The Golden Mean: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Concludes [Hardcover]

Nick Bantock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1993

Sabine -- I was sure I understood. Yet you were not here when I returned and there was no sign that you ever had been here.... Today comes your card saying you were in this house for three days after my return. I am bewildered. I need you badly. -- Griffin

In this final volume of the phenomenal, best-selling trilogy begun with Griffin & Sabine and continued in Sabine's Notebook, the mystery of the two artists deepens, their questions grow more urgent. New obstacles (including a sinister intruder) test the tenacity of their passion, and in each letter or postcard, painting and prose are even more richly intertwined. Destined to be the most sought after novel of the year, The Golden Mean builds toward a powerful conclusion that will satisfy the millions of readers already entranced by the spirited, imaginative, enigmatic union of Griffin and Sabine.

With over 50 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and one million copies in print, the first two volumes of this unique trilogy have captured the imagination of readers and reviewers across the country.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bantock's bewitching trilogy, begun with Griffin & Sabine and Sabine's Notebook , ends with this characteristically curious installment. Once again, Bantock employs his singular brand of visual sorcery to create postcards, stamps and letters that ostensibly travel between two artists--Griffin, a Londoner who has just completed an around-the-world journey, and South Pacific islander Sabine, who insists she awaited his return in London, yet left no sign of her presence. As Griffin wonders whether he and his elusive soul mate occupy "parallel universes," Sabine worries that her telepathic connection to him grows "murky." Desperate to resolve their situation, they seek neutral ground on which to meet. Meanwhile, other questions arise about the nature of their bond. Griffin mentions the death of a woman he loved and receives two threatening postcards from a scientist investigating the "liaison." Bantock's imagery maintains its exoticism, with tantalizing allusions to his previous books, Jungian psychology, mythical ceremonies and the Tarot. If the fictional events here seem more melodramatic and slightly less profound than in earlier volumes, it's because readers know (almost) what to expect. This fantastical and peerless tale--whose conclusion was not revealed to PW --is a must-have for Bantock's collectors. 300,000 first printing.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

I can't get Griffin & Sabine out of my mind. The Orlando Sentinel

The somewhat conspiratorial thrill of reading other people's mail... becomes so infectious, it's impossible to stop until the book's end. The San Francisco Chronicle

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 2nd edition (August 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811802981
• ISBN-13: 978-0811802987
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly enthraling and engaging, wonderfully illustrated., April 7, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (St. Petersburg, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Golden Mean: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Concludes (Hardcover)

Nick Bantock needs to be congratulated for his amazing work in the Griffin and Sabine triology. His superb illustrations bring an intriguing story to life. Watching the correspondence of Griffin and Sabine unfold in these wonderful books is like watching a private moment unfold from the window. As you peak in at these two wonderfully real characters you not only can't wait to turn each page to see what is said but what is drawn. The style of these books was so well done they deserve the highest recognition. The realism used to create actual letters and postcards between Griffin and Sabine for the reader to take out and hold only adds to this amazing experience.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The entire triology gives possibility to the unbelievable., August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Golden Mean: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Concludes (Hardcover)

Rarely does an author come along who interweaves art with the story in such a way that the two are inseparable. From the postcard paintings to the handwritten letters (which the reader actually removes from the envelopes)it's as though art has come alive and the reader is an active participant in the story. I have found this to be true of all of Bantock's works and can't believe I didn't come across his talent years ago. Truly a fantastic collection.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This will get you thinking, September 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Golden Mean: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Concludes (Hardcover)

The hauntingly beautiful writings, will keep you returning to this book (and the previous two) to search for the meaning.