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Reviews (3)
Apr 06, 2011
Twain's Anecdotes as told to his secretary
Twain's recollection of events and description of their circumstances is brilliant. His observations of human character and behavior coupled with descriptive environment are masterful. It is enchanting reading but sometimes ponderous because he writes in the style of the times. One cannot help but be impressed with the incredible detail in his recollections used to set the scenes in his many stories. By today's standards he guilds the lilly. If you want insights to the brilliance of his recollections and mind, this book will deliver them. It is a worthy book for Twain fans but, be prepared to take awhile to appreciate his unfolding of the truth. Many of his stories were the result of something sticking in his craw. You can see he worked these over in his mind and carried them with him for years. It is as if the stories were seeds in his brain for possible future use in his writing. Most of us would have enjoyed the opportunity of having a drink with Twain; this is as close as you will get.
Mar 06, 2008
Sony XBR 40" Television
1 of 1 found this helpful This television displays satellite images very well. The blacks are strong, colors do not bleed into each other, and the whites are without any noticable grayness. In otherwords, it is sharp, contrasty and accurate with it's color. Skin tones look very realistic, probably the toughest test of good color. Sports motion does not blur as with some LCD screens. The sound system is satisfactory in stereo without home theater amplification and depth. If one wants the "rumble" sound so many movies like to make, a sound system is recommended. Our purchase of the Sony brand was an expression of faith in experienced dependability and quality of their products. So far, we have not been disappointed.
Sep 06, 2008
Seabiscuit Film After Reading the Book
Seabiscuit was a good film and an excellent book. In my limited experience I've noticed people who read to experience, know and be entertained tend to expect a much higher level of nuance, information and pleasure out of a book than they do a film. It stands to reason, a book is considerably more work. People who watch films to experience, know and be entertained tend to more of the wow, splat and bam. Saying this does not preclued enjoyment of both media. The differences in the film and book can best be explained by the time devoted by the reader and viewer to each.
The Seabiscuit story is not as simple as it may sound watching a trailer or reading a book jacket. The film did not have enough time to include all the details that make this little-big-horse story so extrordinary, whereas, the book did. Both were well done but, the better story was told by the book. So much has to be left out to fit the short time the movie plays. It must have been agonizing for the screenwriters and director to decide what will show. Saying this, it still was a very good film.
Reading the book first, as I did, gives one that common feeling that no film will match the book. The film condensation of history was brilliant if, you paid attention to all the hints and suggestions of subtlety put into it. Without reading the book much would be missed. With my considerable insensitivity, the film would not be as powerful seeing it before reading the book. Each can stand on its own as seperate artistic efforts. Obviously, you will conclude both should be experienced, book first. This is my recommendation.