Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site sdcc13.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!bellcore!decvax!tektronix!hplabs!sdcrdcf!sdcsvax!sdcc3!sdcc13!ee163acp From: ee163acp@sdcc13.UUCP (DARIN JOHNSON) Newsgroups: net.games.frp,net.books Subject: Re: Chron. of Thomas Covenant Message-ID: <131@sdcc13.UUCP> Date: Wed, 16-Jan-85 13:46:52 EST Article-I.D.: sdcc13.131 Posted: Wed Jan 16 13:46:52 1985 Date-Received: Mon, 21-Jan-85 02:12:27 EST References: <366@aicchi.UUCP> <10894@watmath.UUCP> Distribution: net Organization: U.C. San Diego, Academic Computer Center Lines: 22 Xref: watmath net.games.frp:1136 net.books:1262 > >Not only is the writing style great (sends me to the dictionary for a new > >word every few chapters :-), but it would make terrific frp gaming material. > I think Donaldson's use of English is not overly erudite as some would suggest. I didn't have to run to the dictionary every few pages (maybe once per novel). I admit he used a very large thesaurus (sp?) but this is usually considered good writing. If it came to the point where I couldn't figure out what was going on then I would be a bit upset. > I can't think of a > single fantasy book with a VILLAIN who matches the sheer despicable > natures of Donaldson's protagonists. Their occasional good points > (only displayed at the end of the third book of each trilogy) are there > only as grudging concessions to the good that hides in even the most > self-pitying screw-ups. I think this idea of having someone a trifle on the despicable side for a protagonist (don't look it up, it means hereo :-) ) is what made the series transcend mere adventurism. Besides, Lancelot wasn't so noble but we all consider him a hero. Darin Johnson