The Great and Secret Show (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Early in his new epic novel, Barker describes the thoughts of one of his characters as "barbaric and baroque"--and the words fairly sum up the book. Down-and-outer Randolph Jaffe works in the dead-letter office in Omaha. Reading through the mass of mail, he finds clues to an alternative reality, the laws of which are called "the Art." Mastering these principles, he becomes powerful but evil, and presses into service a man named Fletcher, who synthesizes a transforming drug, the Nuncio. Later understanding the corrupting nature of his creation, Fletcher rebels against Jaffe, and the two, now demigods, engage in a cosmic struggle. To enlist allies, each sires offspring (using the seed of mortal men), and their spiritual children help to carry on the bizarre battle. Though diverting, the novel is something of a potboiler, and despite its pervasive horrific imagery, it fails even to frighten us--or invite us to suspend disbelief. This is the first book of a projected trilogy. 100,000 first printing; $125,000 ad/promo; Preferred Choice Book plan main selection; author tour.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Englishman Barker's latest novel, the first part of a trilogy, is an ambitious fantasy/horror fusion of dazzling scope which stands alone as a complete story. Nebraska postal clerk Randolph Jaffe works in the Dead Letter Room, opening and inspecting loads of undeliverable U.S. mail. Soon, through a series of cryptic dead letters, he taps into an ethereal network of mysterious revelations which provides access to enormous power channels. The customary battle of light forces versus dark forces commences, with greedy Jaffe heading the latter, and mad yet philanthropic scientist Richard Fletcher representing the former. Despite occasional and convenient lapses into nonsensical elements of fantasy which characterize too much of the genre, this original, intelligent treatment of a complex idea by the author of The Damnation Game ( LJ 5/15/87) and Weaveworld ( LJ 10/15/87) is amazingly believable and compulsively readable. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/89.
- Mark Annichiarico, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 672 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (November 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006093316X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060933166
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #210,383 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A grand tale with high payoff for the reader..., August 29, 2000

By	Jason Daring (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Great and Secret Show (Mass Market Paperback)

I read this maybe 5 years ago after a friend suggested it. I had mentioned at the time how much I had loved Stephen King's The Stand and my friend suggested I would really enjoy this as well. At the time I doubted anything could be as epic and grand as The Stand was but after reading the entire book in a day or two I realized I was very wrong. The way Barker brings the characters to life is wonderful and I can not begin to describe how well paced the book is. You are constantly wanting to read further and discover what lies on the next page and what great thing will happen to these characters you feel you know. The book is a very long one but you will be unable to tear yourself away and will fly though it much as I did. If you enjoy King or Koontz at all you will love this book and wonder why you haven't read it before.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Barker never ceases to amaze, September 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Great and Secret Show (Mass Market Paperback)

This, simply put, is one of the best books ever written. The characters are well drawn out, the plot never stops twisting, and there is more imagination put into the inventions in this book than in any other two. It is not a hardcore horror novel but there are some interesting, cerebral scares nonetheless. Clive is able to create other worlds and conventions so efforlessly that concepts like The Art, The Shoal, and Quiddity seem commonplace once you are done the book. The characters got to be so familiar that I couldn't wait to read Everville (also mind-bogglingly amazing) so I could revisit old friends and places. If you want to introduce yourself to Barker or are already familiar with his work and haven't read this novel, you WILL buy this book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clive Barker is a genius, October 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Great and Secret Show (Mass Market Paperback)

I finished reading "The Great and Secret Show" last night, (Actually it was this morning because I couldn't stop) and I just can't take my mind off of it! I thought the Damnation Game and the Books of Blood trilogy were fabulous, but nothing could have ever prepared me for the brilliance of this book. Never have I had my breath taken away on such a regular basis or cared so much about any novel. I felt so sick and restless everyday at work because I could only think of getting home to continue this masterpiece! The Great and Secret Show is an experience I'll never forget, and it's visions of extreme beauty and dread will always haunt me and play in my dreams. I'll be buying Everville tonight!