Customer Reviews

How Precious Was That While: An Autobiography (Xanth)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In his second autobiography, popular science fiction and fantasy author Piers Anthony picks up right where he left off in his earlier "Bio of an Ogre."

In this volume, Piers goes into more detail about his fans, attending conventions, meeting and dealing with other "professional" writers and takes on the giant publishing industry.

If you want to find out what really goes on in the publishing world, and what it takes to even get a book published, you will really enjoy Piers' experiences. It is a wonder that ANY book makes it to publications. Dirty dealings, terrible tricks, and ugly underhandedness are revealed for all the world to see.

Ever the forceful opponent, Piers was not one to just roll over and take it. He fought back, got blacklisted, and fought even harder.

A truly enjoyable read. If you are a Piers Anthony fan, here is a rare chance to grab a detailed behind the scenes look at his life for the past 10+ years.

As a long-time Anthony reader, it was a delight to hear more about what makes this master wordsmith tick -- as well as ticked off.

I've just reread it, and found the ethical discussion solid. He clearly does not take the easy path -- but this is one author who has come a long way, with his integrity intact. The world would be a whole lot better if more people thought things out as deeply as he does.

The reader will find some interesting insights into the world of publishing and genre fandom, some thoughts about what the ethical way of dealing with various situations is, and plenty of conversational Anthony style, made popular in his author's notes.

More than anything else, this autobiographical sketch allows us a while in his company, following his thoughts through their intricate paths and philosophical hoops, to a final statement of personal values. Indeed a precious while -- and an interesting read, too.

Do you like the writing of Piers Anthony? You'll like this. It ranks up there with the NOTEBOOKS OF LAZARUS LONG.

For anyone who loves Piers Anthony, this is definitely a book to read. This is an in-depth look at the life of one of the most famous fantasy authors around. In particular, it is an excellent reference into the inner workings of the Publishing Industry (i.e. Parnassus). Piers Anthony talks about life, writing (publishing), and people that affected his life, for good or bad, and holds nothing back.

Very satisfying. His admission at the end that he's still open to well-reasoned persuasion is an inspiration. That the works of this man have never been filmed stuns me. If you like Piers Anthony at all you'll enjoy this quite personal book.