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Clive Barker

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The Great and Secret Show: The First Book of the Art (Book of the Art series 1) Kindle Edition

by Clive Barker (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.5 709 ratings

Book 1 of 2: Book of the Art

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"Clive Barker's career has been building up to The Great and Secret Show. . . . A cross between Gravity's Rainbow and J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings, allusive and mythic, complex and entertaining. Extravagantly metaphorical, wildly symbolic." — New York Times

In the little town of Palomo Grove, two great armies are amassing; forces shaped from the hearts and souls of America. In this New York Times bestseller, master storyteller Clive Barker unveils one of the most ambitious imaginative landscapes in modern fiction and an intricately woven and meticulously constructed epic where past and future meet.

The Art, the greatest power known to humankind, is the focus of struggle between the evil spirit, Jaff, and a force for light, Fletcher. Jaffe hopes to tap into The Art's power while Fletcher wants to prevent it from being tainted. The conflict between the two men spills into the real world in a decades-long feud, distorting reality and affecting the entire human race.

Carrying its readers from the first stirring of consciousness to a vision of the end of the world, The Great and Secret Show is a breathtaking journey in the company of a master storyteller.

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.

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.

Review

"Clive Barker's career has been building up to The Great and Secret Show...A cross between Gravity's Rainbow and J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings, allusive and mythic, complex and entertaining. Extravagantly metaphorical, wildly symbolic." — New York Times

"[A] dazzling metaphysical epic-adventure...an astonishing feat of imagination...Barker's best yet." — Kirkus Reviews

"[Clive Barker] is a mapmaker of the mind, charting the farthest reaches of the imagination...His ambition and audacity are unparalleled; we know that we are in the presence of a vision that is genuine, unique and lasting." — The Washington Times

"A cross between Gravity's Rainbow and J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings, allusive and mythic, complex and entertaining. Extravagantly metaphorical, wildly symbolic." — New York Times

"A hefty and ambitious epic that emphasizes the ideas over gore with provocative and apocalyptic vision. [A] boundless and detailed imagination...dazzling skill." — Seattle Post Intelligencer

"A massive and brilliant Platonic dark fantasy that details an eruption of wonders and terrors--as the veil between the world of the senses and the world of the imagination is rent in a small California town." — Kirkus Reviews

"A powerful and fascinating write with a brilliant imagination." — J.G. Ballard

"Allusive and mythic, complex and entertaining." — The New York Times

"At his best, he is a mapmaker of the mind, charting the farthest reaches of the imagination. His Great and Secret Show is, in fact, the world inside our heads: the place of possibilities., some dark and dangerous, others bright and beautiful, and some of them liberating." — The Washington Times

"Barker has an unparalleled talent for envisioning other worlds." — Washington Post Book World

"Barker has constructed an entire new mythology here...and in the language of fear, he has no equals." — Time out (London)

"Barker's most ambitious work to date...Rapturously full of emotions." — L.A. Life

"Mesmerizing invention." — Publishers Weekly

"Mixing elements of horror, science fiction and surrealist literature, Barker's work reads like a cross between Stephen King and South American novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He creates a world where our biggest fears appear to be our own dreams." — The Boston Herald

From the Back Cover

In the little town of Palomo Grove, two great armies are amassing; forces shaped from the hearts and souls of America. In this New York Times bestseller, Barker unveils one of the most ambitious imaginative landscapes in modern fiction, creating a new vocabulary for the age-old battle between good and evil. Carrying its readers from the first stirring of consciousness to a vision of the end of the world, The Great and Secret Show is a breathtaking journey in the company of a master storyteller.

About the Author

Clive Barker was born in Liverpool, England, in 1952 and now makes his home in Los Angeles, where, in addition to his work as a novelist and short-story writer, he is also a painter and filmmaker. He is the author of numerous worldwide bestsellers, including The Books of Blood, The Damnation Game, Weaverworld, Imajica, and most recently, Everville.

The films he has written, produced, or directed include the Hellraiser series, the Candyman pictures, Nightbreed, Lord of Illusions, and the forthcoming The Thief of Always.

From The Washington Post

"Rich in plot twists, byzantine intrigues and hidden secrets, Imajica is a Chinese puzzle box constructed on a universal scale...Barker has an unparalleled talent forenvisioning other worlds."

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000FC121E
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Perennial (March 17, 2009)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 17, 2009
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1035 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 672 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 006093316X

Best Sellers Rank: #95,087 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #84 in Horror Fiction Classics
- #107 in British Horror Fiction
- #147 in Metaphysical Science Fiction eBooks

Customer Reviews:
4.5 709 ratings

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Clive Barker

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Clive Barker was born in Liverpool in 1952. His earlier books include The Books of Blood, Cabal, and The Hellbound Heart. In addition to his work as a novelist and playwright, he also illustrates, writes, directs and produces for stage and screen. His films include Hellraiser, Hellbound, Nightbreed and Candyman. Clive lives in Beverly Hills, California

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

709 global ratings

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Amazon Customer

Had the receipt in it from 1994,neat

Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024

Verified Purchase

Got the cover I wanted,and that receipt is one of reasons I love used books

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DEDGirl

Arrived fast, In Great Condition

Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023

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Bought this used for a Christmas gift. It’s one of my all time favorite books. I’m happy to share it with everyone. The book was shipped immediately from the seller & was in very good condition. Happy with the purchase.

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M. Knepper

Horror and modern fantasy in a complex weave of romance and war.

Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2014

Verified Purchase

*Note: If possible, I would give this four and a half stars out of five.

I've been a fan of Clive Barker's material for a long time, starting with Weaveworld and Sacrament with The Hellbound Heart somewhere between. Needless to say, he's influenced a lot of my own fiction. I picked up The Great And Secret show as a piece of a greater collection and, of course, to get my Barker fix. In retrospect, I will say this was much easier to get into than Sacrament but, I feel, not as mature. That being said I still recommend it and I do so with praise. I won't give this a five star review, however, because I feel there were a couple problems which could have been eradicated and eased the story's rigid second act.

The first thing I want to praise are the characters in the book. There are a couple, just one or two, that are irritating to read simply because they're incredibly unreliable at points, but on the other hand this novel has given me one of the greatest characters I've ever known. He serves, at first, as the central antagonist. His moniker is catchy, dark and fantastic - something Barker is proficient in crafting. I am of course speaking of The Jaffe. There's a female character who reminds me of Ellen Ripley in a couple ways and I will say she is my second favorite character (and she's not even the main protagonist for the whole novel).

The second thread of the weave I will address is the beautiful, complex worlds created by Barker and the mythology behind them. Quiddity is glorious. The imagery and creatures, beings and ambiance associated with it and the harboring island is magnificent to read. In fact, I will be returning to this novel simply for that reason. It's a balancing act between the dark, terrifying regions of the unknown and awe-inspiring, heavenly spaces seemingly out of reach (you'll get that when you read the book).

The third thing, the amount of plot twists and sheer substance, is complex and plentiful. Never have I felt I've learned so much of a fictional world from a novel in a long, long time. I couldn't have guessed from the first few chapters what the novel's end and even middle portions had to offer. Needless to say, it's a journey, a trip.

Now some complaints... Clive, if you're reading this, stop using the word "din" so frequently. It got a little repetitive in the last sixth of the book. I also feel the second act was very slow, specifically parts three and four and some of five. I ultimately still enjoyed it but I feel it could have been shortened - there were some inner thoughts, dialogue and events that were unnecessary even in terms of filler. I still enjoyed it, however.

I recommend this book and it's worth the money. I own the original hardback version and the Kindle version (I collect). The each offer their pros and cons - I'm not sure I could recommend either or to you. I will praise and suggest you read the novel for a taste of what modern, dark fantasy has to offer if in capable hands. The fiction within serves some of the best horror and modern fantasy I've read, bundled in a complex weave of betrayal, romance and wars between plains of existence - the dark and the light.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

18 people found this helpful

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Allen Whitaker

Enjoy the Ride!

Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2016

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An intricately woven and meticulous novel where past and future meet in the dream sea of Quiddity. To say any more about what this book is about would ruin the adventure of reading it. It is a reading adventure because Clive Barker invites readers on an exploration of mind, spirit and matter. While many authors tend to separate perception and thought from actual existence in their story telling, Barker creates a world in which Body, Mind, Spirit and Matter exist co-equally. Understanding this is the beginning of Wisdom. Using this understanding is the Art. The Art is therefore a source of unimaginable power. This is a story of good vs. evil and the ways in which two great forces of each face each other in a battle for control of the Art. The very survival of the human race hangs in the balance...
This is not a light read. The world Barker creates is so full of intricate imagery and interconnected people, places and events that you will likely find yourself going back to previously read sections of the book in order to reinforce your understanding of the saga. It will likely take the reader longer to read that most books, which it did for me. So be prepared for a wonderful journey and a great ride! Thanks for reading...

22 people found this helpful

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Scot Day

Favourite book I have read.

Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2022

Verified Purchase

I read this a few times many years ago and continue to lend out copies, for keeps, and have been wanding another had copy or large text paper back.
Found this at a good price and it is in good condition. It is a retired library book with the old card still in it which I found to be kinda cool. However being so the sleeve is a bit stuck on from aging. If I want to refurb the book it will take some work. But I may just leave it as is.

2 people found this helpful

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Justin F.

3-out-of-5 stars for the quality of materials and manufacturing...

Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2021

Verified Purchase

I like this book enough that this is my second time buying it (this new one replaces my old paperback with the mailbox on the cover from the mid-90's). If the summary piques your interest, I recommend reading it to see if it's for you.

The reason for the review is the trash quality of the book itself. Cheap paper stock and a hilariously amateurish cover that looks like a laser jet printer job on straight up heavy card stock, probably because that's exactly what it is.

It looks like a home-printed-photo birthday invitation from 1999.

It's such poor quality that it absorbs fingerprints and leaves permanent moisture marks just from simple handling, even with freshly washed and adequately dried hands. There is also an uneven area on the lower part of the spine that got wrinkled during the manufacturing process.

This trash cost $18.99. Welcome to the new norm of manufacturing. Maximum profit for minimal cost and effort. If it hasn't hit your preferred hobby yet, just wait a bit longer. It's coming for you, too.

8 people found this helpful

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Scott

Great

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2023

Verified Purchase

Best book I've read in a long time. Slow burn but holy only does it ever pick up. Seriously fantastic

One person found this helpful

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Jacob

Bent corners

Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2023

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The corners were bent and there was excess glue on the spine cover which as a collector is kind of annoying but other than that it’s a good book

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Top reviews from other countries

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John Willett

Another copy recieved

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2020

Verified Purchase

Lost my original

Gerhard Höller

Geniale Sammler-Edition

Reviewed in Germany on June 2, 2017

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Das ist mit die genialste Edition von Clive Barkers, zusammen mit "Everville", wichtigstem Werk - (primär) wegen des Covers und vom Meister angefertigter Grafiken in der Innenklappe und am Buchanfang - auch ist das Papier angenehm-klassisch fest und und der Satz augenfreundlich-groß - das paßt!!

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AHorrorReader

Barker's Great Show

Reviewed in Canada on March 30, 2016

Verified Purchase

What else can you say? A classic. Barker's a marvel. Nobody does it like he does. This is a huge, epic book, but it reads like lightning.

2 people found this helpful

Richard

Barker at his best

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2016