Garth, she sought information from the sage-like Addershag who advised her to burn a signal fire for three nights on the shores of the Blue Divide (the sea). The story begins as Wren and Garth set out for the coastline, trailed by some unshakeable opponent, and ends when Wren returns to the Four Lands - her mission complete, but at great personal cost.
Making up the bulk of the book are Wren's journeys on the island of Morrowindl, where she suspects the missing Elves have been hiding. As the island is infested with monsters, this is no easy task and the second half of the book reads like a standard fantasy-horror, with a large group of characters gradually getting killed off in various gruesome ways. Though it is quicker-paced and debatably more interesting than the first two volumes, it does not have the same re-readable quality since much of the suspense of the second half is based on the premise: who will survive the return journey? Once you know, there's no point in treading the path a second time.

Except that Brooks has made Wren a compelling and sympathetic heroine, with an intriguing story-arc. Unlike typical `hero-journeys' when the protagonist ends up discovering and solidifying their true identities; Wren's growth goes in the opposite direction, from a content and carefree Rover-girl to a confused and lonely scion with a massive weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Though not the most interesting or unique, she is certainly the most three-dimensional character of the series and Brooks takes great pains to explore her psyche and motivations throughout the course of the book. Also worthy of note is her companion, protector and trainer Garth, whom Wren speaks with in sign language. He is a stalwart figure throughout the adventure, though less present in the second half than in the first and his relationship with Wren is palatable. (Though Brooks sometimes forgets that he's supposed to be deaf, as a couple of times he reacts to noises in the jungle).

Finally, keep an eye on Wren's newfound relatives, Ellenroh and Gavilan - they are intriguing characters in their own right, made even more so by the complex and often painful relationships they forge with Wren.

"Elf Queen" is concerned with the answering of many mysteries that have lingered throughout the first two books; the disappearance of the Elves, the true nature of the Shadowen, and the parentage of Wren herself. All of these queries are resolved by the end of the book, but some not as satisfactorily as the others (the revelation concerning the Shadowen is not much of a revelation; Brooks recycles from his previous series, which in turn was recycled from Tolkien. Sigh).

But if you've already invested time and energy into the first two installments, then there's no question you'll want to read "Elf Queen". By its end, Brooks has all the pieces in play for the final volume in the series: "The Talismans of Shannara", a fitting end to an above-average fantasy saga.

Disapointing........2006-07-22

I've been reading all of the Shannara books in order, and up until this one, they have been getting better and better. Not so with The Elf Queen of Shannara. For some reason that I can't quite put my finger on, this book just didn't pull me in the same way the others did. I think this mostly stems from the heroine's frustrating mental battles with her identity and purpose/fate. Wren Ohmsford just never really came to life for me as the other Shannara children have, with her constant self-pity and annoying confusion as to what she wants in life. I think that Terry actually realized this problem and spent a good deal of time and energy trying (and failing) to make Wren understandable. The book is frustrating to read as nearly every page contains repetitious attempts to explain Wren's feelings. It is my belief that Brooks himself never really knew or liked his main character for this book, and its a shame too because Wren had a lot of potential and the plot of this book could have been worked into a very exciting tale. Also, the other characters in this book are for the most part more typical of Brooks' books, being determined, honorable, and cool (in other words, fun to read about).

Hopefully the Heritage and Shannara will pick up the pace and focus on more likable characters. If so, the series will be redeemed and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Average customer rating:

Tons of elves, but no Legolas
Yet another excellent book in the series of anthologies
One of the best books I have ever read!
An Excellent Fantasy choice

Elf Fantastic (Fantasy Anthology)

Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0886777364

Customer Reviews:

Tons of elves, but no Legolas.......2003-06-23

My two friends and I bought copies of this book, but I was the only one to finish it. They are both Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fans. Both were expecting Legolas or maybe Dobby, but neither are to be found here.

What is found is this anthology is all manners of elves from all kinds of mythology. From the tiny fairies of England, to the leprechauns of Ireland, to the thin, elegant, trickster elves of Norse mythology- this anthology has it all.

Out of the 19 stories contained in this novel, some of the more famous authors are Andre Norton, Tanya Huff, Jody Lynn Nye, and Michelle West. Out of all the stories, the best by far is ý All That Glittersý by C.J. Henderson, a dark fantasy story guaranteed to chill you to your marrow.

So I recommend this book for fans of Daw and Martin Greenberg anthologies, but if youýre looking for a Lord of the Rings anthology, try After the King, ISBN: 0765302071.

Yet another excellent book in the series of anthologies.......1998-06-29

I agree with both the editors and some readers that the whole idea of short, stumpy Santa's elves do not do justice to the Tuatha de Danaan. Most of the stories in this book capture the beauty, grace, and yes, even a bit of the haughtiness of these people. Truly a good read, although some of the stories can get a bit overcomplicated (like the elves themselves, I suppose)

One of the best books I have ever read!.......1998-05-24

The stories in this are, as the title suggests, fantastic! ::giggles:: It IS a must! If there is one creature i adore the most it is the elf. They are fascinating, beautiful, gentle creatures and, although I distaste with a few of the ideas that elves are always mischievous and look like something out of Santa's workshops, you can't hold a grudge on Earth beliefs, can you? Frankly, I believe elves truly exist and come in many sizes and forms. They are all around us, watching us with cautious curiousity for they fear the Earthling mind and all its destroying thoughts. I believe that if an Earthling could just find the true, wild spirit within then perhaps this world would be more unified. Anyway, read ELF FANTASTIC and revel in its beauty! It is certainly a jewel to behold. And don't skip " The Changeling " (it's magnificant.......except that they've got the world slightly wrong.......heh......) Enjoy!

An Excellent Fantasy choice.......1997-09-09

Many of the stories in Elf Fantastic are incredibly well written. Martin H. Greenberg has done a wonderful job on this one. One story that I must give particular praise to is "Jerlayne" by Lynn Abbey. This is by far the best tale I have ever read. The characters are vivid and the plot is all-encompasing. Lynn Abbey is truly a fabulous writer. "Jerlayne" is completely beautiful, suspenseful and captivating. Personal thanks to Abbey for so moving me with her writing :) Some of my other favorites in the anthology were -- "The dancing ring", "The girl who was taken into the hill" and "I sing the dark riders" I cannot say enough good things about this book. I guarantee that anyone fascinated by the Sidhe, as I am, will fall in love with Elf Fantastic. I can't stress enough the degree of quality in this anthology. I would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in reading quality fantasy. (This one is a must have!)

Average customer rating:

An excellent book for those who love elves!

Elf Magic

Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0886777615

Customer Reviews:

An excellent book for those who love elves!.......1998-01-21

I, for one love elves with a passion, and when I found this book I decided to read it out of curiosity. I was amazed to find that the stories were very captivating with twists and turns I never expected! Not only that, but the descriptions of these creatures were amazing, and very vivid. I suggest this to anyone who enjoys stories about the immortal beings of magic!

The Elf's Tale (Dragon Strike Books, No 4)

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The Elf's Tale (Dragon Strike Books, No 4)
Michael Andrews
Manufacturer: TSR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1560769203

Quest for the Elf King (Swordquest, No 4)

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Quest for the Elf King (Swordquest, No 4)
Bill Fawcett
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0441203264

La Nave Fantastica/ The Fantastic Space Ship (El Duende Verde / the Green Elf)

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La Nave Fantastica/ The Fantastic Space Ship (El Duende Verde / the Green Elf)
Jordi Sierra i Fabra
Manufacturer: Grupo Anaya Comercial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

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Book Description

A terrible sin, a gift from the gods, a mental illness, a natural human variation -- over the centuries people have defined homosexuality in all of these ways. Since the word homosexual was coined in 1869, many scientists in a variety of fields have sought to understand same-sex intimacy. Drawing on recent insights in biology and genetics, psychiatrist Francis Mondimore set out to explore the complex landscape of sexual orientation.

The result is A Natural History of Homosexuality, a generous work that synthesizes research in biology, history, psychology, and politics to explain how homosexuality has been understood and defined from ancient times until the present. Mondimore narrates tales of love and courage as well as discrimination and bigotry in settings as diverse as ancient Greece and Victorian England, early America and fin de siecle Vienna. He also tells fascinating stories about societies which accepted, incorporated, or institutionalized homosexuality into mainstream culture, stories illustrating that same-sex eroticism was often accepted as a normal aspect of human sexuality. In twentieth-century America, researchers first recognized that homosexuality might not be "pathological" when Alfred Kinsey and Evelyn Hooker conducted the first studies of sexuality not biased by preconceived notions of "normal" sexual behavior.

After exploring sexual development in the human fetus, Mondimore reviews current biological research into the nature of sexual orientation and examines recent scientific findings on the role of heredity and hormones, as well as Simon LeVay's 1991 brain studies. He then turns to a very important focus: on people and their individual experiences. He explores "what happens between childhood and adulthood in an individual that makes him or her come to identify himself or herself as having a sexual orientation." He also explains our current understanding of bisexuality and the transgender phenomena of transsexualism and transvestism.

Finally, Mondimore analyzes the circumstances of such prominent scandals as the anti-homosexual trials of Oscar Wilde and Philip von Eulenberg, and recounts the Nazi persecution of homosexuals during the Holocaust. This far-reaching discussion includes a description of the ex-gay ministries and reparative therapy as well as the Stonewall riots and AIDS, ending with the emergence of gay pride and community.

"The preponderance of the scientific evidence is converging on a view which homosexual people have had of themselves for as long as any had the courage to record it," writes Mondimore. "Homosexuality is a natural, abiding, normal sexuality for some people. It is not a disease state, not simply a behavior, and not subject to change."

"Thoughtful and readable. Dr. Mondimore tells us an enormous amount about homosexuality in a lively manner. This book belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who wants to be informed about this important subject."--Richard A. Isay, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry, Cornell University Medical College, and author of Becoming Gay: The Journey to Self-Acceptance

Customer Reviews:

An agreable discovery of facts.......2005-01-10

I've just finished reading Dr. Mondimore's book. Since I am more familiar with literature and the arts there was a large spectrum I was quite ignorant of. I am Mexican and eventhough I was quite aware that the Aztecs really hated what we now call homosexuality, I was pretty ignorant of other othre views of this pehenomenon in other pre-Hispanic cultures.
Dr. Mondimore's book covers such a huge range of aspects (history, history of mentalities, medicine, psychology, sociology, politics) that I became sort of dizzy at the end. Nevertheless the author delivers all his stuff in such a lively way that once I started reading, I had great pains at stop reading.
For me the book was illuminating.

The Best General Work on Homosexuality I've Encountered.......2003-10-14

As a lesbian fascinated with lesbian and gay studies and history--and having participated in the making of some of it--I was more than interested in reading Dr. Mondimore's book. What I found was a book with overall balance, an excellent general source of information. I would recommend this book highly to heterosexuals, especially family members striving to deal with the homosexuality of a loved one. I would recommend it to the lesbian or gay seeking a better, broad-based understanding of themselves, their history, and the things which shape and influence them. Above all, I would recommend it to the person or group harboring an antihomosexual prejudice, be it from religious, cultural, or personal beliefs.

There are some criticisms of the book: his treatment of lesbianism and the particular issues affecting gay women is, for the most part, shallow. Granted, there is not as much material available, but there is more than he utilized. Whether from a desire not to offend or from other motivations, his record of the last 30 years of gay history is shallow, as is the discussion of groups vigorously opposing homosexuals, such as the "religious right". It would not have been difficult to employ more depth, particularly since these things impact and will continue to affect the civil rights, health, and well-being of the literally millions of homosexual women and men in this country. Greater stress on what is happening today is needed. The theological issues impacting the civil rights of the entire gay community are not really addressed, although the scholarship which leads to persecution of the gay community by religious groups is profoundly flawed and resource materials readily available.

These criticisms being understood, I would nevertheless highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, as a basic work which should be in any balanced library.

A good summary history.......2003-07-23

Mondimore, a practicing psychologist, has attempted to provide a low-cost, accessible, one-volume treatment of the issue of homosexuality on several bases. This is a book used in various courses at my seminary to help with background to address the often difficult-to-deal-with topic of homosexuality. Part of the Johns Hopkins series on Gay Studies, this book is credible and authoritative.

In the first half of Mondimore's book, he explores historical and biological issues. Part I deals specifically with history. He starts by stating frankly a fact most people don't realise -- the word homosexuality did not exist prior to 1869, when it appeared (in Germanic form) in a governmental pamphlet. Prior to this, there had been euphemisms and other definitive terms, but this word itself did not exist. Mondimore explores the concept, therefore, rather than instances of the word, in cultures from ancient Greece and Rome, to Native American cultures, through old Europe and into the present. One of Mondimore's shortcomings must surely be the Euro-centric focus, although early in the book he addresses African, Asian and Pacific peoples.

In Part II, Mondimore addresses the scientific/biological bases for homosexuality, both historical fictions and the extent to which modern science has (and has not) gotten in this area of research. The nature-vs.-nurture debate is here in full force. Issues of heredity, hormonal influences on the embryo, theories of brain constructions and variations, and psychological-impact on physical development are all considered here. The famous twins studies, the ideas of cooperation/competition between nature and nurture for various kinds of patterns of action, orientation, and growth are considered in sufficient detail to make the text interest for the scientific literati as well as remaining accessible to those who find scientific explanations a challenge.

In the second half of Mondimore's book, as he says, 'we will now leave behind hormones and neurons and molecules and talk about people.' Parts III and IV are devoted much more to psychological, sociological, and political issues.

Part III begins with Mondimore asking the questions What makes someone come to identify himself or herself as having sexual orientation? What is the process by which people come to identify themselves as homosexual?

Mondimore asserts that the first step in this process is the learning of labels and understanding categories of sexual orientation. Gender identity is reinforced early in communities and assumed by children, which is not necessarily sexual at this time. Some children begin to sense a differentness, which is borne out in studies of homosexual adults who have a higher-than-average tendency toward things associated with the opposite gender (play activities, etc.). Children often become aware of their own differentness as well as labels at the same time, often early in life, which can lead to prehomosexual children (a term used by Mondimore from sociologies Richard Troiden) to have a wide range of psychological reactions in trying first to understand their own feelings, which are confusing during adolescence to begin with, and then to reconcile their feelings with the expectations of family and community. Rationalisation, coping mechanisms, denials, and other reactions are discussed.

In concluding Part III, Mondimore turns to a discussion of what homosexuality is not, and issues of bisexuality and transgender identities. Bisexuality is controversial is many ways, including within the gay community, and its definition varies depending upon the frame of reference (constructionist versus essentialist). Any number of individuals who label themselves heterosexual or homosexual may under some constructs be classified as bisexual depending upon their past experiences or fantasies. Many have a difficult time accepting bisexuality but rather see it as a lack of acceptance by many homosexuals to accept that identity. Again, this tends to be different in women, who studies indicate seem to be more fluid in their sexual orientations and less categorised at the extremes of the spectrum.

In Part IV, Mondimore discusses the politics of sexual orientation issues. He begins with another brief historical survey, including the Knights Templar in the early 1300s, the trials of Oscar Wilde in England and Philip von Eulenburg in Germany in the late 1800s/early 1900s, the homosexual persecution during the Holocaust, and a brief summation of the aftermath, making some parallels to modern day legal statutes and the potential for persecution in the present.

Then Mondimore turns to a discussion of ex-Gay ministries and programs, such as Exodus, Homosexuals Anonymous, Love in Action, the organisation NARTH and the various issues such organisation have. Mondimore discounts the effectiveness and often the motivations behind these organisations, comparing their tactics to cults which use indoctrination and isolation, and playing often upon the internal insecurities of the individuals who come to them for help. Reparative therapy is a controversial issue not only among the gay community but also among the medical/therapeutic community who view currently their methods and theories with suspicion.

Mondimore in conclusion addresses many unanswered questions, particularly how these issues relate to other cultures and communities, how individuals in those communities differ in their development, precisely how homosexuals are a minority (in the legal/political sense) if indeed they are.

Mondimore does a good job providing an overview of the complexity of issues that surround the history and current situation and study of homosexuality. I found myself at many points wanting more details, but the point of the book explicitly stated in the preface was to be a survey. Mondimore's bias against certain points of view is apparent, particularly in his discussions of psychiatry/psychology, both the politics and the therapies, and, as Mondimore is a clinical psychiatrist, it makes sense that this would be very important to him.

Useful to inform ploarized dialogues about homosexuality.......1999-03-31

Mondimore's book helps shed light on a subject where more heat than light is perennially generated. As a pastor who deals with the issue and needed basic information to inform my views, Mondimore does a valuable service for readers looking to research the often misinformed and misunderstood issues around homosexuality. The book follows a well thought out sequence and it is clearly written. Most valuable are the sections on the history, anthropology and sexual biology of homosexuality. As the church wrestles with this topic --from an often uninformed and polarized position, Mondimore's book can be a useful reference tool to explore and dialogue about the issues.

I know the cover is ugly, but the book is pretty good........1998-05-10

I had to write a book report for Biology class and I thought this was the least boring choice on the list of acceptable books. When I got my hands on it, though, it looked so nasty, old, and clinical that I wasn't too eager to settle down and read it.

Well, it turns out the author broke the book into sections focused on particular topics, such as historical, social, and biological points of view, so that you don't get overwhelmed. Inside each topic, there are a number of sections (like for biological analysis: effects of levels of particular hormones reaching the fetus during embryonic development, retrospective and prospective studies, hormonal organizing, and tests on lab animals) so you can get at exactly what you're into.

Mondimore also makes connections from one topic to the next, and building this way makes it flow well and somewhat organizes it all as it spills into your head.

Overall, it's one of the better all-in-one overview books, and the author is queer but presents his material objectively, so if you're trying to pick out a book on this topic, I'd recommend this feller.

Average customer rating:

The Straight Talk on Gay Science

Conundrum: The Evolution of Homosexuality
N. J. Peters
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History | Gay & Lesbian | Subjects | Books
General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1420893386

Book Description

A pro-gay, pro-science look at a vexing issue . evolutionary biology suggests that individual living things are designed to reproduce. So why does homosexuality exist? Wouldn't a gay gene ensure its own demise? Conundrum pulls together information from biology, anthropology, and recent lesbian and gay history, and suggests that both nature and nurture are involved in the evolution of homosexuality.

Customer Reviews:

The Straight Talk on Gay Science.......2006-04-13

A "conundrum" is a difficult problem, one without an easy answer, and that makes Conundrum an excellent title for a book about the evolution of homosexuality.

This book looks at a topic that I am frequently asked about by my students. If behavior is something that has evolved, and if individuals are "supposed to" reproduce, why do people so often do things that seem counterproductive to that goal? Why, in particular, does homosexuality exist? Conundrum answers that question by illustrating how genes, physiology and social environments have to be considered if you want to make sense of things that seem to contradict the rules of evolution.

It's always fun to find really good writing about science -- prose that is scientifically accurate and yet completely understandable. Conundrum is a book that I will recommend enthusiastically to my students and to anyone else who is interested in the evolution of behavior. It's a terrific introduction to the fields of behavioral biology and cultural anthropology, as well as an important contribution to the ongoing discussion of the influence of nature and nurture in human behavior.

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