Great Possessions: An Amish Farmer's Journal

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Living life Vicariously

God's Creation a Great Possession

A Peaceable Kingdom

Not much Wendell Berry, but a great book.

Take a walk with a gentle friend, David Kline

Great Possessions: An Amish Farmer's Journal
David Kline
Manufacturer: North Point Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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Scratching The Woodchuck

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ASIN: 0865474052

Customer Reviews:

Living life Vicariously.......2007-01-25

This is a wonderful book. I live in an Amish area so was very surprised to discover such rich vocabulary and stunning visual imagery due to the fact that typically the Amish only have an eighth grade education. Reading this book is like spending days walking through the woods following animal tracks or bird watching. Or just lying in the hay and watching the world go by!

God's Creation a Great Possession.......2006-09-11

The author, David Kline, is Amish and a farmer, so he lives very close to nature. While the subtitle is, "An Amish Farmer's Journal," this book is not about the Amish. It is about a man's love for God's creation that surrounds him on his farm and his sadness at what has been lost and what we continue to lose.

The introduction by the author is a powerful statement for sustainable, small scale, family farming. Wendell Berry in the foreword notes this with his statement that Kline's life, "informed as it is by the Amish reverence for the natural world and the stewardship everywhere implicit in Amish farming--makes a union of economy and ecology." In the introduction Kline asks, "Should we give up the kind of farming that has been proven to preserve communities and land and is ecologically and spiritually sound for a way that is culturally and environmentally harmful?" This truly summarizes the viewpoint David Kline brings to his journal.

Kline takes us through the year on his farm and lets us see the different plants, birds and animals that migrate through or live on his farm and those around him. He talks about the loss of Chestnut trees, mushrooms, Woodpeckers and a hundred other birds as they appear in his region of Ohio during the year.

This is a `must read' for those who love nature.

Kyle Pratt

A Peaceable Kingdom.......2005-10-08

"Great Possessions" radiates serenity and joy, but there is an underlying sadness for things lost--American chestnut trees, passenger pigeons, family farms. It is a rare natural history book that doesn't have this poignant undercurrent.

Here is an author who can write knowledgeably about diversified sustainable farming, because he is Old Order Amish and practices what he preaches. In the introduction, Wendell Berry says, "David's life--informed as it is by the Amish reverence for the natural world and the stewardship everywhere implicit in Amish farming--makes a union of economy and ecology."

This particular farmer-naturalist times his hay cutting to permit bobolink fledglings to leave the nest. When he top-seeds his wheat in the spring, his hand-cranked seeder flushes the horned larks and allows him to avoid their nests.

The Ohio Amish practice five-crop rotation so crop-damaging insects don't have time to build up. Horse-worked farms absorb almost seven times more water than conventional no-tilled farms.

Is it any wonder that the Amish in my area of middle Michigan at least, are quietly taking over the farm land that could not be made profitable by gigantic machines, insecticides, herbicides, and major debt?

Most Amish farmers are not pure organic farmers, but their use of herbicides is minute compared to the average non-organic farmer. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) keeps trying to persuade this author that spraying poisons on his land would free him from tilling. An SCS technician informed him that "If I'd join the no-till crowd I'd be freed from plowing, and then my son or I could work in a factory. He insinuated that the extra income (increased cash flow) would in some way improve the quality of our lives."

The author, thank God, fails to get the point. He asks, "Should we give up the kind of farming that has been proven to preserve communities and land and is ecologically and spiritually sound for a way that is culturally and environmentally harmful?"

In one year, David Kline counted 155 different species of birds on his land.

When I was growing up a few hundred miles north of this author's Ohio farm, it was rare in those DDT-laden days to hear even a sparrow sing. At least we learned a lesson about that particular pesticide, and the birds are making a comeback. I counted 44 different bird species on our ten acres this year.

Maybe that's because I live in a county where the Amish farm.

Not much Wendell Berry, but a great book........2002-05-18

When I originally received this book, I was really unhappy because I was looking for something by Wendell Berry and he only wrote the 2 page introduction. However, this is a wonderful, beautiful book. You feel as though you were walking with Mr. Kline on a lazy afternoon while he explains the world around you.

Take a walk with a gentle friend, David Kline.......2000-05-30

I was first attracted to this book because the title seemed to be an oxymoron. I then chose the book for what was inside. I have found Mr. Kline's essays to take me to pleasant places when I was stuck inside. He also helped me to see my world more positively. I don't live very far from the farm that is spoken of in this book, yet I am removed from it by the technology in my life. When I am spiritually encumbered, I take this book in hand to renew myself in short order.

I have read and reread this book and have given it as a gift. I will continue to share it with my friends and family. This time it will be a gift to a very special companion.

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Great Possessions: An Amish Farmer's Journal
David Kline
Manufacturer: North Point Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NK15O2

Book Description

The Conservatory of Flowers is an elegant piece of San Francisco's Victorian past and a spectacular living museum of rare and beautiful tropical plants. From Borneo to Bolivia, the 1700 species of plants at the Conservatory represent unusual and often endangered flora from more than 50 countries around the world.

Treasures of the Conservatory of Flowers is a breathtaking companion to this national, state, and city landmark. First built in 1887, it is the oldest surviving municipal wood and glass greenhouse in the United States. Like the building itself, Treasures of the Conservatory of Flowers is divided into four parts—lowland tropics, highland tropics, aquatic plants, potted plants—an elegant book that engulfs readers in its lush tropical worlds.

Customer Reviews:

smaller than I thought.......2007-03-31

This was a much smaller book than I anticipated. Guess I didn't read the description closely enough. It was more like a color booklet than a real book.

An excellent and recommended addition.......2006-11-05

Nina Sazevich's informative text is beautifully enhanced with the full color photography of Kevin J. Rest in "Treasures Of The Conservatory Of Flowers", a showcase compilation of diverse flowering plants carefully cultivated at San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers. This is the oldest surviving municipal wood and glass greenhouse in the United States having been founded in 1879. "Treasures Of The Conservatory Of Flowers" is nicely organized into four sections: lowland tropics; highland tropics; acquatic plants; and potted plants. Each entry reveals details on that particular flower and taken altogether represents a kind of descriptive tour of the Conservatory's main sections. Of special note is an illustration of the overall structure of this enduring and impressive example of Victorian architecture. "Treasures Of The Conservatory Of Flowers" is an excellent and recommended addition to personal, professional, and academic Gardening Studies and Floral Studies reference collection.

Book Description

Good Times in Texas covers the well-publicized attractions but also goes off the beaten path to find other people, places, and events that make this state unique. his humorous guide to where the fun is begins with a chapter on some of the strange stuff that can be found across the state.

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Vote for Larry doesn't get my vote...

please READ VOTE FOR LARRY!!

What Happened to Larry?

one word

Incredible

Vote for Larry
Janet Tashjian
Manufacturer: Puffin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books | Action & Adventure | Children's Literature Guides | Classics by Age | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | General | Humorous | Literary Criticism & Collections | Poetry | Popular Culture | Read-Aloud | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Short Story Collections
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The Gospel According to Larry

Fault Line

Life As We Knew It

Feed Feed

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ASIN: 014131835X

Amazon.com

After faking his own death in the last book (a "pseudocide") and then taking on a second phony identity, the allegedly real 17-year-old protagonist of the Gospel According to Larry shows up on author Janet Tashjian's doorstep again, with another manuscript detailing his latest exploits. Last time around, Josh changed the world by fighting global consumerism as Internet alter ego Larry; this time, he's going for the big enchilada as just plain ol' Josh--in a run for the presidency and an attempt to change U.S. politics forever. (And who's his running mate? Unrequited love Beth, of course.)

After going underground as a student at C.U.-Boulder, Josh (briefly "Mark") finds his anti-consumer ideals slipping--he tries to maintain his vow of austerity ("fewer than 75 possessions, in constant rotation"), but the slippery slope of a new girlfriend and an even newer credit card finds Josh in a Polo sweatshirt and Nautica pajamas before he can say "Walden Pond." Fortunately, Beth sweeps back into his life again with a big plan--and, more importantly, the proper jealousy-fueled inspiration, thanks to her Harvard boyfriend--to bring Josh back from the "dead" and into politics.

Fans of Tashjian's last award-winning outing will love catching up with their favorite activist superhero, as an almost unbelievable presidential campaign unfolds, amidst copious pop-culture references (U2's Bono is back, and Josh and Beth appear on the Simpsons), real-life stats about youth and the distribution of wealth in America, and--instead of Thoreau, this time around--quotes from the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr., Jim Hightower, and Paul Wellstone. Maybe it's just her "subject"/character's irresistible alacrity and idealism, but somehow Tashjian channels enough youthful hope and energy to inspire any proto-activist, adult or teen alike. (Ages 14 and up) --Paul Hughes

Book Description

fter falling off the wagon and becoming what he so clearly and strongly resisted-a consumer-Josh Swensen (aka Larry) finds himself in a hyper-paranoid state of no return. That is, until he's kidnapped and coaxed into resurfacing as his old persona. Before long, Larry is back on the scene with much more on his mind than a gospel Web site-this time Larry wants to affect change in government. What starts out as a campaign to get the younger population to vote turns into a run for the presidency. Can Larry really take on George Bush?

Customer Reviews:

Vote for Larry doesn't get my vote..........2006-03-31

I enjoyed The Gospel According to Larry and the thought provoking topics. It even had suspense and mystery involved in it. Vote for Larry was forced, and a rehashing of the same ideas in Gospel. The plot, what there was of it, was so unbelievable and made the activism of young people seem easy--no hard-work needed. The struggles young adults would really have experienced were not included, and it made add Constitutional Amendments look like a breeze. Also, the likelihood of an 18 year old getting so much of the Presidential vote in the November election. I wish the author would have made it more believable and more like the Gospel--that might really incite youth activism.

please READ VOTE FOR LARRY!!.......2005-10-09

If you liked The Gospel according to Larry, you're most likely to like this book. Janet Tashjian really put a lot of imagination and creativity, which I liked a lot. I liked the first book better, though. Gospel according to Larry was a more serious book, and this book has a lot more wild things happening in it. I'd recommend this book to anybody who loves to go on an adventure.

What Happened to Larry?.......2004-11-03

Somehow the lovely boy that was Larry got lost in the two years between this book and the first. He's lost his patience, his tolerance, and thanks to the author's forced writing, his compelling voice. The plot was a little too fantastic, with the constitutional ammendment and Larry's run for president, and the devices a little too pat. It's easy to solve problems when you create them, as a writer can do when she appropriates real people and events for a work of fiction. One also has to wonder why she forced it out ahead of the 2004 election when it's so obviously a problem. Starting with Kerry and Dean at the primaries and then referring to Bush and 'the Democratic candidate' for the rest of the race made it clear there was no ending for the book. And when even the writer doesn't know what's going the reader hasn't got much of a chance. It could be revised in later editions to cover that but with the rest of the story being so lame there isn't much reason.

The real problem of course is that Tashjian doesn't seem to have anything new for Larry to say and the book is really a rehash Gospel with a poor plot. It was fun once but how much preaching can we be asked to take?

one word.......2004-10-29

one word this book was not as good as the first but still i loved it, it was incredible

Incredible.......2004-10-29

This is the most optimistic book I have ever read. It toys with not only the idea that people WANT to change the world, but that they CAN, without superpowers or magic or an appearance on Oprah. This was a Kid Runs For President book without the immaturity; it focused less on the age of the candidate than on the issues-real, true, important issues-he's pushing. Is this book realistic? No, of course not--but instead of faulting the author, why not fault ourselves? Why couldn't a group of people who were willing to fight for something get the rest of us to care? Not only does Janet Tashjian provide real solutions to problems--exaggerated and stretched, but on the right track--but she also introduces the novel idea of the Critical Patriot: the person who sees the flaws of the country but doesn't retreat into cynical commentary. The person who actually loves this country with its flaws AND IS WILLING TO MAKE IT BETTER. Her realistic portrayal--using actual candidates, events, issues, and facts--makes it all the more relevant to us. I think that all teens should read this book, just as all teens should register to vote when they're old enough. Josh/Larry is the symbolic epitome of what teens COULD be--not necessarily candidates but activists, working to make America and the world a better place. This book takes a stand--so should we.

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LARRY STRAUSS IS A GENIUS WRITER!

One Man One Vote
Larry Strauss
Manufacturer: Holloway House Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0870678892

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LARRY STRAUSS IS A GENIUS WRITER!.......1998-06-19

Congrats on another fine work of literature Mr. Strauss. Thanks for your many contributions to society. H

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Virginia Votes 1983-1986
Larry Sabato
Manufacturer: Univ of Virginia Weldon Cooper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0317603000

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Vote for Larry
Janet Tashjian
Manufacturer: Listening Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: B000TM1C2O

The big push: the case for political E-mailing. (Strategy & Tactics: Getting out the Vote).: An article from: Campaigns & Elections

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The big push: the case for political E-mailing. (Strategy & Tactics: Getting out the Vote).: An article from: Campaigns & Elections
Larry Purpuro
Manufacturer: Campaigns & Elections, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Campaigns & Elections, published by Campaigns & Elections, Inc. on October 1, 2002. The length of the article is 832 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The big push: the case for political E-mailing. (Strategy & Tactics: Getting out the Vote).
Author: Larry Purpuro
Publication: Campaigns & Elections (Refereed)
Date: October 1, 2002
Publisher: Campaigns & Elections, Inc.
Volume: 23 Issue: 10 Page: 47(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Readers go wild to vote bloggers off "the island".(SHOP TALK: Innovations): An article from: The Masthead

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Readers go wild to vote bloggers off "the island".(SHOP TALK: Innovations): An article from: The Masthead
Larry Reisman
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Blogging & Blogs | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000IY0HPG
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Masthead, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2006. The length of the article is 787 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Readers go wild to vote bloggers off "the island".(SHOP TALK: Innovations)
Author: Larry Reisman
Publication: The Masthead (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Page: 30(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Virginia Votes, 1987 to 1990
Larry Sabato
Manufacturer: Univ of Virginia Weldon Cooper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 9991530428

Vote fraud!: An article from: Campaigns & Elections

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Vote fraud!: An article from: Campaigns & Elections
Larry Sabato , and Glenn R. Simpson
Manufacturer: Campaigns & Elections, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Campaigns & Elections, published by Campaigns & Elections, Inc. on June 1, 1996. The length of the article is 6454 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Most people believe that voting fraud is a thing of the past and that such incidents are alien to modern American politics. Unfortunately, vote fraud has made a comeback. In the 1993 special election for Philadelphia's vacated 2nd senatorial district, Democrat William Stinson's campaign used illegal absentee ballots to win a narrow victory. Similar incidents were seen in other elections in Alabama, California and Texas. Far-reaching reforms are needed if voting fraud is to be minimized, if not completely eliminated.

Citation Details
Title: Vote fraud!
Author: Larry Sabato
Publication: Campaigns & Elections (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 1996
Publisher: Campaigns & Elections, Inc.
Volume: v17 Issue: n6 Page: p8(10)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Virginia votes 1969-1974
Larry Sabato
Manufacturer: Institute of Government, University of Virginia
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Virginia votes, 1975-1978
Larry Sabato
Manufacturer: University of Virginia ; Institute of Government
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

Many investigations into the structure and function of cells and tissues require the isolation of a particular membrane or subcellular component (organelle). This book covers all the necessary aspects, from the homogenization of cells via a variety of separation techniques, to the isolation
and characterization of peroxisomes and other organelles. Basic separation techniques needed in all cell biology laboratories are given and presented in the context of a number of related topics such as the labelling of ligands, the kinetics of their internalization and analysis of data, and the
electron microscopy of organelles. Subcellular Fractionation contains expert advice and detailed methodology, and will be invaluable to researchers in this important area.

Subcellular Fractionation : A Practical Approach (Practical Approach Series)

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Subcellular Fractionation : A Practical Approach (Practical Approach Series)
John Graham
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKRPXG

Book Description

The use of lanthanides in organic chemistry and in organic synthesis has attracted broad interest recently because of the unique reactivities and selectivities exhibited by compounds of these rare earth elements. In particular, several major advances have been made in the last five years. This volume of Topics in Organometallic Chemistry is designed to provide the specialist and non-specialist alike with a much needed overview of recent developments. Contributions by leaders in the field focus on stereoselective organic synthesis using lanthanides, the principles of lanthanide chemistry, lanthanide-based chiral catalysts, low-valent lanthanide compounds, polymer synthesis using lanthanide catalysts, and polymer-supported lanthanide catalysts used in organic synthesis.

Synthesis of Lanthanide and Actinide Compounds (Topics in F-Element Chemistry)

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Synthesis of Lanthanide and Actinide Compounds (Topics in F-Element Chemistry)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0792310187

Lanthanides in Organic Synthesis (Best Synthetic Methods)

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Lanthanides in Organic Synthesis (Best Synthetic Methods)
Tsuneo Imamoto
Manufacturer: Academic Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Biochemistry | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

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Synthetic Methods of Organometallic And Inorganic Chemistry: Lanthanides And Actinides (Synthetic Methods of Organic Chemistry (Theilheime)

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Synthetic Methods of Organometallic And Inorganic Chemistry: Lanthanides And Actinides (Synthetic Methods of Organic Chemistry (Theilheime)

Manufacturer: Georg Thieme Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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Lanthanides in Organic Synthesis
Tsuneo Imamoto
Manufacturer: Academic Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHSDQW

Book Description

On the Large and Small Increments of Fractional Lvy Brownian Fields (Yong Kab Choi, Kyo Shin Hwang and Hee Jin Moon); On Oblique Reflecting Switched Diffusion Processes (Jai Heui Kim and Jung Hoon Song); On the Weak Law of Large Numbers for Weighted Sums of Pairwise Negative Quadrant Dependent Random Variables (Tae-Sung Kim and Hyun Chull Kim); The Moduli of Continuity and Large Increments of a Class of Gaussian Processes (Zhengyan Lin); Random Walk Tests and Pseudorandom Number Generators (Keizo Takashima); Increments Theory on Gaussian Processes (Zhengyan Lin); The Law of Large Numbers for Fuzzy Numbers with Unbounded Supports (Dug Hun Hong); On Moduli of Continuity for a Two-Parameter Fractional Lvy Brownian Motion on Rectangles (Kyo Shin Hwang); Total Occupation Times for Symmetric Stable Processes and Gaugeability (Dae Hong Kim); A Note on Limit Theorems for the Two-parameter Wiener Process (Hee Jin Moon and Kyo Shin Hwang)

Book Description

This is the first edition ever published of Trimalchio, an early and complete version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald wrote the novel as Trimalchio and submitted it to Maxwell Perkins, his editor at Scribner's, who had the novel set in type and sent the galleys to Fitzgerald in France. Fitzgerald then virtually rewrote the novel in galleys, producing the book we know as The Great Gatsby. This first version, Trimalchio, has never been published and has only been read by a handful of people. It is markedly different from The Great Gatsby: two chapters were completely rewritten for the published novel, and the rest of the book was heavily revised. Characterization is different, the narrative voice of Nick Carraway is altered and, most importantly, the revelation of Jay Gatsby's past is handled in a wholly different way. James L.W. West III directs the Penn State Center for the History of the Book and is General Editor of the Cambridge Edition of the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. He is the author of William Styron: A Descriptive Biography (Random House, 1998).

Customer Reviews:

A Fascinating Early Draft of The Great Gatsby.......2004-02-04

As a die hard Fitzgerald fan, Trimalchio has enhanced my love and understanding of The Great Gatsby. I really loved the signifance of the name Trimalchio, once I understood it. (For those of you who haven't read the 2nd century AD play by Titus Petronius in which Trimalchio is orignially referenced, Trimalchio is a slave who throws an extragavent feast that everyone laughs behind his back at.) Knowing the reference gave such new depth to my understanding of Gatsby's character, for who was he really if not an updated Trimalchio?

Something else that seemed rather interesting to me were some of the white supremecy illusions that Fitzgerald sprinkled lightly throughout the novel, notably in conversations with Tom and Daisy about the "Master Race". I also noticed a Swastika Holding Company noted in one of Nick's outings to NYC. That alone, the Swastika Holding Company within an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, is worthy of a dissertation.

This early draft seems far darker than The Great Gatsby, yet far clearer in character definition. I understood Gatsby and Daisy's characters far more clearly in this draft. This is an absolutely gorgeous, gorgeous preview of what would become "The Great Gatsby" and I highly recommend it.

Beautiful & fascinating -- A must-read for "Gatsby" lovers.......2003-06-07

"The Great Gatsby" is my favorite book. This early version is absoultutely fascinating to me. I've read much about the history of the manuscript and the changes made to it, and with "Trimalchio" we get to read for ourselves one version. I was thrilled to have this unusual opportunity; I felt privileged. (Only one complaint in this review is in my last paragraph.)

Aside from the sheer thrill of witnessing at least part of the transition and revision, the book itself is a wonder--to one end--to be viewed along with "The Great Gatsby." Things I've been bothered by in "Gatsby" are different in this book, and it's interesting to read that they had indeed been altered - most notably, the mid-section in "Gatsby" when Nick tells the reader in a near omnicient narration Gatsby's true story; this happens entirely differently in "Trimalchio" and in my opinion does not break the narrative flow the way it does in the final "Great Gatsby."

Some unanswered questions, some debated items become clearer after reading this. Is Gatsby a good guy or a bad guy? Is Nick? Who is Jordan Baker really? Is Nick the agent of the action or an observant/removed narrator? "Trimalchio" presents the answers to some of these questions differently than does "The Great Gatsby," or in a more straightforward and clear fashion. In a sense, this could be a truer-to-Fitzgerald's-soul account, as many of the changes were suggested to him from the outside. Many of the characters underwent changes from this version to "The Great Gatsby," though some changes more major than others.

I'm trying, in this review, not to write what would be a book's worth of my opinion about which is a superior book. Gatsby is such a part of me I could write forever. I will mention that typos and other necessary changes were made from this to the final, as well. And although some things I've questioned and have bothered me simply because I do love the book so much are different in this early version, I don't know how I'd feel if this were the *only* version of the book, as what we have here is an early version of a book I'd always thought brilliant.

The language is beautiful; the characters amazing, sad, complex. I'm infinitely impressed by this book, whichever level of "completion."

I've got one complaint about this edition of "Trimalchio": at the back of the book, there is a list of changes made - galley version, holograph, 1st edition, etc. They are laid out in such a way that they are hard to follow and hard to study. I nearly know "The Great Gatsby" by heart. While reading "Trimalchio" I noticed tiny, tiny differences. But, after I finished, I wanted to truly study the changes at each stage of Fitzgerald's writing, and the lay-out and lack of explanation made it oppressively uninviting. It's too bad, too, because I am ceaselessly (as FSF might say) interested in this - this book, the revision process, its history, everything Gatsby.

Interesting for what it is and what it isn't.......2003-01-16

For all the talk about the many differences with The Great Gatsby, Trimalchio is still essentially a rough draft of the classic it became rather than a separate and distinct novel. Only the final two chapters are appreciably different beyond the point of reading both novels side by side a page at a time (and as much as I admire Fitzgerald, I'll leave that task to someone else!). Nonetheless, there are enough slight changes in character development and imagery throughout the book to make it interesting.

In one sense - especially in the little-changed early chapters - this version of the story is interesting mostly in that it demonstrates the improvement brought about by the relatively few changes that were still to come. For example, Jordan Baker's climactic recollection of seeing Daisy and Gatsby together during the war is quite a bit less scandalous here than in the final version, so that the plot still advances but much of the tension of the scene is lacking. Some of the party scenes are also less detailed than they would become. None of this is to say these parts of the book aren't still enjoyable, especially if you haven't read Gatsby recently; it's just that the changes Fitzgerald made really did improve the story in small but noticeable ways.

Although the end of the story is largely the same, the last two chapters do hold several surprises for those who are already familiar with the final version. Gatsby is portrayed at least slightly more sympathetically, Nick is less of a shadow, and the past events leading up to the currently unfolding plot are both different and somewhat less vague. This takes away some of the mystique of several of the characters, but it's not necessarily better or worse; in any case, it's fascinating to see Fitzgerald's original approach and how it changed. One thing he arguably didn't change enough is Nick's bleak outlook in the closing pages; life doesn't end at 30 just because of a lousy summer! I've always considered that the weakest point of the novel, but this version at least offers a slightly different context and narration of the ending.

Imperfections and all, it's still brilliant. Recommended for all Gatsby fans.

A Must-Read for Gatsby/Fitzgerald Fans.......2000-10-27

I first encountered "The Great Gatsby" in 11th grade and its sheer lyric beauty has transfixed me to the point of at least 4 readings per year ever since. Therefore, "Trimalchio" was a joy for me to read and I believe it will bring the same amount of happiness to fellow Fitzgerald fans. The book is a brief read at only 146 pages of actual text,( as opposed to "Gatsby's" 189 in the most recent Scribner paperback edition) but the opportunity to read the rough draft of a genuis like Fitzgerald is an invigorating experience- reading passages from "Trimalchio" and then looking at their equivalent passages in "Gatsby" allows you to enter the mind of Fitzgerald through his revisionary decisions and enchances your appreciation of the sheer amount of work which Fitzgerald devoted to crafting his masterpiece. That being said, do not expect incredible differences between the two texts: the most notable changes are minor details and the chronilogical order of events and revelations. Reading "Trimalchio" is ultimately like watching deleted scenes from a movie on a DVD- they are of comparatively minor significance, but they enhance one's appreciation of the work as a whole. If you loved "The Great Gatsby," take the time to read "Trimalchio."

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