Product Description
As befits more than twenty years in Hollywood, Oscar-winning screenwriter William Goldman's sparkling memoir is as entertaining as many of the films he has helped to create. From the writer of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men and Marathon Man, Adventures in the Screen Trade is an intimate view of movie-making, of acting greats such as Redford, Olivier, Newman and Hoffman, and of the trials and rewards of working inside the most exciting business in the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Good Advice. But Throw the Last Chapters Away.
Yes, the movie production anecdotes are amusing and they help budding screenwriters realize some of the pitfalls of production.And yes, there's good advice throughout on dealing with celebrity actors, producers, directors and studios.But the last few chapters about the adaptation of the story Davinci didn't work for me.Pretty low stakes.

Great book for movie buffs
For light reading, William Goldman is one of my favorite authors.Marathon Man, Brothers, The Color of Light, Princess Bride, and Magic were all outstanding."Adventures" doesn't disappoint either.

Goldman is a successful screenwriter, with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid probably his best known work.His sometimes provocative analysis of the movie-making process is very interesting.One of the key concepts he emphasizes is that "nobody knows anything," and some of the anecdotes he tells about movie-makers tend to confirm that basic viewpoint.

Personally, I liked the anecdotes best, but aspiring screenwriters might find Goldman's discussions of some of his own experiences in that area very interesting too.Goldman describes some of the approaches and techniques he used himself in creating screenplays; analyses the Butch Cassidy screenplay in some detail; actually goes through the process of creating a brand new screenplay for another story he wrote; and then has a cinematographer, production designer, editor, composer, and director critique his new screenplay from their unique perspectives.The critiques aren't always flattering, but they do provide a number of very useful, sometimes surprising insights into the movie-making process.

All in all, a very enjoyable and very interesting book.

*****
This is a great book that covers some of my favorite films. I would just like to say here that I believe Goldman was prompted to write this book after giving a very long and fantastic interview for the book THE CRAFT OF THE SCREENWRITER by John Brady, in which Goldman covers similar ground in spots. But what amused me was that between that interview and ADVENTURES Goldman completely changes his opinion on certain things!For one thing, in the interview he defends some aspects of ALL THE PRESIDENT's MEN that in ADVENTURES he witheringly attacks! So if you really like this book I recommend getting Brady's, just for the amusement of comparing Goldman's 180 degree opinion changes.

Thorough, fun, but dated
This is a good read and in a relaxed style. The movies and people are dated but having said that, this is still very good at describing the basics of how Hollywood works.

A Bit Dated, But Still Good
William Goldman, otherwise known as the "Godfather of Screenwriting" has some sagely advice to give, when it comes to the industry.
Although the book is a bit dated (he mentions the development of Rocky 2, and wagers that there will be a third one, eventually...) it still has great stories of his adventures in dealing with the industry.He admits his failures (Stepford Wives) and points out the times that lightning was caught in a bottle (Sundance Kid).
If you're interested in the industry, or pursuing the trade, it's a good primer for what you are to expect.An important aspect to note, however--the style of his screenwriting is not considered conventional, anymore.With each screenplay handled like a shooting script (CUT TO: boy running in flowers) it's not a book one should get to learn about screenwriting structure.
But, as he says himself in the book, you must remember--"Nobody knows anything."So perhaps you can make your OWN rules apply in the industry. ... Read more

Product Description
Contents: Marathon Man * Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid * The Princess Bride * Misery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Four Quality Films by a Master
William Goldman is easily among the greatest screenwriters of our day. This includes four of his memorable scripts: Marathon Man, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Princess Bride, and Misery. The book includes all four screenplays together with an introduction by Goldman for each. The book is an excellent choice for aspiring writers, students of film, or collectors.

Esential reading for all aspiring writers
Most people have seen these four films. Far fewer have read the screenplays. Because of the diversity of the material and the quality of the writing, this book is truly essential to all writers, especially those who want to write for the screen.Goldman's screenplays are unique. In effect, he has invented his own screen language. He's that rare beast, a screenwriter who cares about style.
Prepare to be thrilled and inspired.

Great for fans of screenplays and of The Princess Bride
Well, I've always enjoyed reading screenplays. In addition, I've loved The Princess Bride since I first saw it. I also loved Misery. However, I hadn't seen Butch Cassidy yet. Reading the screenplay made it mandatory.

Goldman's comments about the movies are a wonderful addition to the screenplays. I highly recommend this book.

Wonderful companion guide to four great films
An enthusiastic 'thumbs-up' to William Goldman for including four essays to accompany his wonderful screenplays.

If you wonder why the author chose the idea of using the grandfather as the storyteller in the "Princess Bride" or how beloved Andre the Giant was on the set of the film then this book is a must-read.

Want to know which major scene with Kathy Bates in "Misery" was changed over the objections of the screenwriter? It's all here, colorfully annotated by the author in his essays that preface each screenplay.

The most entertaining book I've read so far this year (1998). If you've enjoyed these movies then, by all means, read this book! ... Read more

Product Description
Playwright/novelist/screenwriter Goldman analyzes Broadway from the perspective of the audiences, playwrights, critics, producers and actors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Still one of the best theater books out there!
I read The Season: A Candid Look at Broadway when it first came out. I devoured it in one sitting, and loved every word. Back then, you could actually see a Broadway show without finding a co-signer and a sympathetic loan officer. We saw every show that Goldman discusses. I assure you that there has been nothing like that fabulous season on Broadway since.

If you have any interest in theatre and would like a book that will take you right back there into that fabulous moment of New York City history, do not miss reading William Goldman's The Season!

How Now, William Goldman?
I read this book first in the 1980s, while I was actually working in the theater (and I had met a few of the people talked about in the book). What I like about it so much is that Goldman expresses his opinions, especially about the fare on Broadway at the time (not so good), the deficiencies of some of the actors and actresses and his sweeping view of the whole milieu. I don't always agree with him, but he's so incisive that you gain enormous respect for him, particularly when he's writing about Judy Garland, Sandy Dennis and Tom Stoppard. Students of theater history should turn to this book to find out what a bygone era (before huge corporations and nonprofits took over Broadway) was all about.

A wise look at Broadway
William Goldman is not only a great screenwriter, but a wonderful writer of prose/criticism, as evidenced by "The Season," probaby the smartest, if not funniest, book ever written about the (sorry) state of Broadway. Here he tells you all you would want to know about the making of a Broadway show--all the compromises, betrayals, fits of ego, and under-the-table deals that keep the "fabulous invalid" (a phrase, by the way, that makes Mr. Goldman want to vomit) alive for another season. As a lover of theater, you may become depressed at the cynical machinations that go on to get what is, after all, usually pretty mediocre material to the stage; however, Mr. Goldman's prose is so crisp and entertaining that your spirit is ultimately lifted by his keen analysis. Although the patient is very sick, here's a doctor who has a prescription to offer. And all through the book, he does offer suggestions on how Broadway can better serves us, the theatergoers. Alas, the advice wasn't followed then (the late 60s), and it's not being followed today.

Can't I add a sixth star???
This book is it. It's just it. If you have any inclination at all to work in the theatre in any capacity, this book is required reading. Do not move to New York without it. I did, and I barely barely survived the few days it took me to find a copy. Order it now while you still have time! I'm serious!

Thorough Candor
This is an extraordinary book.It is written by an author with a first class mind and genuine curiosity about his subject.Whilst one may not agree with all of it, the writing is a delight and he does not shirk dealing with controversial issues such as the influence of homosexuality on the stage and the corrupt financial practices in relation to theatre tickets, etc.Even though it was written for the 1967-1968 season, it still resonates and viewed in retrospect, it provides crucial evidence relative to the aetiology of the culture wars. ... Read more

Product Description
William Goldman, who holds two Academy Awards for his screenwriting (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the PresidentÕs Men), and is author of the perennial best seller Adventures in the Screen Trade, scrutinizes the Hollywood movie scene of the past decade in this engaging collection. With the film-world-savvy and razor-sharp commentary for which he is known, he provides an insiderÕs take on todayÕs movie world as he takes a look at "the big picture" on Hollywood, screenwriting, and the future of American cinema. Paperback.Amazon.com Review
"The trouble with the Oscar show is that it's too short,"William Goldman writes more than once in these infectiously drollessays about Hollywood stars, box office roulette, vintage movieyears, and the illogic of Saving Private Ryan. Any other writerwould be in deep ironical mode saying that, but the great screenwriter(All the President's Men, The Princess Bride) and giddymovie enthusiast is hardly a "prevailing view" kind of guy. Wouldn'twe have gotten Brando himself at the 1973 Oscars, he argues, if he hadunlimited time to defend Indian rights to a billion viewers? Wouldanything have been better than that? Writing irregularly forNew York magazine between 1991 and 1999, Goldman promised toexplain "the Hollywood mind" to the rest of us--with the mantra alwaysin front of him that "nobody knows anything." Which leaves him open tooccasional free association. Gungha Din is "the most importantmovie ever made," he writes not once but twice. If Miramax issuccessful it's because the Weinsteins "live above the store." What doyou do with Universal giving Sylvester Stallone $60 million afterthirteen duds like Tango and Cash? "How long do you think you'dhold if you had those thirteen movies played over and over in a lockedroom?" Goldman asks. But while there's ephemera galore here, andnothing so very lofty, the guy speed-typing his interior monologuesloves movies, and when he runs through the dumb things inGood Will Hunting or the great things about (his "all-timefavorite") Cary Grant, just try putting the book down. --LyallBush ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Recycling day at the Goldman's
Yes, William Goldman is one of the most renowned screenwriters around but no, these essays have not aged well. If you want to read about handicapping the oscar races from five and six years ago, buy this book. But if you want some real insight into Hollywood, start with any other of the non-fiction books Goldman has written over the years.

Golden Goldman
William Goldman is a good screenwriter.When bad, he is awful."The Ghost and the Darkness" was terrible, and "The Princess Bride" was so cutesy treacly sugary quirky sweet, I almost went on insulin.But his book here is deadly honest.I thought I was the only person in America who noticed the big breasted girl behind the old guy in "Saving Private Ryan."I thought I was the only person in America who kept wondering where the laughs were in "Shakespeare in Love."I, too, want to see vote totals for the Oscars.I disagree with many of Goldman's opinions of films: "As Good As It Gets" was so in love with its own ideas, it never let the audience in on the joke, "The ShawshankRedemption" is just a combination of every prison film since the 1930s' "The Big House," and Hugh Grant falling in love with the annoyingly insipid Andie MacDowell in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" showed what a dumb character he really was.But at least Goldman is brutally honest in his opinion of the films of the 1990's.This shows you can only take fluff entertainment shows like "Entertainment Tonight" with a grain of salt.Hollywood has been punishing the public for years with junk like "Independence Day" and "The Grinch," Goldman is leading the charge against the money men from Out There.

Quit whining, Goldman!
Goldman's ranting and raving will soon get onto your nerves, especiallysince he frequently shows himself to be a hypocrite. In several places hespeaks of his dislike for special effect-filled blockbusters, then in otherplaces he says how he loved movies like "Independence Day". Italso seems odd how Goldman hasn't written a solid screenplay for some timenow, and has written a number of scripts for those blockbuster movies, yethe whines about the "junk" screenplays Hollywood uses. (By theway, he's writing the screenplay for "Jurassic Park 3" - eventhough he voices slams against Spielberg here!) Everything to him seems tobe Hollywood's fault, though he never mentions how even before "StarWars", audiences were starting to stay away from movies like"McCabe And Mrs. Miller". He certainly never mentions how manyindependent films come out each year that critics love, but the audiencedoesn't go to. In short, the audience decides what movies get made. IfGoldman is reading this, I dare him to answer these charges. But heprobably won't - his next book will probably be more whines yet again abouthow the final votes in the Academy Awards should be revealed, how moviesare "worse than ever", yadayadayada. Goldman, put up or shut up -not only for these charges, but the screenplays you write!

too much of a good thing
I've been a fan of Goldman's non-fiction since the original"Adventures in the Screen Trade", but I'm disappointed with hislast two books."Which Lie Did I Tell (More Adventures...)"paled in comparison with the original, but was still better than a lot ofsimilar books.This one however is mostly a loss.

I read many of theseessays when they appeared originally in New York magazine.They cover theyears 1990 through 1999 and appear chronologically.Most of them fall intoa couple categories: 1) a prediction of how a summer's movie selection willfare 2) a re-hash of the same season a few months later 3) predictionsabout one year's Oscars 4) a re-hash of that year's Oscars (with aside-rant about making the vote tallies public) 5) a discussion of who isthe biggest star in Hollywood

The essays were great when they originallyappeared, but now they lack (obviously) timeliness and uniqueness (sincethey all pretty much read alike).Goldman's near-copyrighted phrase is"No one knows anything."

Better luck next time.

A not-bad collection
Goldman is always compulsively readable. (If you doubt, track down"Adventures in the Screen Trade," "Hype and Glory," or"The Season," for me his best three books about show biz.) Thiscollection -- and it is very much a collection -- is no exception. Ifyou're a Goldman fan and you missed these short essays in "NewYork" magazine and "Premiere," the book is worth getting(though perhaps not for the hardcover price Applause is asking -- I'd waitfor the paperback myself).

Some of the other generally positive reviewson here have made several negative remarks and they're all true.Embarrassing number of typos. Repetitive. Truly terrible book design -- parfor the course with Applause. But I'll say this much: The book kept me alot more entertained than Goldman's most recent book, "Which Lie Did ITell?," a somewhat unworthy follow-up to "Screen Trade." Andit contains, as one of the other reviewers mentioned, a massive smackdownon "Saving Private Ryan" -- perhaps annoying if you loved thefilm, but absolutely hilarious if you didn't.

The only serious flaw orbias I detect in Goldman's attitude is that he romanticizes the movie erawhen he first fell in love with movies -- say, the '40s and '50s -- andconstantly uses the classics of his childhood as a stick to beat modernmovies with. The fact is, probably there were just as many stupid moviesback then as there are now, deservedly forgotten. Movies as an art form arestill so young that it seems inaccurate to say they've gone downhill, whenin fact there have been many peaks and valleys over the last 100 years.Goldman never seems happier than when he's saying movies have never beenworse. (Then later in the book he says they've gotten worse still.) Thefact is, there are movies getting made now that wouldn't have stood achance 10 or even 5 years ago. So, when reading this autopsy on movies from1990-1998, take it with a grain of salt. And enjoy. ... Read more

Product Description
From the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Princess Bride (he also wrote the novel), and the bestselling author of Adventures in the Screen Trade comes a garrulous new book that is as much a screenwriting how-to (and how-not-to) manual as it is a feast of insider information.

If you want to know why a no-name like Kathy Bates was cast in Misery-it's in here.Or why Linda Hunt's brilliant work in Maverick didn't make the final cut-William Goldman gives you the straight truth.Why Clint Eastwood loves working with Gene Hackman and how MTV has changed movies for the worse-William Goldman, one of the most successful screenwriters in Hollywood today, tells all he knows.Devastatingly eye-opening and endlessly entertaining, Which Lie Did I Tell? is indispensable reading for anyone even slightly intrigued by the process of how a movie gets made.



Amazon.com Review
Something odd, if predictable, became of screenwriter William Goldman after he wrote the touchstone tell-all book on filmmaking, Adventures in the Screen Trade (1983), he became a Hollywood leper. Goldman opens his long-awaited sequel by writing about his years of exile before he found himself--again--as a valuable writer in Hollywood.

Fans of the two-time Oscar-winning writer (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men) have anxiously waited for this follow-up since his career serpentined into a variety of big hits and critical bombs in the '80s and '90s. Here Goldman scoops on The Princess Bride (his own favorite), Misery, Maverick, Absolute Power, and others. Goldman's conversational style makes him easy to read for the film novice but meaty enough for the detail-oriented pro. His tendency to ramble into other subjects may be maddening (he suddenly switches from being on set with Eastwood to anecdotes about Newman and Garbo), but we can excuse him because of one fact alone: he is so darn entertaining.

Like most sequels, Which Lie follows the structure of the original. Both Goldman books have three parts: stories about his movies, a deconstruction of Hollywood (here the focus is on great movie scenes), and a workshop for screenwriters. (The paperback version of the first book also comes with his full-length screenplay of Butch; his collected works are also worth checking out). This final segment is another gift--a toolbox--for the aspiring screenwriter. Goldman takes newspaper clippings and other ideas and asks the reader to diagnose their cinematic possibilities. Goldman also gives us a new screenplay he's written (The Big A), which is analyzed--with brutal honesty--by other top writers. With its juicy facts and valuable sidebars on what makes good screenwriting, this is another entertaining must-read from the man who coined what has to be the most-quoted adage about movie-business success: "Nobody knows anything." --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (51)

No Lie - a good read
Great read but didn't help give this screenwriter a better feeling of the industry...but very entertaining!!

Goldman should get an Oscar for pretension.

I made it as far as him saying that the screenwriter is the sole creative force of making movies:Production is just an assembly-line to get the script onto the screen.I work in Hollywood and find this pretension annoyingly common.There is a reason that the director gets the "A film by" credit.Don't get me wrong:The screenplay is one of, if not the most important piece of the puzzle at the start of production.However, actor performances, direction, cinematography, etc. are the immensely important elements that make a film great (or a failure).A great screenplay with horrible performances makes a crappy film.Crappy screenplays have been saved by talented directors.

I also got a kick out of how many dozens and dozens of bedtime stories like "The Princess Bride" he says he told but never wrote down and are now lost to the ages.Goldman is really in love with his talent and we should all feel lucky that he decided to share it with us.Ahhhh..... Hollywood egos.

In his defense, he is a talented screenwriter and some of his stories in the book are amusing.I just couldn't get past the all-mighty better-than-thou attitude.

Entertaining, informative, and yet...
"Which Lie Did I Tell" covers some of the "adventures" of Oscar-winning screenwriter William Goldman. Some are entertaining, some are informative. For struggling screenwriters, it is always good to read about what a respected and well-known screenwriter went through to "make it," and William Goldman doesn't mince words. He relates enough humorous tales to keep the reader's interest... but then, quite often, unfortunately goes off on endless non-related tangents, forcing the reader to go back several pages to see if he missed anything.

The best part of the book is when he decides to share a portion of a new screenplay he has written and then actually asks for notes from fellow famous screenwriters. Most of the notes were merciless; in fact, they were quite similar to those that I received for my first screenplay (and I'm not famous and I don't have an Oscar). It was really quite unbelievable that he was willing to let the reader see his new baby screenplay torn to shreds. The thing is, you could easily see his craft in his writing of the screenplay; on the other hand, I agreed with almost all of the harsh notes he received, which essentially questioned the screenplay out of existence.

In this way, the book is also educational. Nonetheless, I found myself struggling to get to the end of it and only did in the hopes of stumbling upon another gut-busting bon mot. There are definitely a few scattered throughout the book, so, yes -- a one-time read is good; going back and using it as a resource -- probably not. Still, I have to give him thumbs up for being so honest with the audience.

Which Lie Did I Tell?
The best of it's kind for anyone interested in screen writing. Easy to read, full of help, Excellent.

The Trials and Tribulations of a Hollywood Screenwriter. And Some Advice.
"Which Lie Did I Tell?" is a follow-up to William Goldman's 1983 book "Adventures in the Screen Trade" in which the screenwriter gives us the inside scoop on Hollywood moviemaking from a unique point of view -that of the writer- and provides some lessons in screenwriting through examples from his own and others' attempts to create movies from the raw materials of experience and imagination. This book has 4 parts, but if you're only interested in the stories Goldman has to tell about his Hollywood experiences, those are found in Part 1. Parts 2-4 address the craft of screenwriting: what works, what doesn't, why, and how to pitch it. Goldman is opinionated, blunt, and he refers to his Oscar-winning "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" screenplay far too often. It's obviously his pride and joy. "Which Lie Did I Tell?" is briskly paced, personal, and it gives us the lowdown on what it takes -not just the writing talent, but the mettle- to write movies in Hollywood.

Goldman starts with the 9 years he didn't work, 1978-1986, after having written 7 movies in the prior 8 years. Not exactly encouraging to aspiring screenwriters. Then Goldman takes us through his experiences writing -and in some cases filming- seven screenplays he wrote 1986-1997: "Memoirs of an Invisible Man", "The Princess Bride", "Misery", "The Year of the Comet", "Maverick", "The Ghost and the Darkness", and "Absolute Power". These screenplays provide insight into a variety of writing challenges, as some are original, some adapted, one adapted from Goldman's own book, some from novels, some entirely fictional, and one is based on a true story. And, of course, some were hits, some flops, and one didn't make it. Goldman relates the ideas behind these movies, his intentions and struggles in writing them, with plenty of commentary on studio executives, stars, directors, and test audiences. Goldman's goal is to tell it like it is in the screen trade.

In Part 2, Goldman examines the screenplays for some famous -and famously successful- movie scenes from "There's Something About Mary", "When Harry Met Sally", "North by Northwest", "The Seventh Seal", "Chinatown", "Fargo", and his own "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". He presents analysis and opinion on why these scenes work so well and shares his technique for finding the heart of the material when adapting work for the screen. In Part 3, Goldman looks at some real-life dramas that might make interesting movies, but notes the difficulties in adapting them and discusses the problems inherent in writing about real people. Part 4 is a screenplay that Goldman wrote in order that others might criticize it for this book, followed by critiques from 6 successful screenwriters. This is a worthwhile exercise that really illuminates the pitfalls of creating characters for the screen. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of five screenplays by this Academy Award-winning writer. Includes: All the PresidentÕs Men ¥ Magic ¥ Harper ¥ Maverick ¥ The Great Waldo Pepper. Also features essays by Goldman: "Getting Even or Creative Accounting," "Sneak Previews, or Why Did She Have to Die?," "Hype or Consequences: A Brief History of the Future," "Shooting from the Hip: DonÕt You Know Anything About Screenwriting?," and "Nothing for Me to Steal: The Secret Life of an Adaptation." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

To love screenwriting, is to love William Goldman
Just go ahead and try to write a screenplay like William Goldman and you'll get slammed!

Yet despite the "flowery phrasing" the author of some of cinema's greatest screenplays is a master at getting you to play the movie in your head! It's the great ones that get to break the rules.

Every script is an enjoyable read, instantly and visually compelling, and a real lesson for writers on how to use language to give Actors, Directors, Cinematographers, and Script supervisors what they need to know as poetically and economically as possible.

I particularly enjoyed reading about the decisions that went into the making of The Great Waldo Pepper. As a kid, this movie really turned me around. It was a life affirming tragedy and it painted an emotional picture of a man's life using every color on this writer's pallette. Worth the price for this one alone!

All the essays prefacing the screenplays are a fascinating read, and a window into a facet of film history. ... Read more

Product Description

Is The Princess Bride a critique of classics likeIvanhoe and The Three Musketeers, that smother a rippingyarn under elaborate prose?A wry look at the differences betweenfairy tales and real life?Simply a funny, frenetic adventure?Nomatter how you read it, you'll put it on your "keeper"shelf. --Nona Vero ... Read more

Customer Reviews (732)

fast and honest
Seller delivered book quickly and it was in exactly the condition they said it would be in. Would definitely buy from them again!

"Westley and I are Joined by the Bonds of Love and You Cannot Break It, Not With a Thousand Swords..."
Like many people, I was familiar with the 1987 film The Princess Bride long before I read (or even knew about) William Goldman's original novel, the extensively titled "The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure." Like the film, the novel has a framing narrative that introduces the tale itself; unlike the film it is not of a young boy being read the story by his grandfather, but Goldman's own experiences with the book both as a child and an adult.

Working with the conceit that it is a "real" novel written by the (entirely fictional) S. Morgenstern, Goldman discusses how he was introduced to the novel as a boy and then undertook the task of abridging the text in order to make it palatable to modern readers. The "original" text, as it turns out, was a long-winded satire on the culture and society of the novel's imaginary setting - something that Goldman cuts out in favour of the adventure and romance. Throughout the course of the novel he interjects the narrative with his own running commentary on the editing process, the book's inaccuracies and other anecdotes.

The set up is a little complex, and glancing over the other reviews it would seem that a couple of readers are a little confused about this being the "abridged" version. Rest assured this is the one and only version of the book. Goldman's claim of abridgement is a fictionalized background in order to better compare the difference between the jaded, cynical real world and the fairytale idealism of the novel. It is like a show-within-a-show (for example, Goldman's wife and son as described in the foreword are nothing like his real family). Of course, for many this is as obvious as leaves on trees, but I've been surprised in discussions on this book at just how many people are under the impression that it's all "for real."

Furthermore, there is a strange anachronistic humor at work here. Though the setting is roughly Renaissance Europe (Guilder and Florin are named after European coins), the narrator tells us at various points that the story is set after stew, taxes and blue jeans, but before glamour and Europe. Just go with it and you'll find that the droll humor is all part-and-parcel of the parody that Goldman has created.

Buttercup is fast on her way to becoming the world's most beautiful woman (if only she were to gain some depth and understanding of personal hygiene), but she's more interested in riding her horse about the farm and bossing around the farmhand. The handsome youth called Westley responds to her constant demands with the simple response: "as you wish." But as she grows toward adulthood two things become clear: that her beauty is gaining her a reputation in the bordering countries of Florin and Guilder, and that she is desperately in love with Westley. Once their love is declared Westley decides to go in search of his fortune so that he may be worthy of her hand in marriage, only to fall prey to the Dread Pirate Roberts.

On hearing of his death, Buttercup goes into deep morning, and emerges from her bedroom as the most beautiful woman of the world, with hair the color of autumn, skin like wintry cream, and all the sadness of the world in her eyes. Drawing the attention of Prince Humperdinck, who needs to wed if he wants to inherit the kingdom of Florin, Buttercup is forced against her will into an engagement. Meanwhile, Florin and Guilder teeter on the edge of war, not at all helped by the war-mongering prince who is eager to invade his neighbors. The situation seems ready to erupt when Buttercup is kidnapped by three mercenaries who have been paid to place the blame for her murder on Guilder.

Pursued by a mysterious man in black, and by Prince Humperdinck and the cruel Count Rugen, Buttercup is helpless to do anything but watch as her captor, the hunchbacked Vizzini, sends his men out to kill her would-be rescuer. The man in black easily bests Inigo the Spaniard who is out to revenge his father's death at the hands of a six-fingered man, and Fezzik the gentle giant who loves nothing more than to rhyme words, until it comes down to a battle of intellect between himself and the master-criminal. And that's only the first few chapters.

The blurb describes the novel as "a tale of true love and high adventure, pirates, princesses, giants, miracles, fencing, and a frightening assortment of wild beasts," which still only encompasses a portion of the book in its entirety. It's also touching, thoughtful and hilarious, and certainly well-deserving of its "classic" status. Something that is also lost on several readers, even those familiar with the film, is that the book is largely a satire of the usual fairytale conventions. Yes, Buttercup is a rather terrible role model, but that's because she's a parody of the helpless damsel in distress. Miracle Max is a complete dues ex machina, but then that's the whole point. Westley and Buttercup's relationship has only marginally more depth than your standard high school teenager and her morose vampire lover, but what can't be denied is the strength of the feelings between the two. Sentiments like "my arms love you, my ears adore you, my knees shake with blind affection," are as sincere as they are ridiculous.

As such the book is filled with two competing viewpoints on how to see the world: with rose-coloured glasses, or with the glass half-empty. Goldman's framing narrative is filled with disappointment and disillusionment, the book that he so adored as a child is filled with hope and miracles and good triumphing over evil. More than anything, this is a book about the inherent unfairness of life, and our attempts to assuage that by writing stories. As such, it's a little tear-jerking when the beautiful but none-too-bright Buttercup stands up to her evil fiancé and declares: "there is a God, I know that. And there is love, I know that too; so Westley will save me." If only it were that simple...

For those who have watched the film, it's interesting to see just how well it intersects with the original novel. William Goldman wrote the screenplay, and "The Princess Bride" stands as one of those rare movie adaptations that not only does complete justice to the source material, but which over time becomes almost inseparable from it. Watching it again after reading the book, it's apparent just how perfect the casting was for each character and how well the text and film compliment each other. I'd go so far to say that if you have one but not the other, you're missing out on the full picture. In fact, the latest cover art portrays Westley and Buttercup as bearing a definite resemblance to actors Cary Elwes and Robin Wright.

There are some scenes from the book that didn't make it into the film, such as background on Fezzik and Inigo's pasts, but also some scenes in the film that did not appear in the book, most notably Inigo's "guide my sword" moment as he tries to locate Westley. Some lines are directly quoted from page to film, though other bits and pieces have been changed around a little, for instance, I was amused that Westley's famous line: "life is pain, anyone who says otherwise is selling something" originally belonged to (of all people) Fezzik's mother.

The story is not necessarily for children - after the Fire Swamp the pacing slows considerably, and they certainly won't find much interest in Goldman's various asides and amendments. Likewise, discerning parents may be a little put off by the rather graphic descriptions of violence, torture and nightmares. The latest edition of the book contains a plethora of extra material, including not one but two introductions by Goldman (from the 25th *and* 30th anniversary of publication), a reading group guide, a map of Florin and Guilder, and the short-story sequel "Buttercup's Baby", which sheds extra light on our heroes whilst raising new questions in the process.

Essentially, "The Princess Bride" is a very simple story, told in a very simple way, but which is still revelatory. Ranging from touching to humorous, adventurous to romantic, tragic to nobly idealistic, it - like the film - is one of those stories that gets under your skin and stays a part of you, no matter how old or young you are when first experiencing it.

Perfect Condition
It came earlier than expected and was in perfect condition.
It was also an amazing book :)

As a big fan of the movie, I am conflicted when it comes to the book
As a fan of the movie, and learning that the book expands on the backstories of many of the characters I was quite excited to read the story. Having never been much for reading (I read slowly and books can take a long time for me so I am very selective about what I read), I decided that my love of the movie made this a worthy book to read.

As my fondness for the movie was the driving motivator for reading this book I feel a comparison is prudent in this case.

After reading the book I find myself conflicted as to whether or not it truly was a good idea to do so. You see, the movie is all about love, unbridled and unflinching in even the face of death. Perhaps the realists or pessimists out there may say that this detracts from the story but it's a fairy tale in a world of fantasy so I say why not? =)

The movie is, for the most part, a condensed and somewhat rose-colored-glasses version of the book. In the book, Mr. Goldman goes between providing details on "S. Morganstern's" drivel on-and-on about certain scenes, providing an insight into himself as a child arguing to his grandfather reading the story (ala Fred Savage's character in the movie) and at times speaking to the reader as the grandfather in the movie. At times I found the interjections to be reminiscent of the movie and other times I felt it detracted from the story at hand. I think it'd be cool if Mr. Goldman were to release another book detailing this instead of interjecting it into the story itself. To some it can be a nice aside, but I found it brought me out of the world of the story.

What really gets to me are the characters. For some, I felt the characters in the book were better while I felt that in many ways the characters in the movie were better.

Viccini is one that I enjoyed much more in the book than the movie. His character is darker, and meaner and far from the comic relief that he represents in the movie (though I will say he was acted well and is a memorable character nontheless). I also found Inigo's story to be much more interesting in the book, where it's expanded upon much more than the movie.

Unfortunately, and the one that really got to me was Buttercup. Her character may be the typical helpless heroine of the story but at least she held true to her ideals and principals. In the book, I found her to be many times more conceited and quite frankly dumb. As well, for the realists out there you may be happy to learn that Westley and Buttercup do argue and bicker in the book.

As well, the book is a bit darker than the movie. I won't go into details as I don't want to spoil anything but that is the truth of the matter.

So in conclusion, as to whether or not you should read this book I would say it's entirely up to you. Personally I'm still wondering if it was wise for me to do so. Sure, I enjoyed learning of the backstory or more details about the various characters, but I would not say that this is a story about "true love". There are changes in the way things play out that to me find it hard to believe in this fairy-tale's premise. Still, it is my hope that this review can assist in providing some insight for you =).

Charming
It's hard to read "Princess Bride" without thinking of the wonderful movie adaptation of the book.But the movie just enhances the experience of the absolutely charming book.

It's a classic adventure-and-love story.The most beautiful woman in the world, the strongest man in the world, the best sword-fighter in the world, the most fearsom pirate in the world, the world's greatest torturer, and the world's greatest hunter. And the world's deepest love.

It's fun and funny in many parts, with sly asides about that mock the conventions of the adventure story.But it also has pathos, especially during the numerous interruptions that bedevil the ultimate lovers Buttercup and Westley and during Westley's torture.

Finally, it's a book for almost all ages -- just as is claimed in the wrapping story that frames the book.It can be read to a 10-year-old, enjoyed by a high schooler, and zipped through by an adult.
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Product Description
Starting out as a boy in the Catskills, Corky develops into a brilliant and famous magician whose long-hidden secret and expert skills attract dark forces intent on destroying him. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Do It Right
Charles (Corky) Withers, moody, silent, is he cracking?He weeps at the Frick.He picks up a woman, Fern, who teaches at Brearly.She realizes Corky is famous.

He eats lunch with Ben Greene at Four Seasons.Greene is a magician.He has a television appearance for Corky to do, but a medical examination is required.Corky refuses and the television offer is nixed.

Corky has imagination.It does not stop.At the time of Corky's teenage years he is told by a magician, Merlin, that magic shows are dying out.

Merlin's apartment is filled with props.Corky is fascinated.Merlin dislikes being crowded.He says he isn't one of the Collyer brothers.

Corky persuades Merlin to be his teacher.He learns coin palms and card palms.Merlin and Corky travel together.After he develops an act, Corky begins to use a dummy.Audiences love it.

The rest of the book is exciting.Things become twisted.It is a psychological thriller.I did not enjoy reading the book, although the writing is okay.Generally, I don't care for books in the thriller category.

no spoilers for this classic
Nobody does psychological horror better than Goldman does it in this book--practically the very definition of the genre. As a reader, this is the kind of gripping, punch-to-the-gut page-turner I'm looking for. As a writer, I am just jealous as hell.

Scott Nicholson
The Red Church vs. They Hunger

Great psychological horror novel
Too bad this book from novelist/screenwriter William Goldman has fallen out of print.This is great psychological horror that reads fast (most of the book is dialogue) and has some genuine creepy moments.It's a kind of combination of Jekyll & Hyde meets The Tell Tale Heart mixed with magic and ventriloquism.It seems a mixed bag, but it works.

If you like the other horror books of the '70's -- The Other; Rosemary's Baby; The Exorcist; Carrie -- then you'll like this one.I've read people complain that this is like a long Twilight Zone episode, but since when is that a bad thing?The jekyll and hyde theme is one of the most basic in all of literature.And creepy dolls are SCARY!Try to find this at your local library, used book store, or garage sale.It's a great weekend read.

Terrific Book With a Terrific Twist
If you haven't seen the movie, I urge you to read this book.It is one of Goldman's best and almost all the reviews here give away the book's major twist, so you might want to avoid them.

This is one of those stories that will have you jumping out of your chair when the twist comes.It's right up there with Ira Levin's A Kiss Before Dying.Goldman is one helluva writer and is, in fact, one of my own biggest influences.Much of my desire to write books came from reading his work.

Twilight Zone episodes were better...
I know, I know...the Twilight Zone was not a book but a TV show.It's just that by the time this novel came out, Rod Serling had presented not one but TWO different versions of the "almost human" dummy idea with Cliff Robertson and Jackie Cooper in two different tellings.It is not difficult to conclude that those episodes influenced Goldman in writing his novel.What a hack!

For my purist bucks, I prefer the works of the originators of ideas.In this case, I prefer Serling to Goldman and you don't have to sit through hours of reading this to be creeped out.It's all over in 30 minutes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great story, good depth,funny and touching


It is comedic as well as having it's touching moments, a very good read.

Sienfeld goes to the army
I titled this review such becuse Goldman creates a story with a wonderful setting, fantastic characters and no structured plot.Sienfeld's idea was not unique, Goldman carries it off brilantly.You will laugh out loud, and you'll fall in love with Eustis Clay and Maxwell Slaughter.I am genuenly sad that I had to say good bye to my friends Eustis and Maxwell at the end of this book, and I can't help but wonder what ever became of ole Eustis anyhow?You'll wonder to, like a old friend who you've gotten out of touch with but remember fondly.Hey Goldman, write the screenplay so I can see my friends again!

If Butch and Sundance had Grandsons...
...they would be Eustis and Maxwell.Soldier was written about 25 years before Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid was released, set on a then present-day Army base in the south.It's both a "buddy" and"coming of age" story about two apparently opposite sergeantsunited against the larger world, and their eventual coming to grips withit.Terrific characterizations:imagine if they made a movie of this wayback when, starring, say, Steve McQueen and Jackie Gleason - both in theirprimes - in the starring roles; it would make Butch Cassidy seem like aDisney flick in comparison.Thanks, Billy Goldman; you always knew whatwould entertain us and make us look at ourselves.We just needed the timeto get ready to do so. ... Read more

Product Description
A starkly revealing story of the yearning and pain of unmarried love by the author of The Temple of Gold! The frank and tender portrait of a seventeen-year-old boy and his initiation into physical love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Great !
People who love Amer. TV , wont like this book. Everyone else, Loves It !!

Excellent if you care about Babe and Doc, not so much if you're just looking for a page-turner
Masterful little scenes which, despite complaints above, do much to enhance the characters, particularly Scylla of course. Indeed, wrapped up with haste and has a real bummer of an ending, although it is perhaps inevitable and fitting. Scylla ia a great character, both in this book and MM. Does have some cringe-inducing expository dialogue, but there are passages that are such a joy to read that I forgive its sins.

Pathetic piece of garbage
I bought this book used, and I have to say it might have been the worst $2 I have ever spent.If you have the paperback version, you might see some of the positive reviews in the front; in fact, one reviewer even proclaims it a "masterpiece."Frankly, I don't know what book those folks were reading.If you like wooden, underdeveloped characters, an idiotic plot, pages of boring back story in the middle of an "exciting" scene, and an unexplained, shoddily-constructed, intelligence-insulting twist that would farcical if you weren't so angry that you had wasted a few hours of your life reading the previous 300 pages, then this book is for you.If it had been possible to hand out negative stars, I would have done so.

Goldman needed to buy a house...
...that is the only reason I can think of for resurrecting his beloved MARATHON MAN characters, completely rewriting their history, and shoving them awkwardly into a story that could have just as easily featured characters from THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Not only did he write a ridiculous book--a man creates a drug that makes a racist homophobe have sex with a black man!--he did the unforgiveable: he undid much of the power of MARATHON MAN. Turns out that tragic, shocking death in MARATHON MAN didn't even happen...Scylla's just been living on an island. Really unfair and embarrassing. Can only reccommend it on a purely camp level.

This isn't a sequel
I love the novel Marathon Man, and I've read it several times. I couldn't believe my luck when I saw Brothers for sale. Unfortunately, this isn't a sequel to Marathon Man. It's a whimsical, superficial secret agent story that brings Scylla back from the dead -- or does it?

I'm afraid, if you are a big fan of the Marathon Man novel, you'll be disappointed with Brothers. Read Brothers as a stand-alone story, by all means. But if you want a sequel to Marathon Man, steer clear. The Scylla in Brothers is not the same character as in Marathon Man; he is a completely new character with the same name. Brothers concentrates on this new Scylla.

Babe comes into the story for no good reason -- he appears briefly for the purpose of contributing to a hastily-finished twist ending. If you liked Babe from Marathon Man, again, this is not the book for you.

The fight scenes are poor, with this new Scylla, at times, swinging wildly from being a terrifying, super-strong menace, to a klutz who repeatedly gets knocked down and trapped by the most innocuous of characters.

Certain important characters significant in Scylla's life and background from Marathon Man have disappeared, to be replaced by new characters, without explanation. The author hasn't given a damn about what went before.

Maybe William Goldman, who is, yes, a great storyteller, should have had his own novel Marathon Man open in front of him when he was writing Brothers. The connection between Marathon Man and Brothers is spurious at best.

So, I repeat my advice: if you are looking for a sequel to Marathon Man, steer clear. Brothers is not a sequel. ... Read more

Product Description
Acclaimed for such Academy Award—winning screenplays as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and such thrillers as Marathon Man, not to mention the bestselling classic The Princess Bride, William Goldman stands as one of the most beloved writers in America. But long before these triumphs, he caused a sensation with his brilliant first novel, a powerful story of reckless youth that was hailed as a worthy rival to The Catcher in the Rye.

THE TEMPLE OF GOLD

Ray Trevitt is coming of age in the American midwest of the late 1950s. Handsome, restless, eager to live life and to find his place in the world, Ray hurtles headlong through a young man’s rite of passage–searching for answers and somewhere to belong. What he discovers is that within friendships and love affairs, army tours and married life, victory and tragedy, lie the experiences that will shape his destiny, scar his soul, and ultimately teach him profound lessons he never expected.
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Customer Reviews (18)

AS good as the first time I read it in 1962!
This is a wonderful coming of age tale, and full of wise and wimisical insights into life that still hold true today.
I originally bought a copy this time for my grandson, but as I began to think of the novel, I knew I just had to get a copy for myself too, so ordered another copy from Amazon and had such a lovely read.Ana Jae

Zichary, Zachary, Zock
One of my all-time favorite books (Rates #2 right after "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest") and William Goldman's best.I discovered it when I was 15 and have read it a number of times since then, maybe even as many as ten, and I never tire of it.I quote it often:"What we are is either because of or in spite of our families, which amounts to the same in the end."

I believe this book should never go out of print.It should be shelved right next to Golding's "Lord of the Flies" (where you always find Goldman on the bookshelf) in the Classics section.Hemingway, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, and my man William Goldman.

a great, great story
This book was required reading at my friend's all boys high school many years ago. He recommended it to me and it became one of four or five books from my teenage years that have stayed with me.Many people have compared it to Catcher in the Rye.I can see the resemblance, but this book is so much better.It may not be, technically, better than Catcher but it has great heart and if you ask me, it's just a much better story.I have heard William Goldman say terrible things about this book; maybe because it was his first book he sees all kinds of errors or things he would write differently now, but boy, I just love love love it.
I reread it this week for the first time in 10 years or so, and it was just as funny and fresh as it was the first time.I have teenage boys who are not readers and am going to start reading this to them at the dinner table.I think they might pick it up on their own after a few pages.

Goldman's first novel, not his best
This book is brazenly a Catcher in the Rye Knock-off, with a few endearing quirks of its own.Even so, 30 pages into it I stopped reading and went and got Catcher in the Rye off the shelf and spent the rest of my Saturday afternoon reading all of it. Not to say this is a bad book, just a tad superfluous. I mean, I'm sure someone could redo Huckleberry Finn and it would be OK, but what's the point? If you want a first person narrative of the angst of a young man, read Catcher. Of course, this book is not a complete..., and it has its moments, but the whole is not as good as the sum of its parts, as is often the case for a first time novelist (Goldman was 26 at the time). There is plenty of room for original variations on the Catcher theme, which was revolutionary at the time, but this book does not fill the bill. I read it, I may read it again sometime, but it is not particularly fantastic, in my opinion. I know others are enamored with it, and I see some strong points, but don't expect too much. Other stuff by Goldman is better, most notably The Princess Bride.

An all time favorite
I've read this book a couple of times - first when I was a senior in high school, again a couple of years into college, and then most recently as a first year grad student - and every time I've loved it.There are a lot of reasons(it's wry, sincere, frighented, hopefull, and terribly honest... not to mention beautifully written), but I think one of them is that as Goldman works his way through the complex weave of friendship, hope, love, fear, confusion, etc with which he fills this novel, amist it all he somehow manages to capture that rhythm by which life just goes on and on and up and down and you learn some lessons and other things leave you scarred but either way things just keep moving.It's a really difficult thing to accomplish in such a personal and straigtforward novel such as this, but when it is accomplished, it's wonderful.

That's just one stab at explaining one of many reasons that I loved this book, though.I recomend it wholeheartedly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent sports recap of the 1987 seasons in New York
The book talks about the 1987 baseball, football and basketball seasons in New York. Lupica's sections are interesting analyses of the various suplots that make up a season and Goldman provides some hilarious "FanNotes," which, in my opnion, make the book a keeper. If you are a NewYork sports fan, expecially a baseball one, give this book a try. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fairy tail come true
BEAUTIFUL story....it has everything from romance (of course), action, drama, suspense, and a plethora of interesting characters.

if only it were on cd...
if this is the one read/told by rob reiner then it's absolutely fabulous.i miss listening to this.

it's obviously condensed for time purposes but they were able to get all the good parts in.there are no character voices in this nor does it contain any audio from the movie.it 's just reiner reading and it's definitely worth the add to your princess bride collection. ... Read more

Product Description
"A funny and tender novel of a mixed-up man, his bitchy ex-wife, his dissatisfied mistress and his extraordinary six-year-old daughter." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not one of Goldman's better books.
Although very easy to read, I felt that the book never really grabbed you and pulled you in. Goldman does a good job creating all the characters, but doesn't seem to know what to do with them after that. Certainly shows thedark sides of a bad marriage and its affects on a child. A decent read, butGoldman has done so much better! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

GIVE 'EM H*LL, ESTELLE!
By far, the most (and only) fascinating female character in this Hollywood novel, published about 30 years ago if my memory serves, is not one of the three beautiful former starlets who are desperate to make a grand comeback--or intro--in a blockbuster movie based on Marilyn Monroe's suicide.Rather, it's Estelle Garvey, the unattractive, middle-aged, brilliant, and very street-smart wife of the producer, who manages to bring her straying husband to his knees for his own good through clever manipulation using his many infidelities of decades.Estelle is the only woman in the novel whom I respected.

As for the rest, Ginger was a rich, self-absorbed, spoiled brat, Dixie was just plain stupid, and poor "Pig" was an industrial-strength codependent who needed professional help big-time for her zero self-esteem.(So did Dixie, for that matter.)

A fabulous, fascinating novel, and I must admit, I read it to death!

A fictional "Adventures in the Screen Trade."
William Goldman's "Tinsel" is a story of Hollywood and the curious and often vulnerable personalities involved in the movie business. Its framing device is the casting of a new movie about the life and deathof a sex symbol, loosely based on Marilyn Monroe. We meet the money andcreative people behind the movie and the various starlets hoping for a shotat the incredibly juicy role. As usual with a William Goldman novel, we areprivy to the thoughts of the various characters and, as usual, there aresurprises along the way. But the best thing about the novel is the feelingof Hollywood that it manages to convey, the blend of sordidness andglamour, the money and egos involved in each film, and the terribleattraction that a starmaking role has for actors and actresses. Manyauthors have tried to bring Hollywood to life in their novels, but few havesucceeded as well as Goldman has with "Tinsel."

Tinsel
As a longtime William Goldman fan, I went into this book expecting to like it. I loved it. Tinsel details the making of a movie; like most of Goldman's books, it's not the story he tells (although it's a fabulousplot) but the way he tells it. In his inimitable way, Goldman ripsHollywood apart and exposes it for everything it is, everything it wishesit was, and everything it can't help being. ... Read more