Book Description
Larry Darrell is a young American in search of the absolute. The progress of his spiritual odyssey involves him with some of Maugham's most brilliant characters - his fiancée Isabel whose choice between love and wealth have lifelong repercussions, and Elliott Templeton, her uncle, a classic expatriate American snob. Maugham himself wanders in and out of the story, to observe his characters struggling with their fates.
Customer Reviews:
Overrated, but Chapter Six Recommended.......2007-09-06
I came to this novel looking forward to reading about the spiritual journeying of its main character, Larry Darrell. Although Larry does occupy a central role, that role is far from being the starring one. Various other characters populate the pages, each taking nearly as much space as Larry. Perhaps Maugham intended the others to act as a foil for Larry--to contrast their materialistic pursuits against Larry's spiritual ones. But I never cared for the others (most of whom Maugham portrays as being quite shallow), and for me they became distractions. In many scenes, the highlight would be some words from Larry. But then Larry would sit quietly in the corner and listen to the inane chatter of the others. I diligently kept reading only because Maugham would throw out a crumb or two about Larry.
But the story of Larry's spiritual quest comes front and center in Chapter Six, the penultimate. Here we are treated to a long, revealing account of Larry's experience in India. This is the heart of the book and by far the most interesting. Strangely, in opening the chapter, Maugham warns the reader that he "very well skip this chapter without losing the thread of such story as I have to tell." But my own warning is this: read Chapter Six and nothing else! And this chapter can be read without any knowledge of the earlier chapters.
Earlier, I read a commentary comparing Razor's Edge with Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha, and there are similarities. Foremost is both authors' writing about Indian spiritualism far ahead of its becoming popular in the West. But, in my estimation, while Siddhartha grapples with some of the core issues of such spiritualism, Razor's Edge treats it as an interesting spotlight to contrast with Western society. Moreover, Hesse approaches the spiritualism whole-heartedly, as if his salvation depended on understanding it. But Maugham seems to treat the spiritualism as mere fodder for one of his many books, as if he might forget the material as soon as he started his next book.
Still, Maugham is an excellent writer, and at times his prose succinctly captures salient aspects of Indian spiritualism (at least to the extent that I understand it). At one point, claiming some modesty, Maugham writes: "I am not attempting here to give anything in the nature of a description of the philosophical system of the Vedanta." That may be true, but some of Maugham's crisp sentences convey significant insight:
"But that poor little drop of water, when it has once more become one with the sea, has surely lost its individuality." Larry's response: "What is individuality but the expression of our egoism? Until the soul has shed the last trace of that it cannot become one with the Absolute."
"I have always felt that there was something pathetic in the founders of religion who made it a condition of salvation that you should believe in them. It's as though they needed your faith to have faith in themselves."
New themes, fantastic character development.......2007-08-23
I approached Maugham reluctantly, as I do many British authors. But, the Razor's Edge was clear, descriptive, yet not mired in page-long sentences. Maugham does not try to present a "theme" to the reader, although he does set up situations in which the reader can try to grasp lessons from the plot.
But that is all the reader can do--grasp. Maugham is Dickensian in his character development. Each character is ethereal, and readers can project themselves on them--especially Larry. Maugham seems to understand that we cannot simplify characters to simple symbols or thoughts, and he uses this to his advantage.
Brilliant book, lucid enough for reading on vacations...stirring
Amazing.......2007-08-20
Like the sharp blade of a razor this book cut right through me giving me a new perspective on a great many things
The book is written like an authors recollection of events that happened after WW1. The story line is not a crazy action packed adventure but insted a slow one. This book is not to be read by a little kid as in order to fully grasp it requires much concentration one must interpret every word. The adjectives in this book are amazing They make it as if you're watching a painter paint the scene delicicatly in front of your very eyes concentrating on evey intracate detail. Suddenly you are looking at a rock formation and you see the great blue ocean in the background and you watch as the waves crash upon the shore.
I reccomend this book to anyone with a fuctioning brain and a decent attention span. Five stars out of five a must read
A look into another world in another time.......2007-06-26
Yet the writing is so full that we can feel part of this other world.
I came to this story by the back door. My first introduction to Somerset Maugham was through the movie "The Razor's Edge" (1946) staring Tyrone Power as Larry Darrell. I have no idea as to how much it was adapted from the book. Then in 1984 we watched Bill Murray as Larry Darrell. This film lost what magic the 1946 film had. So it was time to read the book. Yes I know very few films can do more than present the essence of a book. Turns out that even the older film wrote Summerset out of some of the scenes.
Larry is back from the war (WWI). As with many of us he is left with nagging questions about why one person lives and another must die. This problem leads Larry to search for the answers. He turns down opportunities and takes up a lifestyle to help him find answers. This story is told or narrated by Somerset Maugham himself. In the book Somerset takes more of an active part in the story. Larry came as close as any of us to the answer he seeks and we leave him much the same way one enters and leaves your life.
A great book for the period.......2007-05-31
The Razor's Edge is literature. It describes a time and a place that a few of us knew through our grandparents. But in the middle of class and humerous snobbery, there is a man who is on a quest for cosmic clarity and union with the infinite. His journey is so different than the people he associates with, that the novel becomes a story of contrasts. That is one of the enjoyable aspects of this novel. It is also rich in description, which allows us to be included in that time and that place.
Book Description
Universally recognized as "The Bible of The Cutting Edge", this book belongs in the library of anyone who is serious about sharpening. Written by Guinness world record holder John Juranitch, it contains all the knowledge and insights gained during his more than 40 years in the sharpening industry. The 145 page book is crammed with photos, illustrations and cutting edge secrets you won't find anywhere else. Its 14 chapters cover topics like how to choose a knife, sharpening theories nad applicaitons, steeling, using a hone and much, much more. You'll get answers to the most asked questions. You'll learn the truth about common myths like why you should never use oil on a hone. And you'll get the insights necessary to put a great edge on knives, axes, fish hooks, arrowheads, chain saws and other tools. It's a history, a handbook, a reference manual that is the simplest, most complete way to give yourself a razor edge on sharpening.
Customer Reviews:
The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening.......2006-11-10
Very nice and useful book. A little bit of theory and detailed sections for each tool. I'll recommend it.
Old book but very informative - shave your legs and slice that onion.......2006-09-18
I like this book. I only give it 4 stars cause it is old and not very pretty, but it is very useful. It gave me a new perspective on grinding and sharpening. I am sure there are others, but this works for me. The book outlines and discusses various thoughts on sharpening and picks up apart all kinds of traditional notions that you keep running into when researching sharpening on the web. Yes, it talks a lot about the meat cutting industry, but heck, few places demand better edges. Anything that works for their knives will work for anyone else that needs a sharp knife. It is an old book and you will not leave it on the living room table for decoration. It has basic old illustrations and cheap print on cheap paper, but that doesn't make the contents any less useful. He does promote his approach to sharpening and sells the hones etc. I bought the book and the company's 8 inch 2 hone kit (for dry grinding, nice, no oil, no water, just wash the hones in water after use). I have tried many things over the years to keep things sharp. I read the book a couple of times (which doesn't take long) and then went ahead and worked with the sharpening kit. I ground new edges and sharpened a half dozen kitchen knives, from a cheap Martha Stewart/KMart 3-inch paring knife to 8 inch chef knives (steel Wusthof and Sabatier carbon steel) and long thin dangerous looking Finnish fish fillet knives, and for fun a cheap basic thin bladed kitchen knife I found in the back of a cabinet. Every one of them now easily shaves hair from arms, legs, chin etc. They just glide smoothly through an onion, even with skin on. Very happily applying the same techniques to sharpening my chisels, planes, etc. too. Just make sure to grind until you get the burr on the coarse hone, and use a light touch on the fine hone.
Way cool. After reading the book and getting a couple of good hones you will be able to grind a new edge on any knife in 15-20 minutes. The edge is the kind that you will (carefully) show your friends while asking them if they have ever seen a sharp knife.
"Be careful, I keep my knives sharp. No, I mean really sharp".
The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening.......2006-08-15
Very helpful book on the art of knife and tool sharpening. I have never had knives as sharp as they are now. I would highly recommend this book.
Poorly written and mostly useless.......2006-05-26
The author presents several different "methods" for sharpening a knife. They all boil down to "scrub the knife back and forth on a stone". This will produce an edge of sorts but not a very good one. He dismisses the collected wisdom of millennia of knife sharpening as "bull" without any evidence to support his claim. The author says he has "studied" and tested his methods. This mean he tries shaving with each blade until it feels right. The rest of the book is an ad for his products. Don't waste you money.
If you are interested in the actual science of sharpening with detailed instructions on how to sharpen almost anything then Leonard Lee's The Complete Guide to Sharpening is the book to read.
If you just want to sharpen you kitchen knives, send them out to a sharpening service every couple of years.(Ask at the local Chef supply store) They will use a slack belt or hollow edge sharpener to put a perfect edge on. This is impossible to do at home without a couple hundred dollars of equipment.
Five Star Read.......2006-02-28
What an informative book. The photos are a little old (circa 1975) but that doesn't effect the content of the book. The history they teach in the field of sharpening is thoughtful and fascinating. The studies they have conducted in their research have been extensive and the results at times have surprised even the writers. I had no idea that the common man could get such a sharp edge on his knifes.
After reading just 30 pages I felt compelled to find their website and place an order for a very nice honing set. The package included a copy of the book which I obviously did not need. I asked them to substitute the book for a copy of the video they sell. They granted my request with no qualms.
I am obliged to them for the knowledge they have shared and I am sure I will do business with them in the future. I wish I could afford to purchase the honing set I bought for myself as gifts for loved ones.
FIVE stars without a doubt.
Average customer rating:
- A very interesting history for anyone interested in Gillette
- A Must Read for Anyone Wondering How Gillette Does It
|
Cutting Edge: Gillette's Journey to Global Leadership
Gordon McKibben
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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King C. Gillette, the man and his wonderful shaving device
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Inventor of the Disposable Culture: King Camp Gillette, 1855-1932 (Short Lives)
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ASIN: 0875847250 |
Amazon.com
Ever since a forward-thinking bottle-cap salesman named King Camp Gillette first grew tired of shaving with a dull razor more than 100 years ago, the company he then founded has prospered impressively--despite ongoing threats of hostile takeovers and downsizing--by continuing to explore new geographic markets and introduce fresh consumer products. Cutting Edge: Gillette's Journey to Global Leadership, by long-time business journalist Gordon McKibben, is a scrupulous, behind-the-scenes examination of the firm's history with an emphasis on the modern period that began around 1975 and solidified Gillette's deserved reputation as a worldwide powerhouse.
Book Description
The Gillette Company has literally defined, as well as led, the world shaving market since the founding days of the enterprise in 1901. But more than that, Gillette--as revealed in McKibben's colorful history--has become a world leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer goods in men's and women's grooming products, writing instruments, and alkaline batteries. The modern-day Gillette serves as a shining example for today's managers of how to maintain a commitment to innovation, how to advertise creatively against competitors, and above all, how to translate a consistent vision of global growth into superior results in a competitive world marketplace. Based on extensive interviews with Gillette insiders, Cutting Edge chronicles the successes, failures, and watershed moments in the evolution of a global powerhouse. McKibben's rich portrait serves as an enduring lesson for all competitors who aspire to be truly on the cutting edge.
Customer Reviews:
A very interesting history for anyone interested in Gillette.......1999-08-24
I enjoy reading books about successful companies, their founders and the principle people in the company history. I have read many books of this type and found this one on Gillette to be well worth adding to my library. The author does an excellent job of telling the history or Gillette in an interesting way. He also does a good job of describing the men who were influential in the company's direction. Well worth reading!
A Must Read for Anyone Wondering How Gillette Does It.......1999-04-22
This book is essential for anyone who wants to understand how a company builds brand image and then maintains that image for years and even decades. This book, while some times dry, dramatically demonstrates how Gillette never rested, but constantly sought to improve its products. Gillette's constant R&D have paid dividends not just to employees and stock holders, but also to our late 20th century society. This book is great!!!
Book Description
The weapon is codenamed "Razor"—the brainchild of the brilliant minds at Dreamland—a mobile chemical laser system with a range of 600 kilometers capable of downing anything that flies. The destruction of an American aircraft over northern Iraq suggests the inexplicable and unthinkable: a vengeful foe now possesses the lethal technology. It is fear that draws a retired warrior back to the battlefield, and sends Dreamland's best pilots to the skies to determine what the enemy has and to help take it away from him. But politics threatens to crush a covert engagement that must be won in the air and on the ground, unleashing a devastating rain of friendly fire that could ultimately annihilate a nation's champions ... and perhaps Dreamland itself.
Download Description
Dale Brown: The Novels Death of the Dogfight: An Interview with Dale Brown. The third installment of New York Times best-selling author Dale Brown's Dreamland series. This adventure features a battle in the skies over Iran and Iraq.
Customer Reviews:
Razor's Edge CD.......2005-08-27
this is just another outsatnding audio book if you are in to The dreamland books I just wish there were more of them.
Great Action But . . ........2004-05-21
I made it through the first Dreamland novel due to fast paced, well described aerial combat, an offering of terrific high tech weaponry, good solid plot, and for the most part, interesting characterization; however, by the end of book one I was praying for the slow horrible death of Jeff "Zen" Stockard. A guy who is not only a main character, a romantic lead, but, I think, one of the heroes of the series. Who also happens to be a Class A Schmuck.
We are told Zen was an ace pilot, then a crash causes him to become wheelchair bound. Not a bad concept, could have made for some excellent twists. And indeed, in the beginning of the first book, the anguish/anger/mistrust/fear that Zen illustrated felt real. However, after reading 2/3 of the book I was getting just a tad grumpy that Zen was still piloting the pity pot plane. And his engine was in full whine mode. Well, I finished the book. Forgave the writer. Bought the 2nd Dreamland book.
Guess what? Pain-in-the-ass Zen is still around - kinda like the whine of that mosquito in the middle of the night that won't let you sleep. He detracts from the book. He has caused me to forego the rest of the Dreamland books. A damn shame.
Brown Bores with Rich Military Details, Poor Characters.......2003-11-05
This is a review of the book on tape. The plot was solid and brought with it a sense of authenticity, especially in terms of how problems arose and were solved. To a degree the details about military hardware were fascinating, but they soon overran the book and distracted from the characters. There was only one character who truly mattered, and he was a side-show for most of the novel. The rest of the book was filled with people whose only purpose seemed to be populating the chain of command or demonstrating prowess under fire. A good example of this is Dog. He is some sort of Colonel, and his only role is to talk to the Whiplash team, pace around the room, and then relay the information to some General. Then he gets back on the phone with Whiplash. For all I know this type of exchange may be a normal part of military operations, but its appearance not once but several times in this novel was baffling. Ironically the character's name was well-suited to his part. As my sarcastic girlfriend fake-narrated: "Dog paced around the room and pissed on the carpet."
The cheesiest line of the book: "If the pilot was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen - and she was - then she was second."
C'mon.
Brown scores again.......2003-02-14
Dale Brown's still the champ, and he proves it in this latest thriller. The weaponry, as usual, is top notch, and the story moves along faster than ever. I think, though, that he should consider giving Col. Bastan a promotion - he really has a lot of responsibility for that rank. Besides, he's conceited enough to be a general.
Download Description
Carrie and Kusac-she a human telepath, he a Sholan one-have together formed a bond stronger than all the differences between their two races. They have survived the political manipulations of both their peoples, as well as successfully walking the Fire Margins, journeying into the past with Kaid, the third member of their Triad, and returning with shocking revelations about the Valtegan enemy and the ancient Cataclysm which transformed Sholan society.
But the price of breaking with tradition comes high, as does the ongoing protection offered by the military. And now Carrie, Kusac, Kaid and T'Chebbi must undertake a rescue mission to the distant world of Jalna to save present day Sholans and humans who have been trapped there, as well as a Sholan pair from the age of the Cataclysm. What they can't foresee is that the Valtegans planted the seeds of destruction on Jalna long ago, transforming the locals into a dangerously unstable race and threatening the telepathic powers of Sholans and humans alike.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on 15th February, she was supposed to be a Valentine present for her father but she had other ideas and arrived a day late.
"Strong-willed, independent, a whirlwind, a dreamer, she lives in another world." These adjectives followed her around from her earliest days.
They were partly right: she had grander plans than a world, though, she was already creating the universe of the Sholan Alliance, where magic, Warriors, and science co-exist.
She began writing when she was 8 because she couldn't find enough of the books she liked to read. In 1980 she moved to Norfolk, England, a year after joining The Vikings!, the largest re-enactment society in Britain.
There she ran her own specialist archery display team. Personal experience has always provided inspiration for her writing, though never more so than when her experiences as a Norman archer in a re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings done in 1990 lent an air of authenticity to her ghost story about the Battle of Hastings.
Now living in California and a full time author, in her Sholan Alliance Series, she has created worlds where Warriors, magic and science all coexist. Her latest novel from DAW in the series is Between Darkness and Light.
As well as her Sholan Alliance series, she has fantasy and historical fiction short stories in several DAW Anthologies. The latest two, soon to be released, are "War Games" in WOMEN OF WAR, and "Pharaoh's Cat" in MAGIC TAILS.
Review:
The fourth novel in Lisanne Norman's "Sholan Alliance" is a fascinating science fiction work that provides in-depth insight into various species inhabiting the universe. To Ms. Norman's credit, all the species seem very authentic and the story line is fast-paced and fun to read. Fans of cultural exploration of otther worlds will enjoy this entire series.
-BookReview.com
Customer Reviews:
Finally the Mission.......2003-01-24
Razor's Edge is the fourth novel in the Sholan Alliance series, following Fire Margins. In the previous volume, Kiad formed a Triad with Carrie and Kusac and they have walked the Fire Margins. This trance state has taken them back in time to just before the Cataclysm, where they have met ancient Sholans, including one who will become the god Vartra. They have also sent Tallinu, a young cub who will become Kaid, forward in time to be raised as a foundling and have brought back the Valtegan General, Kezule, and his dupe Kyak to Khezi'ipik, the ancient Valtegan hatching grounds. Kyak has been faced with the Valtegan who had pretended to be his god and caused him to raise a jihad, the Elders have declared Kyak a false prophet, and the desert tribes have repudiated the Kezule worshippers. Kaid has Challenged Ghezu, Guildmaster of the Brotherhood, for his treasonous acts. The Fire Margins have advanced Carrie's pregnancy, so Kaid and Kusac have delivered the cub in an aircar on the way home from the desert.
On Jalna, a Keissan team, with Sholan support, has penetrated Lord Killian's castle to find the contents of a wrecked Valtegan shuttle. There they accidentally release two Sholans, Rezac and Zashou, from a stasis capsule where they have been trapped since the time of the Cataclysm. Before they could escape, the team was detected and held captive by the Jalnians.
In this novel, the recon team on Jalna pretends to rebuild the shuttle laser system while awaiting rescue and Rezac has vivid dreams of his life prior to the Cataclysm. On Shola, the Brotherhood interrogates General Kezule and plants an agent, Keeza Lassah, in his cell. The En'shalla Clan is formally recognized by the Clan Council and is ceded the long abandoned Valsgarth estate; Kusac and Carrie are the Clan Lords and the clan members include all current and future mixed Leska pairs as well as the Vartra Brothers previously assigned as guardians for such pairs. Kusac formally registers Kaid as the third of their Triad and the three of them start planning for a rescue operation on Jalna. Kiad is troubled as his early childhood memories resurface and, having more visions of Vartra as both the man and the god, he moves to Stronghold to resolve his conflicts. A human archaeological team moves onto the estate and supervises the monastery dig.
This novel bridges the transition from the personal problems of the En'shalla clan members to the interstellar problems of the Sholan Alliance. Now that the immediate problems are solved, or at least being managed, the En'shalla Clan begins to fulfill their function as special operatives for Alien Relations. Obviously, their first mission will be to Jalna.
A reviewer has noted that story lines start in one book and are resolved in a later volume. First, this is a technique used by accomplished writers to ease the readers into situations instead of dropping them -- kerplunk -- into a new complication without warning. Second, this technique mirrors real life, where most problems start small and are only solved -- assuming that they are solved -- after a great deal of hand-waving, finger-pointing, head-scratching, and so forth.
Another reviewer has questioned the term "gestalt". It is a German world used by the Gestalt School of perceptual psychology to refer to "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts" phenomena in pattern recognition; for example, a smiley face is recognizable as a face even by very young infants, yet it lacks many of the characteristics of a human face. Thus, Carrie and Kusac can form a relationship that is much stronger together than as individuals.
Recommended for all Norman fans and anyone who enjoys tales of interpersonal relationships and problem solving in a SF setting.
For the love of God...........2001-08-21
I ask myself "Why do I keep reading these damn books?" At #4 the plot only seems to get worse with each book. This book was practicaly an exact copy of the last one. A big, long, convoluted and seemingly pointless build up to a "climax," only this time instead of going back in time (groan) they go on a rescue mission. However the mission doesn't seem to be that important since it's rushed through and paid little attention. There are so many other events in the book that are drawn out into excruciating detail that you'd expect a little more drama and excitment when it came time for the big fanale, right?
Let's get to the basics. The soap opera continues as far as the characters go. Carrie's character is so far removed from the first book that it might as well not even be her. SHe's very passive and has lost all of her pasion and vigor. Kusac's more of the same character he's always been, no real change here. Kaid... I'm just sick of this guy. After all he went through in the last book even to the point were he softened and acted like a decent, likable guy, he completely relapses back to his cold blooded killer mode from the second book. Yes he lightens up some, but it's just really annoying to go through all of this AGAIN when the exact same thing happened in "Fire Margins." Vanna and Garas are practically no shows, which is too bad because I liked their storyline. The same with Kusac's parants - they're barely in it at all.
The new character I liked was Rezac - I liked his story better than anyone else in the book simply because he was a real dynamic character. He was much more interesting and complex than all the rest.
The three-way Leska mumbo jumbo is silly, as is the rescue mission itself. It never seems as if it couldn't have been anyone to do it. Just like in "Fire Margins," there was a lot of fuss about how important it was that these characters do these things, but it's never maid clear WHY it MUST be them.
One starts to question Sholan society after awhile. Do they drink anything besides c'shar? Isn't there a Sholan Coke? Or how about just water? Then there's the sex, and while, yes, I enjoy a good sex scene or two, but really... Everyone is having sex all the time. I think that every female character ends up pregnant, literally. And since the Sholans are just a big planet full of swingers sharing themselves with just about anyone, it's amazing that the whole planet wasn't wiped out by a STD at some point in time.
The problem I have is the same reason I haven't been able to stop reading these things - It never ends. Seriously, there have not been four books. There has only been one huge 2000 page book divided into smaller, easier to read segments. One picks right up where the last one left off as if it were meerly a page break. Stuff from one book is brought up but not resolved until the next one, like in this book with the excruciatingly long and drawn out subplot with General Kezule which obviously won't be dealt with till the next book. These cliffhanger endings are total cheap shots. These books should be half as long as they are.
But I'll probably keep reading the damn things. I've come this far, so why not. I still genuenly like most of the characters even if the story is ludicrous and stipid at times. This book would rate higher if it had been better writen and the plot held more firmly together, but as of now the only thing saving this whole series are the characters.
Couldn't put it down!.......2001-01-06
I'm also a little surprised by some of the negative comments. I have read the first four books in this series in a week and a half -- I just couldn't put them down! The only reason laundry is getting done is because I done yet have the next one...
You definitely need to start at the beginning, though. This series is not one of those where you can pick up a book in the middle of the series and have any idea what's going on. It's more like one really long book -- don't expect things to be resolved at the end of each book.
Yes, there is a lot about relationships. Yes, there is love and romance. So what? There is also political intrigue. And just enough mystery. I'm sick of SF books which are so technical you need an engineering degree to have a clue about what is going on. There are a lot of characters, but if you start with the first book, they are introduced slowly so it's not confusing.
Bottom line: I haven't been sucked this deeply into a series since...well, ever. I can't wait until I get the next one!
Continuing the story.......2000-10-12
I love the worlds and the plots. She continues to intrigue me with new questions and great books!
Fantastic!!!.......1999-01-25
I have read some of the other reviews on this book and was really shocked! Well here it is! I loved the charactors and the plot.So many times I read a book and think, "Is this all there is? What happened to-Whoever or whatever? Very few authors have the Guts to carry a storyline this many booksand still have me pre-ording the next one as soon as it comes out!-and rereading the prior books to more enjoy the new book! Lisanne- Please keep the books coming! These books in your Sholon series reminds me of the phrase,"Where do you want to go today?" They are a lovely escape for a quiet moment to relive stress and bring a smile! Keep Up The Good Work!
Product Description
Classic Novel
Customer Reviews:
Throughly enjoyable, and illuminating!.......2007-10-04
The Razor's Edge is a tale of one man (Larry) who was born and brought up in US, spend many years in Europe, first flying aircrafts in WW I and later living an idiosyncratic existence where he searched for purpose and ambition through books, languages and labor. He later travels to India, and finds solace in the Hindu philosophy, where he also learns how to medidate and be at peace with oneself and the world. Maugham writes a very accurate and engaging account of Hinduism.
The novel explores the relationship of various people. The author as a part of story travels in and out of the life of Larry and his friends, and through several conversations that occur intermittenly recreates the story of Larry, Isabel, Gray, Elliot and Sophie. Isabel loves Larry, but Larry's insistance on choosing to loaf and search for the meaning of life and his purpose (and hence living a poor life) and marries Gray, the multimillionaire. Without divulging much details of the story, one can say that the author does a good job in making his characters real and interesting, and presents through them an array of human emotions.
The Razor's edge is also a social commentary, and Maugham opens a window into the lifes and times of early twentieth century Upper classes, their constant striving for popularity and for materialistic pleasures, their hopes, and failings. The story is written in a sentiment and style that makes this discussion and critique on classes as invisible score playing somewhere in background.
In modern context of the philosophy of science, as say Capra in his Tao of Physics points out, or read Complexity by Waldrop, Eastern and especially Indian ageold wisdom and philosophy resonantes with the new contexts and paradigms in science. The paradigms of having cycles of existence, of evolution and coevolution, of each and every action of every creature affecting everyone else (Butterfly Effect), of uncertainity and unpredictability. Some sentences about Hinduism are particularly well written, say quoting from the book " Can there be anything more stupendous than the conception that the universe has no beginning and no end, but passes everlastingly from growth to equilibrium, from equilibrium to decline, from decline to dissolution, from dissolution to growth, and so on till eternity?"
Larry's description resonates with the beliefs and ideas I was taught while growing up in India. And since I have stayed in US for three years now, I guess I read into novel the kind of questions that I have faced: choice between materialism and spiritualism, choice between love and ambition, between my own country and the land of opportunity, of religion and beliefs! If you are a wanderer, and faced with such questions of life and reality, maybe you will love this book as much as I did!
It ain't only a love story, does not mean it isn't a good love story. Read it, maybe you will like it too!
A look into another world in another time.......2007-07-08
Yet the writing is so full that we can feel part of this other world.
I came to this story by the back door. My first introduction to Somerset Maugham was through the movie "The Razor's Edge" (1946) staring Tyrone Power as Larry Darrell. I have no idea as to how much it was adapted from the book. Then in 1984 we watched Bill Murray as Larry Darrell. This film lost what magic the 1946 film had. So it was time to read the book. Yes I know very few films can do more than present the essence of a book. Turns out that even the older film wrote Summerset out of some of the scenes.
Larry is back from the war (WWI). As with many of us he is left with nagging questions about why one person lives and another must die. This problem leads Larry to search for the answers. He turns down opportunities and takes up a lifestyle to help him find answers. This story is told or narrated by Somerset Maugham himself. In the book Somerset takes more of an active part in the story. Larry came as close as any of us to the answer he seeks and we leave him much the same way one enters and leaves your life.
Customer Reviews:
No need for the review.......2007-04-17
C'mon, this is Somerset Maugham. That says it all. If you know him, you do not need my review. If you don't .... well ... perhaps there is a reason why you don't .... ;-) Buy any of the Somerset Maugham's books and enjoy them as millions have done over the close to a century.
Customer Reviews:
SO HOTTT.......2007-06-13
This entire series is great, there is action, humor, drama, intense sex scenes. It has a bit of everything. Edge is amazing. Its worth the read.
Read Once In A Blue Moon.......2007-01-10
While this story and the series it is from are entertaining, it is not a keeper for me.
I have read it once and have no idea where the book is now in the house, ask me where my Lora Leigh books are and I will find them in minutes.
I would recommend instead buying this story in eBook format which is cheaper and more economical for a story you only read 'Once In A Blue Moon'
Walk on the "Razors Edge".......2005-09-21
This is the 3rd book in Sherri L. King's "Horde Wars" series.
If you are like me, and you like your hot & steamy books to have a serious story line, and not be TOTALLY about the love scenes, then dive right in!
Edge is a warrior from the race of Shikar,
Emily is an NYPD cop, who tries to arrest Edge while he is in pursuit of the daemons. The Daemons have found a way to slip out from behind the Shikar defenses to wreak havoc upon unsuspecting humans, and Emily is floored to discover such awful monsters even exist. After Edge saves her life from the creatures and the disappears, Emily decides to take a few weeks off from work to track down and battle these things herself, after all, she's a hardened police officer!
When she and Edge are thrown back together, the sparks start to fly, and not just in the bedroom! Both of these characters are so intense they almost fly out of the book at you, and the plot is so well planned, I cannot wait to read more! I also love how we get to still see characters from the previous stories too.
Books:
- The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Volume 1)
- The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God
- The Serpent of Paradise: The Incredible Story of How Satan's Rebellion Serves God's Purposes
- The Truth Seeker (The O'Malley Series #3)
- The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Series #1)
- The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts
- The Year of Magical Thinking
- Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down: Three Tales of Erotic Romance: Captivated by You / Promise Me Forever / Hunter's Right
- Too Hot to Handle
- Twin Peaks: An Access Guide to the Town
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Secrets of the Alchemist Dar
- History: Fiction or Science
- A.D.A.M. Interactive Anatomy Student Lab Guide
- A Selected History of Science: The History and Development of Physics in Ancient China and the Moder
- Complete Price Guide to Watches
- History: Fiction or Science
- Conversations with My Dog
- Approaches to Art Therapy: Theory and Technique
- Archabet: An Architectual Alphabet
- At solsidan: En bok om boningsrum, om barn, om dig, om blommor, om allt : taflor och prat
Of Human Bondage (Bantam Classics)
The Painted Veil
The Moon and Sixpence (Dover Value Editions)
The Razor's Edge
Cakes and Ale
