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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
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Posted: Wed Jan 16 13:46:52 1985
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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