turner%rand-unix@sri-unix.UUCP (07/08/83)
It is no wonder that names in LotR and Sword of Shannara seem so similar: Sword of Shannara is a pretty blatant rip-off of Tolkien. I never even finished this book I was so upset. ================== Writing style and content are the two sides to a story. A good writing style does much to help a book, but it is not a substitute for content and an interesting story. Thus a book with content need not be well written to be enjoyable. Witness many "classics" from times when writing styles were far different. By today's light they are not well written, yet they continue to enjoy considerable popularity because of their content. A similar situation exists for music. A well written song doesn't need a good vocalist for success. Witness Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, etc., all of who write good music but sing poorly. =================== Also on the subject of music, the Ayn Rand novel that Dan Vanevic refers to is "Anthem", Ayn Rand's shortest book and the only one I've ever read. -- Scott R. Turner -- turner@rand-unix