In 1835, an extraordinary series of articles appeared in the New York "Sun," one of the city's newspapers. The articles told how astronomer John Herschel, with the aid of an advanced new telescope, had discovered life on earth's moon. Of course, the articles were pure fiction, and the story has become known as the Moon Hoax. The articles, written by Richard Adams Locke, were published in book form under the title "The Moon Hoax; Or, A Discovery That the Moon Has a Vast Population of Human Beings." A reproduction of an 1859 New York edition, with a new introduction by Ormond Seavey, was published by Gregg Press in 1975.

Locke's Moon Hoax is one of the most remarkable works of 19th century U.S. literature. Ormond Seavey's intro to the 1975 edition does a good job of placing the hoax in literary and cultural perspective. Seavey notes, for example, that the hoax appeared at "a time when the tall tale was first recognized as a characteristically American narrative" (p. xxiv). Seavey also makes note of the reaction of showman P.T. Barnum to the hoax, and draws a parallel between the Moon Hoax and Edgar Allan Poe's 1844 "Balloon Hoax."

The text of the hoax itself is a charming piece of literature; it could be seen as a pioneering work of science fiction. The text's flavor of authenticity is enhanced by the many technical details about the new telescope; Locke even names the glassmaking firm that allegedly created the lens for the device! Locke's descriptions of Herschel's bogus discoveries are delightful. We learn about the lunar oceans; trees; gigantic, obelisk-like amethysts; unicorn-like creatures; tailless beaver-like humanoids; and most wonderfully, "Vespertilio-homo," the winged human-like species alluded to in the book's title. "The Moon Hoax" is a marvelous book that deserves to be rediscovered by new generations of readers.

This book is lyrical, yet full of the stark reality of life in Bush Alaska--and in this case, the raw bleakness and strange loveliness found uniquely on the Lower Kuskokwim River. (The memories I have of that place are stored wherever one keeps suppressed rememberances of lonely places in the mind.) I wonder if the spring floods still carry the dump down through the middle of town at Bethel

This is one of a small number of reports on individual Maya archaeological sites that is written for laypeople as well as fans of the Maya. Rio Azul was a riverside city of the ancient Maya located in the forested lowland corner of Guatemala next to Mexico and Belize. The book is an excellent introduction to the format and reasoning of archaeological reports, but in this popular summary of his findings, Adams, who directed mapping and excavation a decade ago, digests all the numbing lists of basic data and highlights the most interesting discoveries. (If new to the Maya, follow the author's advice [Preface] and read his stirring conclusions first.) In his early chapters Adams ably shows how insights and broad implications can be drawn from simple facts by analysis and wide comparisons. He explores his favorite topics like architecture, pottery, tomb ritual, wetland agriculture, population estimation, and rank-size ordering of sites for determining political relations. He has long championed military explanations for ancient Maya events and the rise and fall of their cities, a useful counterpoise to the euphoria over Maya religion and personalities generated by the recent decipherment of Maya hieroglyphics. Strong on comparisons with the regional capital, famous Tikal, to the west, Adams almost ignores the extensive investigations across the river in Belize which he has since led! (This book seems to have been about 5 years in publication.)

Other than six color plates, 60 illustrations are slightly fuzzy because they are printed on ordinary paper. The index is terrible. A completely different way of presenting a Maya city, which looks an awful lot like Rio Azul, can be enjoyed in the oversize pictorial book of fictionalized history titled San Rafael: A Central American City Through the Ages, by Xavier Hernandez.

Road to the Stilt House is an excellent novel written within the naturalist tradition. The gritty novel is written in a terse, pithy poetic style that suits Richards' relentless investigation of the social and moral consequences of poverty. Richards' sense of indignation at the arm of the state is at its most palpable and effective. Though often neglected, this novel is one of the best to come out of the Maritime Provinces and must be dealt with in any comprehensive theory of Canadian Literature.

It is one of the greatest books of all times. While the human race is being pushed even more into emotional savagery by the pseudo-intellectuals and false gurus, this book courageously discusses the divine enlightenment possible through rational thought.

I count myself lucky to own this book- sad to see that this (and Shardik!!) are hard to find. Beautiful illustrations, and writing that will draw you in. As I recall, this is not really for young children (but then, I don't think watership down was for young children either). If you find it, pick it up.

I avoided reading WD for many years, having made the mistake many people do, that this is a book intended for children. I couldn't be more wrong. From the first pages, I was enthralled and hooked on the story. It is unique, different from anything else you may read.

Adams' detailed descriptions of the English countryside, down to the individual names of flowers and plants, added much to the ambiance of the story. But the rabbits of course are the real stars. Fiver, Hazel, Bigwig, Blackberry, and the maniacal General Woundwort, are all clearly drawn and very evocative. I ended up caring deeply for these rabbits and their heroic, epic struggle for their goal, a place they can call home.

I will admit that when the Sanderford warren was destroyed, I put the novel down and could not resume reading for a month. It affected me that much. And when Hazel passed on at the end of the book, it was one of the most lyrical, poetic things I have ever read. It never fails to raise a lump in my throat, and I am a man in his late forties!

If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and read this book. You will be richly rewarded.

Note: I used the kids review form because I am too lazy to become a member I'm actually 14 my E-mail is solidfoxmg@hotmail.com

I'll tell the truth. I thought this book was going to suck when my friend recommended it. I mean by cover of the book you'd think that this story was going to be about these happy go lucky rabbits that have to find carrots. But not so it turns out that this book is about courage, leadership, and bravery as these rabbits journey into the beyonds in search of a place they can call their own.
The story is pretty simple and I won't spoil any of it for you but I will tell you this: this storyis so wonderfully crafted and so beautifully told that you'll be hooked to it. Richar makes a great job of describing the characters and settings and such a beaoutiful job of bringing out your emotions in this book that you will change the way you look at things you will take this story and you will treasure it you'll fall in love with all the characters: Bigwig, Hazel-Rah, Fiver, Buckthorn, and all them "dam" rabbits and you'll cry at the sad, but happy and cheerful ending of this wonderful book.
Overall: 5/5

I have just scanned down this review page and seen several one-star ratings of these books. The arguments are: "There's no action! There's too much description! Talking bunnies are stupid! There's no emotion! There's no meaning!" Not suprisingly, most of these people are high-school students. Most of their reviews are downright idiodic, and one wonders if they actually thought about the words as the read them or simply flipped page after page waiting for something to explode.

This book is outstanding on so many levels it's almost impossible to concieve how these people could miss it. Accepting the rabbits as genuine characters, we uncover worlds of human emotion ... and yet we never step out of the bounds of nature. No action or adventure? Excuse me ... READ THE BOOK! From harrowing chases, to hairsbreadth escapes; from unbearable suspense to manipulative schemes and daredevil strategies, this book is FULL of action, adventure and suspense, based on the author's real-life experiences as a paratrooper in World War II. As if all this weren't enough, "Watership Down" also becomes a complex social allegory, undertaking a detailed and often chilling comparison of the various socio-economic systems that rule this planet. We move from a Monarchy to a Fascist State to Communism ... the worlds of meaning and depth are unparalleled. Yet strangely enough, they are often missed by those who can not look beyond the unorthodox presentation of these important themes. To them, I say go back to the TV set, and don't trouble yourself with fine literature.

Those who liked "Watership Down" should check out Richard Adams' sequel collection of stories, "Traveller", "Shardik" and his masterpiece "The Plague Dogs."

Also, to know the true meaning of adventure, forget Tom Clancy, Steven King, Michael Crichton, etc... Pick up a good translation of Alexandre Dumas' "The Three Musketeers": the greatest adventure novel ever written.

Though I have heard much praise of Jane Austen, this is the first time I've actually sat down and read one of her books. I was impressed. Though the plot would seem shallow now (it centers around marriages); then that was central to most women's hopes and desires. Besides the plot, the characters are amusing and Elizabeth is finely drawn. She is very self-confidant and will not allow others to look down on her for her ill upbringing. I don't believe men would enjoy this book, because the male figure is not drawn very realistically. I seriously doubt that all men thought or talked about were marriage and love. Walter Raleigh phrased it correctly by saying that "Austen's men wouldn't be allowed in any club in England!". I didn't find it to be at all boring, rather, a page-turner to see how everything was going to turn out (though in the end it became predictable). The formal language is confusing at times, but provides a bit more color with it's detail. Though many parts of the book are obviously contrived, and I feel as if Austen is trying a little too hard to invoke emotion within me, in many ways the book is ahead of it's time, and for that, it is commendable to be certain.

I have always loved the style and social politics of the Regency period (the time of Jane Austen.) But when I read "Sense and Sensibility" in 7th grade I found the first few chapters lifeless, dull and hard to read. Two years later I was encouraged by a friend to give "Pride and Prejudice" a try. I did and have since become a complete Janeite. I am now able to peruse joyfully through "Sense and Sensibility" with a new understanding and appreciation of Jane Austen. The reason? "Pride and Prejudice" is fresh, witty and is a great introduction to Jane Austen's writing style without the formality of some of her other novels (unlike S&S and Persuasion Austen does not give us a 10 page history of each family and their fortune.) If you have never read Jane Austen or have read her other novels and found them boring, read Pride and Prejudice. The characters, and the situations Austen presents to them, are hysterical and reveal a lot about Regency society and morality. This book perfectly compliments a great writer like Jane Austen and is essential to every reader's library. The Penguin Edition of the book is stellar and I personally recommend it not only for the in-depth and indispensable footnotes, but also for the cover that is non-suggestive of any of the characters' appearances. In summary "Pride and Prejudice" is a great book for beginner Austen readers and seasoned fans, and Penguin Classics is a great edition for fully enjoying and understanding the book.

You will find Jane Austen in high school classrooms, as inspiration for contemporary movies and fiction (Clueless, Bridget Jones' Diary), and at a book club or two. Otherwise, she is not part of us: Her laser-eyes, scathing commentary about society, and merciless fun at the expense of over-the-top piety are missing. In our current Press-Release era, where ads blanket our cities, and celebrities alter their image every other week, Jane would have a field day-- her observations would have been invaluable, her sharp humor liberating.

"Pride and Prejudice"-- the story of independent-minded Elizabeth Bennet's journey to a happy marriage and her rousing rebellion against the stultifying and stale social system of 19th-Century England-- is an adrenaline-rush of a book.

As Elizabeth battles the defenders of society (her marriage-obsessed mother, a condescending suitor, and several members of the "upper-class" trying to stem her promising relationship with the affluent and handsome Mr. Darcy) we sample a world where family, money, and class dictate your friends and suitors.

When Elizabeth and Darcy move to his stunning home, they leave the hostility of an uncaring society behind. Through rebellion and stubbornness, they have found Eden.

Though I have never read Thomas Hardy before, I shall again very soon. I greatly enjoyed Far From the Madding Crowd. I kept associating Bathsheba, the heroine, with Scarlett O'Hara. They are both women from the past who are struggling for a place where only men typically tread. Unlike Scarlett, Bathsheba's emotions are more restrained. She's so young, but matures through the book. The reader yearns for the day she finally matures to the point that realizes she needs a partner in life, and her perfect partner is Gabriel Oak, her steadfast mate of fate.

I definitely recommend this book for one of those cold rainy weekends curled up on the couch.

I am looking forward to diving into my next Thomas Hardy novel, Jude the Obscure.

I've always condidered myself to be sort of an optimist; so it is really odd that I've always really loved Thomas Hardy's books. I count Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure among my very favorites, and whether or not it is my favorite, I think that The Mayor of Casterbridge is marvelously written. Still though, reading all of that fatalism and cynicism can be a little much. It was really nice to pick up this novel and not read so many grim scenes.

Far From the Madding Crowd is a pretty simple love story driven by the characters. First, there is Bathsheba Everdeen. She's vain, naive, and she makes the stupidest decisions possible. Yet, you still like her. Then there are the three guys who all want her: Troy who's like the bad guy straight out of a Raphael Sabatini novel, Boldwood who's an old lunatic farmer, and Gabriel Oak who is a simple farmer and is basically perfect. The reader sees what should happen in the first chapter, and it takes Bathsheeba the whole book to see it. The characters really make the book. The reader really has strong feelings about them, and Hardy puts them in situations where you just don't know what they're going to do. The atmosphere that Hardy creates is (as is in all of Hardy's novel) amazing and totally original. I don't think any other author (except Wallace Stegner in America) has ever evoked a sense of place as well as Hardy does. Overall, Far from the Madding Crowd is a great novel. I probably don't like it quite as well as some of his others, but I still do think it deserved five stars.

This book was a required read for Academic Decathalon but I was handed the cliff notes and told to study them if I didn't have time to read the book. I dislike cliff notes unless I have already read a book and I need to review so I chose to listen to it on tape. I was thoroughly surprised to find myself laughing at the overly-honest Gabriel Oak proposing marriage to Bathsheba Everdene, I had been informed that this book was something of a rural comedy but I had not expected such preposterous situations and ironies. The novel centers around Bathsheba though I would not label her the heroine because the reader is often frustrated by her behavior and even annoyed by it. She is quite poor but a smart girl and a particularly beautiful one as well. Gabriel meets her and soon decides he must marry this young woman. She declines deciding that she can't love him and soon moves away. Gabriel loses his farm in an unfortunate event and through circumstance comes to be in the same part of Wessex as Bathsheba. She has inherited her uncle's farm and is now running it herself and she is in need of a sheperd and sheperding happens to be Gabriels forte so he is hired. Farmer Boldwood who runs the neighboring farm becomes smitten with Bathsheba too when he recieves a prank valentine saying "marry me" on the seal(this valentine was sent by Bathsheba and her maid/companion). He soon asks for Bathsheba's hand and Bathsheba who feels guilty for causing this man's desire says she will answer him upon his return in two months time. The union with Boldwood is not to be since Bathsheba falls deeply in love with Frank Troy and soon marries him. An ex-girlfriend of Troy's shows up but dies shortly after giving birth, Troy is heartbroken and tells Bathsheba that he loved Fanny more and still does. Troy leaves and soon is assumed dead but is truly only missing. Boldwood moves in one Bathsheba again but in a set of bizarre events Troy returns to take Bathsheba from Boldwood once more. Boldwood is infuriated and turmoil ensues. This is an escapist novel in these times and is well worth reading. Weatherbury and Casterbridge will charm you and allow you to experience the little oddities of Victorian Era rural life in the pleasantest way imaginable.

Richard Adams' book, The Girl in a Swing is a heart-warming book. It takes place in the east during the 1970's. I learned a good lesson from reading this book. I learned that it doesn't matter who or what someone is, it's what you see in them that matters the most. Alan, a quiet young single Englishman runs his father's China business. With business all over the world, Alan decides that it would be easier as well as cheaper to rite to his customers. He travels to Kopenhavn in hope of finding someone who is able to translate his letters into the many languages he needs. When Alan arrives, he find that a beautiful young Danish lady named Kathe, will be the one who is translating and fixing his letters. They start dating and soon decide to get married. All along Alan keeps his life an open book while Kathe keeps hers a deep mysterious secret. After getting married, Kathe's hidden secrets start to become known by all. I really enjoyed reading this book. Richard Adams has a way with writing. It is so easy to get lost in the book. Because of the complicated vocabulary, including German and Danish, I recommend this book to adults or serious readers. Overall it is a great book, slow at first but once it picks up its hard to put the book down.

She is haunted by a mystery in her past, he is haunted by her beauty,
I am haunted by the story. For this book holds revolting human evil,
and an incredible, lyrical love - and they are both tied together.

For years after reading it, I could not shake the sensation of horror
that came over me when I thought again of what had been done.
How could anyone do it? And yet, the spell of love that is cast in the
beautiful telling of this story is equally haunting.

This is no average horror story. Readers who find Clive Barker and Dean Koontz
the height of enjoyment may not appreciate the delicacy, and gradual building
of this lovely tale.

The language of this book is nearly poetic in its beauty. It is rich with detail,
complex, and fully convincing. This is a sophisticated piece of work,
and incidentally, nothing like any of Richard Adams other books.
(I have read most of them, since after reading this book, I wanted
to investigate its author.)

This book is a gourmet meal, full of fine ingredients, exquisite flavors,
and subtle blendings and contrasts. It is excellent.

If there is one book I will remember my entire life, this is it. Richard Adams spins love and horror into a delicately-woven web of lyrical prose that is guaranteed to break your heart. The story is gossamer-like in its beauty, yet expresses an intensity of horror I have yet to meet in any other book to date. This is a story that will haunt you years after you've finished the final page. It absolutely will not let you alone, although sometimes you may wish it would.