Trollope writes not so much of his life (though he does touch upon the major events), as of his occupation. Although employed most of his adult life by the postal service, Trollope decided to engage in a second and parallel career as a writer. He is forthright about his motives: the satisfaction of writing, but also fame, financial reward, and social standing. Looking back on his career, Trollope is proud of a job well done. The oddity is that he seems quite as happy telling us about how much he sold each work for, and the financial dealings with his publishers, as he does about his books and characters. In fact, near the end of the book he gives a complete list of his novels and how much he managed to sell each one for (with very few exceptions, he preferred to sell the rights to a novel, rather than getting a percentage of sales). What emerges is a portrait of the novelist not as an artist so much as a dedicated, disciplined craftsman. He explicitly denigrates the value of genius and creativity in a novelist in favor of hard work and keeping to a schedule of writing.

The early sections of the book dealing with his childhood are fascinating. By all measures, Trollope had a bad childhood. His discussions of his father are full of pathos and sadness. What is especially shocking is the lack of credit he gives to his mother, who, in early middle age, realizing that her husband was a perpetual financial failure, decided to salvage the family's fortunes by becoming a novelist. He notes that while nursing several children dying from consumption, she wrote a huge succession of books, enabling the family to live a greatly improved mode of existence. Her achievement must strike an outside observer as an incredibly heroic undertaking. Trollope seems scarcely impressed.

Some of the more interesting parts of the book are his evaluation of the work of many of his contemporaries. History has not agreed completely with all of his assessments. For instance, he rates Thackery as the greatest novelist of his generation, and HENRY ESMOND as the greatest novel in the language. HENRY ESMOND is still somewhat read, but it hardly receives the kind of regard that Trollope heaped on it, and it is certainly not as highly regarded as VANITY FAIR. Trollope's remarks on George Eliot are, however, far closer to general opinion. His remarks concerning Dickens, are, however, bizarre. It is obvious that Trollope really dislikes him, even while grudgingly offering some compliments. Quite perceptively, Trollope remarks that Dickens's famous characters are not lifelike or human (anticipating E. M. Forster's assessment that Dickens's characters are "flat" rather than "round" like those of Tolstoy or Austen) and that Dickens's famous pathos is artificial and inhuman (anticipating Oscar Wilde's wonderful witticism that "It would take a man with a heart of stone to cry at the death of Little Nell"). Even the most avid fan of Dickens would admit that his characters, while enormously vivid and well drawn, are nonetheless a bit cartoonish, and that much of the pathos is a tad over the top. But Trollope goes on to attack Dickens's prose: "Of Dickens's style it is impossible to speak in praise. It is jerky, ungrammatical, and created by himself in defiance of rules . . . . To readers who have taught themselves to regard language, it must therefore be unpleasant." If one had not read Dickens, after reading Trollope on Dickens, one would wonder why anyone bothered to read him at all. One wonders if some of Trollope's problems with Dickens was professional jealousy. For whatever reason, he clearly believes that Dickens receives far more than his due.

Favorite moment: Trollope recounts being in a club working on the novel that turned into THE LAST CHRONICLE OF BARSET, when he overheard two clergymen discussing his novels, unaware that he was sitting near them. One of them complained of the continual reappearance of several characters in the Barsetshire series, in particular Mrs. Proudie. Trollope then introduces himself, apologizes for the reappearing Mrs. Proudie, and promises, "I will go home and kill her before the week is over." Which, he says, he proceeded to do.

Ronald closes the end of the novel speaking to Greg Greg. He says "TAXI, Stop you basturd. Christ, he has."

This novel is a summation of 1970's angst mired in the elusive and somewhat unrequired escapism so purported to be overly important in American culture.

Ronald wants so much from life that he is halted. He can't process the simple cold hard fact that life has brought him a cold hard unfeeling existence. He calls for a taxi (a vehicle to take him away) and he is in awe.

Ronald remains in denial and close to death at the novel's end.

One thing, like with the first book, the reader will encounter, is the very prim and proper dialogue between the characters. It seems HIGHLY formal. But one must remember, this was during the late 50's and early 60's, before the hippy generation, when people tried to elevate their stature by speaking very specifically, and distinctly. In addition, Jonathon Taylor comes from HIGH Class with Lots of Money, and Michael is from upper middle class, and stepping up. This dialogue is perfectly normal for the time in history.

During this book, the couple gets wrapped up in Opera, Murder, Mystery and story lines of drug dealers etc. I think, for the most part, the author, Anthony Zatti does a wonderful job in telling the story in this book. Again, for the most part, the murder storyline was very good, and kept the suspense of the story and book going very well. However, I was disappointed the murder and subsequent investigation ended as abruptly as it did about half way through the book. It was like it no longer mattered to the author, and suddenly, in 2 or 3 pages, the investigation, etc, was over and not really mentioned again. I really believe the author missed an incredible chance to make this book unforgettable by dropping the suspense WAY too early and making the final half of the book sort of boring and full of fluff.

I have read a great deal of 'gay' themed books, and would have loved to see the suspense carried much farther, and longer in this book.

However, even with the poor way of finishing off the murder and investigation, the 'love' story part of the book, and the interaction between Michael and Jonathon was still very good.

I am glad I read the book as I am able to put a period to my curiosity on how these two made out in their future.

What I found amazing about this account is how Finan was able to pull so much information from such a small original document. The only way this can be accomplished successfully is through the skill and ability of the author. Congratulations are due to Finan, and it is hoped both that Crimson Shamrock press continues to print works such as this and that Finan continues to produce history that is so technically sound and utterly enjoyable.

As Aaron digs into the Digga case, he rejects serving as a bodyguard to Sparkle Johnson. Though he could use the cash, Aaron has ethics and the noted radio talk show host is hated by just about everyone, including the private sleuth. Sparkle rejects Aaron too until a car bomb makes both reconsider their mutual animosity. As he struggles to keep Sparkle safe, Aaron learns that Digga had several enemies and loved ones benefiting from the superstar's death. He begins to agree with his client that someone killed the rapper, which takes Aaron into the ugliest streets of Los Angeles in an effort to obtain the truth.

The sixth Aaron Gunner tale contains the elements that have made this an award winning series. Yet, author Gar Anthony Haywood imbues a freshness into the story line that makes ALL THE LUCKY ONES ARE DEAD feels like a debut tale. The dual story lines are both interesting though separate plots. The links are the mean streets of LA and Aaron. Mr. Haywood makes the novel work as his African-American detective brings the city to life in a way rarely seen in a novel including those well written previous tales starring Gunner.

Harriet Klausner

You'll enjoy the interview with Paul Zane Pilzer, author of Unlimited Wealth.

I really appreciated Tony's vivid examples of how to jumpstart your life.

Learn how to create something new.

The author draws upon the philosopher-sage Plotinus extensively, using Plotinus' vision and astrology's symbolism to create a dynamic philosophy, as well as a philosophical basis for astrology. Astrology comes alive and presents itself as the theurgy it was to the ancients.

It's the best book on astrology I have read -- by far! Also, one of the most beautiful books -- with over 400 diagrams. "Astronoesis" is a "must" for everyone interested in philosophy and/or astrology.

A short, unexceptional novel of some horrible future of Earth, But What of Earth? is quite fascinating. The original novel is OK. Nothing to write home about. Ahhh, but the book also contains two other treats, both much worth writing home about.

When Piers Anthony sold the story originally, things went wrong. What was published was horrible and mainly not what he had sent in. Not to mention the fact of another writer's name also on the book. In many footnotes, Piers tells us of the many, many changes to his novel as recorded in various inks & handwritings on the manuscript. The story of the evil forces destroying his book, line by line is quite fascinating.

The other bonus treat is the story of what the novel is about. Mixed in with the footnotes of changes are glimpses into the author's purposes. This improves my enjoyment of the novel as it connects things together that I would have missed until a later re-reading, which, honestly, might never have happened.

Fair novel with adventure and insight into the world of writing, publishing and creativity. Not Piers' best, but it is worth some time, especially if writing interests you.

But What of Earth? The Novel is about mass migration off the planet Earth to space colonies and how it effects those unable to afford the trip. The actual story is secondary to the way it is presented.

In this book the story is printed the way Anthony originally had written it. Anthony includes notation detailing the changes made, who made them and insight into their personalities base on their comments.

If you enjoy Anthony's authors notes in his other books then this is a must read

The story is more of a warning to the reader as to what could happen to our society if the current trend of disassociation, disregard, and irresponsibility continues.

"But what of Earth" proposes an escape from this reality with the advent of matter transmission. However it is this easy escape that enlightens the characters to realization that what is left of Earth is worth saving.

A great story, with thought provoking ideas and concepts. It is a journey of discovery where the destination is that of the value of home, health and self.

The book also presents the ways in which storys and novels are frequently mutalated to such an extent where the focus is lost. These added editorial comments add to the understanding of the literary process.

With every time I have read "But What of Earth" I have found more meaning and hidden truths. It is a book that can be read and enjoyed many times. For anyone that enjoys a sci-fi story, with a reasonable basis in real life, I can only say that this is a must read novel.