Product Description
Sci Fi at its best. This exciting 4-in-one volume includes Lilith, a Snake in the Grass, Cerberus, A Wolf in the Fold, Charon A Dragon at the Gate and Medusa A Tiger by the Tail. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A science-fiction masterpiece
This book is a complete series, consisting of the entire Four Lords of the Diamond Series.It contains these books:"Lilith, A Snake in the Grass;" "Cerebrus, A Wolf in the Fold;""Charon, A Dragon at the Gate;" and "Medusa: A Tiger by the Tail."

I believe it is a book club edition, though I picked my copy at a secondhand book store.The copies of the softcover mass market paperbacks I had were too worn, and this hardcover replaced them.

Here is what the jacket says, I can't really do better:

"Consisting of four oddly different worlds, the Warden Diamond System is a natural prison.There, microscopic symbiotic organisms called Wardens invade the cells of all matter. Leaving the Diamond, for some reason, causes the Wardens to die -- and with them, their hosts, in excruciating and hideous ways.So for centuries, the Confederacy has been sending to the system its most creative, brilliant, and individualistic criminals -- minds too rare to waste by wiping or execution.
But for those imprisioned, there are hidden benefits.On each of the planets, the Wardens have unique side effects, bestowing strange powers.On the paradise Lilith, where Wardens allow nothing artifical, no technology exists, and people can manipulate matter -- and their fellow beings.The watery Cerebrus, run as a highly computerized corporation, offers its inhabitants the ability to switch minds with others, not always voluntarily.Charon, filled with vast jungles and deserts, allows humans to create illusions and make them real;while on icy and forbidding Medusa, bodies can change to adapt to any environment.Each world is ruled by a Lord -- a master criminal who rose into power by brilliance and ruthlessness.
Now, from within the Diamond, there comes a danger that threatens the very existance of the Confederacy [of worlds].Working in allegiance with the Four Lords, a technologically superior, unnerving, elusive alien race has infiltrated the Confederacy at the highest levels.
To stop them, the confederacy calls its best agent, a Master Assassin.He will make a one-way trip to the Diamond.Or rather, his mind will.Four people stripped of their own personalities will have his mind imposed on their bodies instead.
The mission:working alone, using nothing more than their naked abilites, the surrogates must each find one of the mysterious Four Lords, kill them, and take over their link with the aliens -- knowing full well, even with a successful mission, they are trapped on the Diamond forever!"

Just typing that makes me want to re-read it, and let me tell you, it lives up to its hype.Chalker uses the literal device of layered protagonists with excellence, and these are filled with daring actions beside the Master Assassin's inner conflict of questioning his mission, now that he is stuck (not always in a male body).Buy it and read it if you can find it.

Item as stated
I had this book years ago, from the SciFi Book Club, and I swear this was the exact same book. I even looked for my name written in it. Thanks. I missed it. :-) ... Read more

Product Description
Long ago, the machines had rebelled, wiping out most of humanity and exiling the survivors in widely scattered reservations. Master System ruled unchallenged, the key to breaking its power -- five microchips disguised as gold rings, carefully hidden away. But then an Amerindian called Hawks stumbled across information about the five rings, and suddenly Master System developed an interest in seeing Hawks dead . . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent first book.
I have just read all 4 books in this series, back to back, in the last week. I was hooked after the first book, and I think it was one of the more interesting introductory books I've ever read. I give the first book 5 stars. Tho, the series, probably only 3.5, I'll explain more at the end...

A future earth, that seems to be stuck in the 1500's. Ruled by a "Master Computer" that was developed long ago, when man was at the brink of destroying himself. Now the computer has devolved mankind into a state of technology (1500's) that can be brutal and savage...but, doesn't have the ability or technology to wipe out the world in the process.

This master computer controls all technology and knowledge in this world. However, it does use some of the "brightest" people from each culture to help it rule. These people are snatched from their primative cultures, trained, indoctrinated, and given the knowledge and technology, that the rest of the world is now ignorant of. The only caveat is, each person must return to his/her peoples for a couple of months every 2 years or so, to "stay in touch" with the culture they came from.

This computer isn't malevolent, it's just following it's programming to protect humankind from itself. However, the methods it uses to do this can be quite extraordinary.

The Master Computer has basically "de-populated" Earth, to a point where there is less than a million souls on the whole planet. It has done this by moving Billions off planet, to other planets. On Earth, it has basically created 1500's technology, and the small population's living there are ignorant of anything else. England now has kings, barons, knights and castles. China has Warlords and their peasants. And America is basically populated by Native American Indians.

Earth has basically become a protected museum of what life was like 500 years ago.

This is a story of Hawk's. Who is a Native American Indian, but was deemed bright and inquisitive enough by the Computer, to be taught about the knowledge and technology, that is prohibited to everyone else.

On one of his mandatory pilgrimmages back to his people, Hawks discovers some secrets about the Master Computer. That the people who created it, also created a way to shut it down. Basically, it involves locating 5 rings, and using them in a certain way. This is forbidden knowledge to even one such as Hawk's. This book is about what he does with that knowledge, and how the Master Computer reacts to him having it.

This was a great book, and the only book I've ever given a 5 star rating too. As soon as I finished it, I immediately went out and found the other 3 books in this series, and also got everything else I could find by Chalker.

Unfortunately, Book 1 is the only book in this series I believe was 5-star material.

The following is what I thought about the rest...

Book 2 - 4 stars.

Is actually a pretty good continuation of Book 1. Hawks has now been sent to a prison planet, where he has enlisted some interesting allies in his quest for the rings. It moves along pretty well, and we become more aware of where Chalker is heading in this series. Which is good...and bad.

After reading several of Chalkers books now, it seems Chalker has specific areas he particularly enjoys exploring. Mostly, Alien physical form and culture.

Chalker is big into alternative alien form. Much of this book, and the following books, revolve around these ideas. Alien physical differences, and how those differences can shape a society. It's not really my cup of tea...but, Chalker is good enough at it that I can appreciate his interest. He also approaches it in a unique way. Instead of having "real" aliens, he has given the Master Computer the technology to actual "change" humans into a form that is more suitable to a particular environment. Instead of terraforming a planet to meet humans needs...he changes the humans to meet the planet's needs. Interesting twist. The master computer does this through a process call "Transmutation."

By the end of these books...I was sorta sick of the Transmutation process :)

Book 3 - 2.5 stars.

This is where the series fell flat for me. We basically spend this whole book trying to get 1 ring (remember, there are 5). On one planet, with one set of "transmuted" humans..and the culture and society they have created.

Hawks team has to infiltrate this society to be able to steal a ring. That means, they have to change themeselves into these "transmuted" humans, and live amongst them, to be able to get close enough to snatch the prize. It was an in-depth look at how physical form can affect culture, and a specific look at that culture.

I can appreciate what Chalker was trying to do here, but, it really seemed to drag for me. This is where I realized where Chalkers real interests lay...societal/cultural/philosophical/religious explorations. Like I said, I can appreciate his perspective, but I guess I really wasn't in the mood for it after the first 2 books.

Book 4 - 3.5 stars

After book 3, I realized we only had one book left...and we've only got 2 rings!

That means, we have to find 3 rings, learn how to use them against the computer, and have a final episode...all in the last book! I couldn't help but feel, even before I started reading it...that this one would be rushed.

And, imho...it was.

This was still a good book. Better than the 3rd.But, I couldn't help feeling that if we'd spent less time finding one ring in book 3, we could have spent more time getting the other 3 rings.

My biggest complaint, however, was with the ending.

There are things I would have loved to have explored further. What would it have been like for someone to interface with the Master Computer? What would they have felt, or seen? How would they go about changing things through that interface, etc...

Instead, it just sorta ends and skips ahead. I was pretty disappointed in this. However, it did actually "end," even tho more abruptly than I would have preferred.

Overall, I would give the entire series 3.5 Stars. It still has one of the best first books I have ever read, and Chalker is an intelligent writer. I never felt I was reading something designed for a much younger audience, tho, I believe any age group could enjoy it. I may not have the same interests Chalker has...but, I can appreciate a good, intelligent writer when I see one.

stands the test of time
I read this book in the late eighties when I was in high school and loved it.Recently I reread the series and found that it was not dated (besides the sheer size computers can take up) the results and effects of technology are still believable.This series has near everything sex changes, species changes, mythology, space battles, high tech espionage.The characters range from flawed and tragic to flawed and heroic. There is so much crammed into these four volumes.One of the best and most consistent series I have ever read.

Excellent and worth the Effort
I bought this book in its first printing back in the mid eighties (85 I think) While I was preparing for a canoe trip through Quebec. The whole plot line appealed to me for a number of reasons that I wont get into, however, I can tell you that the plot and charecter development were fabulously rich, and enveloped me in a Tolkienesque manner. I was drawn away from the rain and mosquitos, the biting flies, and the food poisoning we all suffered, to a world in the future that I felt could actually exist. I waited impatiently for the next few years for the forthcoming sequels to come out. The only disappointment in the whole series, was when I turned the final page, of the final book, and it was over. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

interesting series
Jack Chalker has a terrific imagination and The Four Lords of the Diamond series doesn't let you down. Medusa is the last book of this series, but they are all good and you do want to read them in order - not on a stand alone basis.

The Diamonds saga finds its solution
This is the last of the four Diamonds novels. You will feel rather lost if you haven't read the first three books.

I'm running into danger of repeating myself, but I have to mention that Mr. Chalker manages tosurprise us again. The conditions on Medusa are totally different fromLilith, Cerberus and Charon, as well as the plot and the fate of our hero.You won't get bored, that's for sure.

Of course, when the fourth missionis over, the Confederation agent, as you might have expected, puts all fourreports together and sets about solving the mystery behind it all. Read thebook to see what happens.

"Medusa" is not a bad book, but it'sfar from reaching the level of "Lilith". It's approximately asgood as "Cerberus" and "Charon". The final solution is- to my taste - too fantastic and far-fetched. I was slightly disappointed.Still, it's a great series, absolutely worth reading.

i still remimber it after years
I read this book years ago along with the others in the group (there are 4 in all). they still stand out in my mind when I think of good adventure sci-fi. the concept off these books alone is enough to keep you thinking,imagine they clone you 4 times ,send each clone down onto a planet he cannever return from to spy on / gain control of its government. while you areleft in space to oversee the copies of yourself and collect what they findout. add to that each world has a quirk of its own.one will not abide anytechnology but magic (seems)to work. on another you can change bodies withsomeone just by sleeping to close to them (whether you want or not). on yetanother your body will mutate to suite its environment on the fly (jump inthe water ,you got gills ) ect(NOW IMAGINE YOU WAKE UP THINKING YOUR YOUONLY TO FIND OUT YOUR ONE OF THE CLONES) ... Read more

Product Description
They took the body of Park Lacoch and stripped away his mind. Then they stuck him aboard a spaceship and exiled him to Charon, from which no return was possible. And just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, Park found himself transformed into a changeling -- a half-beast, half-man, with the beast rapidly gaining ascendancy . . .
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Diamond Saga continues
This is volume 3 of the Lords of the Diamonds series. It begins very much like Cerberus. On the one hand, the repetions in the beginning are a bit annoying, on the other hand, they are in complete accordance with the series' logic. Anyway, you shouldn't read the book without having read thefirst two volumes - Lilith and Cerberus. If you read this one first, myguess is that you'll miss about 75 % of the enjoyment. This review, too, isfor those who have read the first two books.

Now, if you've come so farwith the series, you surely want to know how the story goes on, so go aheadand read Charon and Medusa, too. In my opinion, Charon's a little betterthan Cerberus, but no match for the magnificent Lilith. Mr. Chalker is asstupidly PC as ever, and again, the end is very abrupt and confusing, buton the other hand, Mr. Chalker cleverly avoids repeating himself andmanages to completely surprise you, again.

For Diamonds' fans only.

Excellent third book in a four part series.
This is the third book in the Lords of the Warden Diamond four-book series. An unnamed investigator is sent to investigate the possibility of an extra-galactic invasion that could possibly be amassing in the Warden Diamond penal colonies. Due to the strange nature of the Diamond planets which makes it impossible for a person to leave the system once he has landed, the secret agents mind is copied onto the brains of four criminals who are being sent to the four planets of the Diamond system, while the original agent remains in orbit above, monitoring transmission from devices implented in the copies' brains. Each book deals with the adventures of one of the copies on his/her mission to find the source of the invasion, and take over the government of the world to which he/she was assigned. This third book deals with the mission to Charon, the closest planet to the system's star. This has always been one of my favorite series, as it was well written and kept me guessing as to various mysteries right up to the end. As a member of the whole series, this book is a must buy. On its own, it is not as good. The other three books are Lilith: A snake in the grass, Cerberus, and Medusa. I do not recall the subtitles of the latter two books. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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Magnificent mind-bending tales of swords and sorcery. ... Read more

Product Description
The Lord’s Prayer is familiar to everybody, but its true significance is unknown to most.Jack Hayford unlocks the door to this prayer, revealing a wealth of vital details often overlooked or ignored.Participants and teachers alike will marvel at the many important spiritual messages they will learn as they experience their lives being transformed in the process. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Competent and entertaining
The conceit of the Four Lords of the Diamond Series is that the Earth (and corresponding colonies) are ruled by a society which has everything regimented and controlled. Malcontents and criminals are sent to a planetary system infested by a virus which has different forms on each of the four planets, but which has in common on all that you cannot live without the virus in your system once you have been exposed.

In this second book, an agent is sent to assassinate the Lord of the second planet, Cerberus. On Cerberus, you can change bodies with others at will.

Like virtually every other Chalker book and series, the Four Lords series is concerned with issues of gender, sexuality and identity. In this book it is not irritating nor distracting from the plot. This is one of Chalker's better outings, I believe.

Excellent
This book is #2 of the series I recommendthat you read them in order (at least the first an last book) The series are amazing and this book is very good ... Read more

Product Description

Jack Hartman says, "At the age of 65, as I look back on my life, I would change one thing above all else--I wouldn't rise to so many occasions that didn't have to be risen to.Many people become agitated and upset in a seeming crisis situation when they could learn how to have quiet confidence in the Lord."

Isaiah 30:15 says, "...in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." If we want the Lord to strengthen us in crisis situations, we must remain calm and quiet because of our confidence in Him.If we panic, this reaction shows that we really don't trust the Lord.We often block the Lord from blessing us because of our doubt and unbelief.

Quiet Confidence in the Lord is anchored upon more than four hundred Scripture references which give step-by-step instructions on how to remain quiet and calm in a crisis situation.Readers will learn how to control their emotions, how to manifest the peace of God and how to ener into God's rest.Specific biblical instructions are given to recommend what to do to seek quiet time with the Lord each day.

Christians who would like a closer relationship with the Lord will find many Scriptures references to guide them.They will learn how to trust in their Father's great love for them, how to let go of problems, give them to God and leave them with Him.The book closes with a chapter that will be very encouraging to all Christians who are struggling with results of the aging process. ... Read more

Product Description
Jack McArdle ss ccSpiritualityThis is a book of prayers, although it is not a `prayer book' in the normal meaning of that word.I wouldn't dare tell others what words they should use, how they should speak to God, how they should relate to God,"" says Fr McArdle.""The inspiration comes from God himself, through the presence and work of his Spirit in our hearts...In this book I have prayed for the guidance of the Spirit, reached down into my heart, and written the words that came from there... What is offered here is nothing more than a kick-start on a journey, and I have helped you only when you don't need the words in this book to open your heart to God, or to get to know the heart of God."" Jack McArdle is a priest of the Sacred Hearts Community in Dublin ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

character depth, deepening plot
From square one this book will introduce you to salt-of-the-earth characters, eventually involving them in extraordinary circumstances. From this, their individual and collective personality develop into something appreciable and very interesting. The sheer montage of the main characters sets a truely overwhelming stage, which I can't wait to delve into and explore the possibilites for the remaining three books.

It's my first Chalker book and I do plan on reading the remaining three books. The character development is exceptional but there's enough action to keep you entertained as well as interested.

Hands Down best Sci Fi EVER
I have read a lot of Sci Fi--More than most people ever do. I was absolutely stunned at the panoramic beauty and scope of this series of books. Without a doubt one of, if not THE, best series ever in the history of the genre. The symbolism and struggles are hauntingly realistic and accurate--meshing with our deepest hopes and desires. This is a deep book from a deep series. My favorite author of all time. Between this series and the Wellworld series, all other authors have new benchmarks to aim for.

Imaginative, a little too much in typical Chalker style
At a certain point, I'd read a lot of Jack L. Chalker, but hadn't gotten around to reading The Rings of the Master series.

On the one hand, the book isn't disappointing-- the plot is inventive enough and the concept and characters engaging. Mankind lives in what is essentially a terrarium of their own invention. Centuries ago, people set computers up to rule the world and prevent mankind from killing itself. However, the computers now rule too well-- leaving people no free will or ability to innovate. Five rings were left by the creators of the original system and those rings have the ability to shut the computers off. The heros of the story must find the rings in the face of the computers' opposition.

I think people who haven't read a lot of Chalker won't be bugged by the repetition from earlier books, but even given a lot of elapsed time, I was still struck by how many old familiar Chalker elements there are-- gender switching, mind control, rape, blindness, physical experimentation. It felt a little too predictable in this way-- some kind of fetish (writer or reading public?) being expressed in the body of work.

Unique and Disturbing
Mr. Chalker presents an Earth more horrifying than 1984 or Brave New World.In this future you can be made to behave however the Master System (an all-powerful computer) chooses, in the name of preserving humanity. The individual's worth has been destroyed for the sake of society.I foundthe characters' instinctive need to regain control of this world a motiveworth cheering for, though the author didn't extrapolate much on thephilosophical implications of his theme.

Characters are dealt with evenmore harshly than in Stephen R. Donaldson's Gap series if you can believeit; psychologically brutalized to the point where some can no longer beconsidered the same people at the end of the story that they were at thebeginning.Occasionally the book comes close to making the charactersuninterestingly powerless, but by the end their free will has persevered. I'm glad I did as well.

Chalker lacks Donaldson's deftness and writinginto and out of corners, but the storyline holds together. This isn't thebest book I've ever read for characters or plot twists, but the setting andsituation have some interesting implications.That alone earns it fivestars, and I hope the author tries to explore them further in the sequels.I'll definitely pick them up (if I find them anywhere, that is) to findout.

Lords of the Middle Dark - a bright spark
Good story telling with emphasis on character development rather than indepth tech talk - the usual Chalker style I dare say.

The human race is caged by its own creation of which was created to protect the humansfrom destroying itself.Vaguely along the lines of Arthur C Clarke's2001:A Space Odysee where the computer running the space ship is alsoprogrammed to carry out the mission - no matter the cost.HAL in this sagais Master System - a mega computer developed by five key scientists toprevent humans from self-destruction.The book has an underlying messageof how humans are increasingly becoming dependent on technology.MasterSystem has taken over the world - its "prime objective" - savethe human race.It has control over everything and anything, more like aGod of whom all humans must obey.

An unlikely hero (isn't it alwaysthat way?) who grows to be likeable one, takes on the task of stoppingMaster System.This is achieved by using a process in which the fiveoriginal scientists programmed in - just in case.Five rings must beobtained which contains the key to stop Master System - but one bears thequestion "why didn't Master System destroy the rings?"Answer:because it has to allow humans to achieve it.It can try and stop them butit cannot destroy any chance of them obtaining the rings.

Jack L Chalkerconcentrates on the plot and character development rather than elaborateestablishment of science and technology.This makes for easier acceptanceof the technologies "invented" in the story."The Lords ofthe MiddleDark" is the first book of a series of four.And, iscompelling reading as the reader yearns for the next book in the series. ... Read more

Product Description
"Jack Agueros is the wiseguy in the choir who leaves the congregation muffling snorts of hilarity, or slack-jawed with the shock of recognition."--Martin Espada ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Main Meal
There are books that I read that are like a good dessert at the end of the day. They are nice, enjoyable, a good ending to the day. This book, however, is a great main meal. It is amazing, rich, and satisfying. It is funny, touching, and thought provoking. It has an incredible cultural flavor that makes you want to keep reading and re-reading. Wondering why all the food references? Read the book.

Warm, human, hilarious
If you think poetry is obscure, leaves you scratching your head as to meaning, or that the words and phrases are pretty but don't add up to any personal meaning, then you haven't read Jack Agueros. His poetry speaks to his love of people, all inclusive of race, ethnicity, gender, and religion. He is a people's poet, speaking of the low income, ethnically mixed neighborhoods. We get his intimate talks with God, who he unashamedly addresses as a friend or a boss, who isn't doing such a great job. His shortest poem, Psalm: for Patience, "Lord, hurry up and give me patience!" -- represents his irreverant and humorous addresses to his creator. Even the most religious among us must surely wonder why there is so much suffering in the world, and why God doesn't get down here and fix it. Agueros is not afraid to ask straight out, yet he does so in a warm tone, without anger. He defends all people, women, gay/lesbian, the poor, people of color. He comments on what he sees around him, what he sees in the media, and what unfair things are going on in this world. Rather than accuse God of slacking off at the job, he addresses God's angels, the Angel in Charge of Consumer Fraud, the Angel of Economics, the Angel of Equations, etc. This is one of the few books that you will read entirely, laughing through most of it and then immediately start over and read it again. Finally some real live human accessible poetry, straight from the heart and suitable for high schoolers as well. Thanks to Jack Agueros for real poetry for the rest of us. ... Read more

Product Description
Jack London (1876-1916), was an American author and a pioneer in the then-burgeoning world of commercial magazine fiction. He was one of the first Americans to make a lucrative career exclusively from writing. London was self-educated. He taught himself in the public library, mainly just by reading books. In 1898, he began struggling seriously to break into print, a struggle memorably described in his novel, Martin Eden (1909). Jack London was fortunate in the timing of his writing career. He started just as new printing technologies enabled lower-cost production of magazines. This resulted in a boom in popular magazines aimed at a wide public, and a strong market for short fiction. In 1900, he made $2,500 in writing, the equivalent of about $75,000 today. His career was well under way. Among his famous works are: Children of the Frost (1902), The Call of the Wild (1903), The Sea Wolf (1904), The Game (1905), White Fang (1906), The Road (1907), Before Adam (1907), Adventure (1911), and The Scarlet Plague (1912).

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New titles are being added daily, so be sure to check back often to find more great discounted books!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A major problem
To start with, this is NOT "South Sea Tales."The original collection of Jack London short stories bearing that title is a collection of 8 stories as far as I have been able to determine, and only some of those appear in this collection.Publishers have been misleading readers by putting out a wide variety of editions that contain SOME stories from South Sea Tales, and using the same original title without indicating that it is not the original.To give the present publisher credit, if you check inside to read the table of contents, it contains 10 stories, only four of which are from South Sea Tales, but the book cover can mislead a purchaser who is not careful (Amazon, at least, gives you the option of checking inside).

Having said that, it represents some of the lesser writing by Jack London.It is not at the level of his writing about the Yukon.If you are a Jack London fan, you might want to read it.Otherwise save your money.I might have given it three stars if the publisher had used an honest title, but I am irked by publishers who mislead purchasers (another problem has been publishers who change a title on a book, so you think you are buying something new and end up with something you have already read).

Terrific Collection
London does not disappoint in this collection. His observations are as sound today as they were in his time. It was fascinating to see that London even experimented with science fiction in his story the Red One.

Sean O'Reilly
Editor-at-large
Travelers' Tales
Editor of 30 Days in the South Pacific

A Fine Collection!
It's a shame Jack London's "South Sea Tales" (sometimes referred to as "Hawai'ian Stories") are not more respected, both by the masses and by literary circles.London's stories here are equally as engaging as his better-known Yukon tales ("White Fang," etc.). And the fact that the setting is so drastically different from the snowy Northern Hemisphere of his other tales represents how versatile of a writer he was.It is true, there is not a lot of character differentiation from story to story, which may annoy readers looking for a veritable "collection" of stories and yet please those other readers looking for stories that are connected and read more like chapters of a novel.Nonetheless, Hawai'i is a United State and yet, fiction from this region that is taught on an academic, American Literature collegiate level is rare.That is a shame, because this collection shows that the region is intriguing, dangerous, and beautiful, all at the same time (and what more can you want out of a short story collection)!

This is not South Sea Tales
One star is not because the Jack London stories in this book are not wonderful. It is because this book is not South Sea Tales by Jack London, which I first got from my grandfather's bookshelf and was one of the most memorable reads from my youth. It is a collection of sea stories, including four from South Sea Tales, but I have found a copy of the original stories at Barnes and Noble. One might guess that some of the stories were dropped because, like Huck Finn, they use dialogue and espouse attitudes that we now know better than to live. The stories are still great and do not deserve to become un-stories. This collection is misnamed and misleading.

Good solid 1900's sea stories
Eight good stories by Jack London, about the people and places of the south Pacific in 1908.Also a good long introduction by A. Grove Day which should (like all too many "introductions") only be read *after* reading the stories.

Most of the people in these stories are, of course, either victims or perpetrators (or both) of one of those long painful Western exploitations of a less civilized ("less civilized") part of the world.London knows that that's what's going on, and he writes with sympathy for all concerned, and without the more self-conscious bemoaning that would be expected of a XXIst century writer. To the modern reader, then, he can sometimes seem cold-blooded, but seldom disturbingly so.

The prose is fine and spare most of the time, and never gets in the way of the tale. The places and the tales are memorable. There is not a great variety of character and setting; the eight stories together could almost be a single novel. His voyage on the Snark (which inspired these stories) clearly left him with a strong and single impression of this place and these people, and he conveys that impression skillfully along to us.

Definitely worth reading. ... Read more