cbostrum (04/05/83)
someone recommended John Barth's "The Floating Opera" along with some of his newer stuff. (It is his first novel). It is decidely different from them; it is essentially naturalistic while the others not at all. But it should always be recommended along with his second novel, "The End of the Road", which he describes as a "companion piece". They were both written in the same year (1958?). I think the second one is much better actually, but would like to hear others' opinions.
leichter (04/06/83)
A question about Barth's "Floating Opera": There are two versions of this book. When Barth submitted the original, his editor wouldn't accept it without revision, apparently including a different ending. About 3 years ago, Barth, now an "established" author, had the original published. I've read both, but unfortunately with a gap of about 3 years between; I've been meaning to go back and look more closely at them, but have never had the chance. Does anyone know what the significant differences are? With the 3-year gap, they were not obvious to me. (Ah, for a diff that could read paperbacks...) -- Jerry decvax!yale-comix!leichter leichter@yale
steveb (04/07/83)
If you go out to get The Floating Opera, make sure what you're getting. Barth originally had the protagonist, who reaches the point of
tracy (04/10/83)
Even though I enjoyed his other works, "The Floating Opera" and "The End of The Road" remain my favorite novels by John Barth. The relationship between the two in style and theme is quite apparent but I thought the second was more intense and provoking. I have recommended these books to many of my friends and usually get similar reactions from them. Does anyone have any comments about his latest (as far as I know) book "Chimera"? I haven't read it yet. Tracy Tims (decvax!hcr!hcrvax!tracy) Human Computing Resources Corp