Title
The Floating Opera and The End of the Road,Used
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From the author of National Book Awardnominated Lost in the Funhouse John Barth's first two novels are both existential comedies featuring strange, consuming love triangles and the destructive effects of an overactive intellect on the emotions.'[Barth] ran riot over literary rules and conventions, even as he displayed, with meticulous discipline, mastery of and respect for them.' The New York TimesThe relationship between these two darkly comic novels is evident not only in their ribald and philosophical subject matter but in their eccentric characters and bitterly humorous tone. The protagonist of The Floating Opera is Todd Andrews, an orphaned war veteran who has been sleeping with his friend's wife. Todd awakens in the morning determined to commit suicide, having concluded that nothing in life has intrinsic valuebut then spends the day methodically reasoning his way into disregarding that fact and remaining a part of the floating opera of life.In The End of the Road, a man named Jacob Horner finds himself literally paralyzed by an inability to choose a course of action from all possibilities. He begins an unconventional course of 'mythotherapy' treatment at the Remobilization Farm, but his eccentric doctor's directives lead him into a tragic love triangle and from there to the nihilistic end of the road. Separately these two novels give two very different views of the universal human quest for meaning, and together they form the beginnings of an illustrious literary career.
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- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: The book has four hundred sixty-four pages. It's a comprehensive collection of two novels by John Barth.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point thirty-nine inches in length, one point zero six inches in width, and eight point twenty-seven inches in height.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book features a paperback binding. It's designed for easy handling and reading.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book is classified as existential comedy. It explores themes of love, philosophy, and the human experience.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is John Barth. He is known for his innovative literary style and complex narratives.
- Q: What are the main themes of the novels? A: The novels explore love triangles and the struggle for meaning. They showcase the impact of an overactive intellect on emotions.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: No, this book is not particularly suitable for young readers. It contains complex themes and adult situations.
- Q: How should I approach reading this book? A: Read it with an open mind and appreciation for literary experimentation. It's best suited for readers who enjoy philosophical depth.
- Q: What if I find the content difficult to understand? A: Consider reading supplementary resources or literary analyses. Discussions with others may also enhance your understanding.
- Q: How should I care for this paperback book? A: Store it in a cool, dry place to avoid damage. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions.
- Q: What happens if the book is damaged during shipping? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact customer support for a replacement or refund. Keep the original packaging for reference.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there is typically no warranty for books. However, you can check the retailer's return policy.
- Q: How does this book compare to other works by John Barth? A: This book showcases Barth's signature style of blending humor with existential themes, making it a notable addition to his oeuvre.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for book clubs? A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for book clubs. The themes and characters provide rich material for discussion.
- Q: What if I want to return the book? A: Check the retailer’s return policy. Most allow returns within a specified period if the book is in good condition.