Heinrich Boll, Billiards at Half Past Nine (Signet, 1962)

Heinrich Boll was a brilliant mystery writer. Moreover, he was capable of writing mysteries unlike anything seen before, mysteries that turned the genre on its head. He was also capable of expanding the mystery genre so that it not only bordered on, but crossed over into, literary fiction. Unfortunately, at one point Boll allowed the mystery to slide into the background and started to concentrate on the literary side of things. This leads to the inevitable question for the reader: what does a mystery novel look like when the mystery is absent, or at least so far in the background as to be unnoticeable for most of the
novel?

Billiards at Half Past Nine is your answer. While there are elements of mystery within the novel, the focus is less on what's going on around the characters than the characters themselves. This is not, in itself, a bad thing; the characters upon whom the focus rests, all of whom are members of the Faehmel dynasty of architects, are interesting enough, and it would take conscious effort to make the first half of twentieth-century German history boring in any way. We are shown that period of time through the eyes of various members of the Faehmel family in a series of recollections leading up to Heinrich Faehmel's eightieth birthday party in 1958. And were that the basis of the novel, it would have been a good, solid piece of literature; ultimately forgettable, but good.

Boll felt the need to add something else to it, and it is there that the mystery comes into play. In the opening scenes, Heinrich's son Robert, the present scion of the Faehmel dynasty, tells his maid that, while he is playing Billiards at a local hotel, he is only to be disturbed by certain people. Most of them are family, or other members of his business; there is one name, though, that stands out, because no one knows who this Schrella character is, or why Robert Faehmel considers him on a plane of import with the others. This part of the book is where it is lacking; one gets the feeling that Boll felt it necessary to impart complications into a novel that doesn't require them.

While it's a worthwhile read within the context of Boll's complete works, it's not a place for a novice to begn an exploration of one of Germany's finest novelists. The Lost Honor of Katherina Blum and The Train Was on Time are much better jumping-off points. ** 1/2

Heinrich Boll describes Robert Faehmel as a man who is percieved by his peers as armour-like and unflinching. Slowly, you get to watch the man disintigrate and further on -- rebuild. At half past nine everday, mid-morning, our hero "locks" himself into a room and begins the endless tirade of billiards with the bell-boy of a local hotel. Does he describe the game at all that he has? Only the conversation. Does the character brag about his skill on the felt? Only to tell you that he does it everyday at Half-past Nine. I truly felt that I was reading the journal of someone who was coming to copes with a serious case of P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and you can't but help but be unnerved sometimes by the descriptions, illucidating how badly Boll was running when he wrote this. It's a very un-german approach to writing and it's most likely the reason why he was given the Nobel Prize.

Some of this work makes me feel like it's the unknown life of the ficticous Kaiser Souze. Some of this work seems a little bit on the cusp of 'needs editing'. It's a dark read, but one worth pondering.

This work, in my opinion Boll's greatest, takes place duirng a single day in the life of Robert Faemel. He is an architect and ex-soldier who since WWII has turned inward, relying on routine to get him through the days. As the story unfolds, the reaader learns of the difficult and tragic events in his life that have led Robert to seek escape from the world, and ultimately gives hope that even these darknesses can be overcome.

Through his memories and those of his family, the book paints a remarkable panoramic picture of German life from ~1920 through 1960. The book really presents 3 generations of a German family and their experiences through this harrowing period. It shows both the dark side of postwar Germany, where many ex-Nazis had risen to positions of power and influence, as well as the lonely lights of human goodness and decency that remained throughout the dark period of the Nazis rise to power and the second world war.

As always, Boll's character's are expertly drawn and powerfully human. The storytelling can be difficult, requiring attention to keep up with the flashbacks and change in narrators. But it is absolutely worth the effort, as reading it will be a powerful experience that will stay with you.

The excavation of Troy has always been considered an extremely important event in the history of archaeology. This is due to the fact that very existence of Troy was considered a myth birthed by Homer, only to be exposed by the eccentric, business man/archaeologist, Heinrich Schliemann. The author, Susan Allen, explores all aspects of the modern discovery of Troy by explaining how valuable the input of English diplomat, Frank Calvert, was in Schleimann's announcement to the world he had found the supposed mythological Homeric Troy. This book is not only excellently referenced but holds the extra quality of being able to tie the current events of 19th century Asian Minor politics to the fascinating story of how Heinrich Schleimann basically cheated Frank Calvert out of the credit he deserved in Troy's discovery. If you have any interest in 19th century archaeology, politics of archaeology or the intial excavations of Troy, this is a must read book.

This was a captivating account of the Calvert family, particularly Frank Calvert, and the discovery of the reputed site of ancient Troy. The final chapters also deal with the turbulent relationship between Heinrich Schliemann, the individual most often associated with that discovery, and the Calverts. It is a story of a passion for the Homeric epics and of the struggle for priority in finding the site of the famous battle. Frank Calvert, in particular, is depicted as the unfortunate victim of the machinations of the ambitious and apparently unscrupulous German entrepreneur. (The family photo of the man, seated on his doorstep, looks like a study in defeat). Indeed there has been recent doubt expressed by members of the present day archaeological community regarding the genuineness of some of Schliemann's most famous discoveries. Most importantly the golden treasure trouve traditionally accepted as having been found at Troy has come under question, including its true provenance, authenticity, and the circumstances of its discovery. So too has the so-called mask of Agamemnon, which some would suggest is an artifact altered to look more like what popular imagination has come to associate with the Homeric heroes. Still others believe that the mask may be the work of a modern artist commissioned by Schliemann to produce an "artifact" worthy of his hero. Ms Allen concludes her work with the story of the fate of the artworks from Troy, including their post WWII disappearence, recent reappearence in Russia, and the international dispute over their ownership and the ethical issue of right to cultural heritage. This is a book which is understandable whether or not one knows anything about archaeology, history, or the events of the discovery.

This book is an engaging documentary of the intellectual and archaeological pursuit of the ancient city of Troy by two late-nineteenth century explorers.

Once and for all the contribution of Frank Calvert is firmly reestablished, and the warped image of Heinrich Schliemann is debunked and put in its rightful (still heroic) perspective. The human tragedies and triumphs are extreme and well told by the author. It's all here - ascendant thinking, paranoid emasculation, establishment blundering, family misfortunes, the impact of resources and geographic arrogance.

The book is all the more significant as a study of arguably the most significant chronicle of our memorialized ancient past.

There is a high degree of scholarship in this book with extensive details and references. The author is understandably sympathetic to Calvert and his family.

The book brings us right up to today with information that reveals the current murkey ownership and location of much of the ancient treasures recovered from Troy. It turns out the story continues to unfold.

Every paragraph of this book was absorbing to me. I recommend it highly.

I can't disagree with the other reviewers that say this book is original and intense. However, I'm struggling to find out how my running can benefit from Heinrich's advice. The problem I have with the book is that it's disorganized. It starts off comparing the physiology of animals and humans' running ability, and ends with Heinrich's triumph at the big ultramarathon. I'm not sure what message the author and publisher are trying to convey to me. I was totally enthralled though with the discussion of the physiology of animals. I guess I was hoping for more details on how a runner can best prepare for an ultramarathon.

In "Racing the Antelope" (which has since been renamed "Why We Run"), Heinrich presents us with an exploration of the biological features that make running and other types of activity (for example sprinting, flying, and even marathon bouts of mating calls amongst male frogs) possible. He devotes the middle chapters of the book to individual animals (insects, birds, pronghorn antelopes, camels, frogs, dogs, cats, and more) and the biological characteristics which allow them to develop incredible endurance or speed.

The beginning and end of the book are concerned with the story of Heinrich's own experiences with running, an activity which has been for him an integral part of life. This autobiographical story is a bit disjointed, though. At the beginning of the book, we learn about the role running plays during Heinrich's childhood, through his school and college years, and on into graduate school. The end of the book details his preparation for, and participation in, a 100K race (62.2 miles). It is only at the end of the book that the structure of the book becomes readily apparent. Preparation for the race is what ties everything together; Heinrich looked to the examples of the animals discussed in the middle of the book for ideas that would help him as he trained for his ultramarathon. I would liked to have seen the structure of the book be a bit more apparent to the reader throughout.

That said, this book is a nice overview of the incredible variety of--and potential for--endurance and speed present in animals (including humans) today. I read this book because I was looking for something to inspire and motivate my own running; this book isn't quite what I was looking for. However, once I finished it I found myself thinking about my running from a perspective I had not previously considered. Recommended for those with interests in biology, distance running, or both.

A truly wonderful book. Heinrich's exploration of endurance and running in the animal kingdom, coupled with his own efforts to prepare for and win an ultra distance (100-kilometer) race, is extraordinarily revealing. As a life long (66 year old) runner, I recommend this book without reservation.

Well written, well researched, but not what it purports to be, nor what many consumers think they are buying. This book is simply an endoresement of Barry Sears "The Zone" diet, which the auther himself wholeheartedly supports. He even confirms that The Zone is how he lost and maintains his weight. If you want a book that does no more than describe why The Zone works, buy this one. But if you want a plan to meet your goals, look elsewhere.

For those lucky people who eat as much and whatever they want and gain no weight - Starch Madness is not for them. However for those us who cannot seem to lose weight no matter how little we eat or how much we diet - READ THIS BOOK.

An easy to read book that quickly summarizes the theory and past leadership theories of nutrition and benefits of healthy eating. Has backup data and simple conceps to follow for a healthy diet. The diet is relatively easy to follow, compared to other diets and uses many concepts of leading diets

Katharina Blum is a hard working, honest housekeeper with a small car, her own house and, after her divorce from her husband, not much of a social life. One evening during carnaval she decides to go dancing. Here she meets a man who she really likes, but who turns out to have a criminal record. And this is when things start to go wrong... A journalist from the ZEITUNG ("newspaper"), a pulp magazine, claiming to be a respectable newspaper, puts hus teeth into the story and starts damaging Katharina and her family, friends and acquitances. In the end Katharina takes justice into her own hands.

Place and time of this pamphlet (as Böll calls this book in an afterword) are West-Germany, 1974, so a conservative society at the height of the fear for the Red Army Faction, with an unbridled influence of the pulp press, in particular the notorious BILD-Zeitung. Böll has written a convincing accusation against these type of journals and the fact that people actually believe what they say.

The problem with this book is that it is outdated: in the meantime the world has moved on, readers (even those of newspapers like the ZEITUNG) have become more aware of the fact that these type of newspapers tend to lie and the accusations made in those types of newspapers are nowadays even more outrageous than in 1974. I also had some problems with the style of writing: even though the book is well written (what one may expect from a Nobel laureate), the narrator actively comments on what is going on, which is sometimes irritating and does not add anything to the story.

Katharina Blum's murder of a newspaper reporter, to which she has confessed on the opening page, is not the point of attack for a mystery story, despite that implication on the book jacket. There is too little suspense and character development to make you care much about her. Instead, Boll uses the murder and its aftermath to offer a cautionary tale about overzealous police investigators and the unfettered tabloid press--showing how the press descends on Katharina and everyone who has ever come into contact with her, twisting words, creating false impressions based upon police department leaks, casting aspersions, ruining lives, and inciting Katharina to eventual murder.

Sound familiar? The novel may have been startling, and even controversial, when it was published in 1974, but no contemporary reader familiar with the tabloids at the supermarket checkout or with sensational talk shows conducting outrageously one-sided investigations will find this depiction of the press even slightly shocking. In fact, the methods of the press in this novel seem unrealistic, not because they are so extreme, but because they are so obvious, crude, and lacking in subtlety. Boll may have been prophetic with this novel in 1974, but it is a product of its own time. While it may confirm that the conflict between responsible journalism and irresponsible sensationalism has a long history, it offers few useful insights for the present day.

I have to admit, I saw the film before reading the book, and I recommend them both. In today's climate in America, - when the police profession is considered one of the noblest by liberals and conservatives alike, and the so-called "liberal" press, which crossed the line into tabloid journalism awhile ago, and which still hides behind the myth/lie of "objectivity," - this book is as timely and relevant today as it ever was, and should be mandatory viewing/reading.

Heinrich is a biologist and world class ultramarathon runner. This book is a combination of random biological vignettes, autobiography, and inspirational story of Heinrich's training for and racing a major 100 kilometer race in which he basically broke the world record for that distance. Of course, there are only a few hyper-dedicated individuals that compete at that distance, but nevertheless Heinrich's accomplishments are astounding.

WHY WE RUN has all sorts of biological discussions that remind me of the worst of Stephen J. Gould's pieces. Unfortunately the biological passages for the most are incoherent although tantalizing. For example, and there are many like this: "Eating is controlled by psychological drives, which in turn are influenced by blood chemistry. Just thinking about a hamburger can change your blood chemistry." But wait a minute, the blood chemistry was supposed to influence the thinking (i.e. psychological drives?). Much of the writing and thinking is mushy like this.

The strong points of the book are that despite the self-indulgent and poorly connected and developed thinking, Heinrich is a passionate and engaging person and this comes across in his writing. He has also led an interesting and bizarre life.

To me the book is most valuable as an inspirational story. His inspirational attitude is deeper than the "if you just believe and try hard enough you can do it" variety. Heinrich has a kind of hard-knuckled, gritty attitude toward life (and at the same time a love of nature and animals--although he is also an avid and skilled hunter). He manages to communicate a holistic view of human nature and biology that I found encouraging and inspiring, and at the same time realistic.

As a 20 mile a week runner nearing 60, I found the book helpful to my puny efforts. Heinrich, however, is so far beyond anything that any ordinary runner could ever even dream about in his wildest dreams, that it is hard to connect with him. Frankly his running seems super-human, and not just a little crazy, but downright insane. Unlike some other writers, Heinrich never makes the reader feel inferior and I appreciate that. He is modest and humble. Fine traits, I'd say in a world class athlete.

BTW: The author explains in the preface why the book has been retitled. Several other non-related books had been published at the same time with "antelope" in the title.

Great Book. Ties together biology and running. Easy to read. Made me want to get out and run.

This book gives a facinating account of an unusual life and an amazing accomplishment. Anyone who like me struggles through their 3-6 miles will be inspired by how the author conquered 62 miles at better than 6:30 miles by considerable talent and extraordinary courage. The other animals are interesting too.

A must-have for any student of Monet. Volumne I contains covers his biography proper, while volumes II-IV provide a COMPLETE record of the artist's body of work.

Wilderstein protrays Monet life for the most part as that of a debtor. However to his credit, he tempers the romantic "suffering artist" idealism with insight into Monet the creditor. By illustrating what a jackass the artist could also be, the author creates a deep and lively narrative.

Most of the personal insight into Monet come to us by way of coorespondance with Alice Hoeschede. Due to 'appearances' however she requested of Monet her letters be destroyed immediately and thus we're sadly left with a one-sided portrait of the man. While his artistic talents we're unparalled, it's his devotation to correspondance that allows Wildenstein to bring him back to life. Without giving away the ending, it's Monet's inability to write rather than paint that signals the end.

If you are in love with Claude Monet's Water Lily Pond paintings, this is the best book for an explanation as to their origins and where Monet found his inspiration. There is a photograph from 1926 showing the bridge covered with climbing plants.

The Japanese Bridge at Giverny, 1924 is just one of the outstanding paintings in a series of works devoted to the bridge that preoccupied Monet during his final years.

Monet loved his garden at Giverny with such a passion that one could say it bordered on obsession. Harmony in Green, The White Water Lilies, The Water Lily Pond are all explained in detail. There is even a picture of Monet photographed in his beloved garden in 1917.

In every life there is beauty and sadness. The beauty of the water lilies contrasts with the pain Monet felt when he painted Camille on her death bed.

When Monet's wife died, she not only left him without a companion, he then had small children depending on him. He spent most of his meager earnings on his wife's medical treatments and he was also deeply depressed and alone.

This type of revealing information makes him so very human and the paintings then contain a certain depth when these secrets are revealed.

I loved this book! The pictures were wonderful and the readings that went with them were as well. Learned many things that I did not know about his artwork. VERY informative...give it a try, it would make a great gift book!

This is a piece of music composed by Heinrich Boll which at the beginning sounds non-harmonic and confusing and as the story continues it turns into a magnificant symphony of rhythms and melodies; in fact a death march for the Third Reich era. Heinrich Boll takes us to the Nazi Germany era and lets us see the world through the life of an interesting woman, a very normal human being who is actually too normal for those abnormal days of war and savage.

one of the best books i've ever read! a 10.000 pieces puzzle! i don't know the english version, i've only read the german original.

Boll is a wonderful writer and this was a wonderful book

This is an excellent book. If are a collector of WWII Germain medals. I have not seen a better book in English. The original book has more items in it. But it is in Germain. It is a most get book if you are intrested in this subject.

Obviously if you purchase this book you're looking for accurate information about WWII German Medals, etc. This book is a must for all of us who enjoy collecting militaria, or are interested in historical research concerning Nazi decorations. It's definitely worthy to add to the "home library". ....

If you are a collector of German militaria, or a historian/film maker/ etc. requiring research material on German medals & orders then this is one of the definitive books available.

Heinrich Doehle was involved with the Reich Minister's office in producing many of the medals & orders he outlines in this book, which was originally published in 1943. The color plates demonstrate the original medals and orders in unissued condition - there is no guesswork associated with their origin - as with pictures produced in current works.

The original is a neat classic. This is a modern re-make (new drawings, "corrected" for a more modern audience), and strays from the quality of the original.

To it's credit, it has a copy of the original tacked on as an appendage.

Skip this version, and just get the original, and you'll have all you need, for less money.

Although this was historically a popular book for children in the 19th century, I was not familiar with it until it was referenced in Grant Morrison's _Doom Patrol_. I don't necessarily recommend this for kids of today, however. Adults who enjoy quirky rhymes and disturbing pictures like Edward Gorey's should get a kick out of this. What struck me about this edition was the additional material -- a brief discussion of changing attitudes toward child-rearing and how children were viewed by society, a review of some of the work that Struwwelpeter inspired, and even the inclusion of the anti-Nazi work Struwwelhitler. It's a well-rounded volume.

This is an excellent read. In reference to the advice of most readers of Struwwelpeter to NOT let children read this book, I would like to quote Terry Pratchet: "...it was much earlier than that when most people forgot that the very oldest stories are, sooner or later, about blood. Later on they tookt he blood out to make the stories more acceptable to children, or at least to the people who read them to children rather than the children themselves (who, on the whole, are quite keen on blood provided it's being shed by the deserving. That is to say, those who deserve to shed blood. Or possibly not. You never quite know with some kids.)"
As an educator and once-child, I would reccommend this book to children over the age of 10. Of course this reading experience, like any, should involve a discussion with the parents so they can understand the differences between being a child of the Victorian era and being a child now.
Give kids credit!!