<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: A light read, with some fascinating trivia
Review: In this cute little book, author André Bernard takes us back into the genesis of many literary characters, such as Dorian Gray, Long John Silver and even Moby Dick. Is there a story behind the character? Why did the author pick that name, that nationality, that character trait? Read this book and find out!Though quite small, I found this book quite enjoyable. The author provides a light read, with some really fascinating trivia about the characters I have enjoyed reading about. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A light read, with some fascinating trivia
Review: In this cute little book, author André Bernard takes us back into the genesis of many literary characters, such as Dorian Gray, Long John Silver and even Moby Dick. Is there a story behind the character? Why did the author pick that name, that nationality, that character trait? Read this book and find out!
Though quite small, I found this book quite enjoyable. The author provides a light read, with some really fascinating trivia about the characters I have enjoyed reading about. I highly recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Madame Bovary, C'est Moi: The Great Characters of Literature
Review: Once again, Bernard (Now All We Need Is a Title) tackles literary lore with this compact jewel of a book, sketching out the remarkable happenstance behind the creation of the most treasured characters in literature. Arranged by character name, these gratifying and tantalizing tales about the origin and inspiration for such characters as the Count of Monte Cristo, Anna Karenina, Scarlett O'Hara, Huckleberry Finn, Lolita, Frankenstein, and many more make for a valuable reference resource for future reading. Bernard's wistful love for literature is evident throughout, and his perceptive descriptions and the tasteful lists, quick facts, and quotes scattered throughout never cease to amuse and fascinate. Insightful and heartwarming, this creative work is sure to whet the appetite of all readers and inspire them to take the plunge into a new book, from beginners with an "assignment" to the most inquisitive literati. Bernard is the trade publisher for Harcourt and a regular columnist for the American Scholar. Recommended especially for public libraries, but since the book is rooted in copious bibliographic sources, academic libraries may wish to consider as well.
Rating:
Summary: Bathroom Reading for The Literati
Review: This pleasant little book is perhaps best described as bathroom reading for the literati. When your copy of The New Yorker isn't at hand, this is just the ticket for little 5 or 10 minute snippets of reading. Benard has done pleasing spadework in excavating the origins of about 75 famous literary characters: sometimes it's just the name, sometimes the look of a character, and sometimes their entire personality. The entries make for light fluffy reading, broken up by quotes from famous writers on the creation and nature of characters, cutesy line art, and sidebars like "Characters with One Name" or "Some Orphaned Characters." My favorite entry were the ones on Dantes from the Count of Monte Cristo, and my favorite rechristening was that of Bingo Bolger-Baggins to Bilbo Baggins. All in all, this is a nice little book to give as a gift, or to place in a guest bathroom.
<< 1 >>
| 
