Oxherding Tale: A Novel

Book Description

One night in the antebellum South, a slave owner and his African-American butler stay up to all hours until, too drunk to face their wives, they switch places in each other's beds. The result is a hilarious imbroglio and an offspring -- Andrew Hawkins, whose life becomes Oxherding Tale.

Through sexual escapades, picaresque adventures, and philosophical inquiry, Hawkins navigates white and black worlds and comments wryly on human nature along the way. Told with pure genius, Oxherding Tale is a deliciously funny, bitterly ironic account of slavery, racism, and the human spirit; and it reveals the author as a great talent with even greater humanity.

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"One night in the antebellum South, a slave owner and his African-American butler stay up to all hours until, too drunk to face their wives, they switch places in each other's beds. The result is a hilarious imbroglio and an offspring -- Andrew Hawkins, whose life becomes Oxherding Tale. Through sexual escapades, picaresque adventures, and philosophical inquiry, Hawkins navigates white and black worlds and comments wryly on human nature along the way. Told with pure genius, Oxherding Tale is a deliciously funny, bitterly ironic account of slavery, racism, and the human spirit; and it reveals the author as a great talent with even greater humanity. "

Customer Reviews:

A new approach to an old tale.......2000-04-19

This novel moves African-American literature beyond African American, and ironically by way of it's oldest from, the slave narrative. Using his strong philosophical background in eastern religions and texts, Johnson appies Bhuddist and Taoist ideas of the self to deal with the concept of race in America. This book operates on many levels, some we've seen before in African American texts, which he uses as a backdrop for his transcendence of the slave narrrative's limitations. Incorporating these eastern influences into the novel sheds new light on the search for racial identity, and gender identity of the biracial chimera that narrates the tale. Johnson keeps the many ideas and happenings of the novel from being overbearing with a wonderful humor. The combinations of texts, and cultures make the reader reevaluate the very concept of race, and its history in America. An enlightening and very entertaining read, I highly reccommend it. (I save 5 stars for classics)

Amazon.com

Though already developing a successful career in SF with such heady novels as Chthon and Omnivore, Piers Anthony did not reach brand-name status until he cooked up some fantasy in 1977. And it was cheerful, humorous fantasy at that, as in his first Xanth series novel, A Spell for Chameleon. The book's young hero, Bink, is without magical powers in a world ruled entirely by magic. Worse still, if he doesn't discover his own magical talent soon, he will be forever banished from his homeland. Naturally, it takes an epic quest for Bink to learn what his unique talent truly is--and perhaps to win the girl of his dreams as well. A Spell for Chameleon was the very first of Anthony's bestselling (and still ongoing) humorous fantasy series. Noteworthy for their outrageous word puns and bizarre characters, the Xanth books are a light yet often satisfying brew, especially when compared with the author's sometimes nihilistic and ultraviolent hard SF. --Stanley Wiater

Book Description

Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled--where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. That is, except for Bink of North Village. He was sure he possessed no magic, and knew that if he didn't find some soon, he would be exiled. According to the Good Magician Humpfrey, the charts said that Bink was as powerful as the King or even the Evil Magician Trent. Unfortunately, no one could determine its form. Meanwhile, Bink was in despair. If he didn't find his magic soon, he would be forced to leave....

Customer Reviews:

Classic "trilogy" !.......2007-09-08

This was one of my favorite series of books. Wonderfully entertaining, I often read the books in less than a day.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Get magic, or get the arse.

The world of Xanth is full of magical creatures, and all the humans there are also magic wielders of one sort or another, from Aces to Deuces, to borrow some Wild Cards terminology i.e. powerful to useless.

The boy Bink has no magic, and sets out to find out why, on the way encountering the titular character, a woman with multiple forms who ends up having the hots for him.

Adventure ensues, and Bink does discover his own magical ability, which is a negative one, so tricky to find out about.

Harry Potter of its day--Started my love of reading!.......2007-08-20

I would be very surprised if J.K. Rowling hasn't read the Xanth series. Her puns and plays on words and her magical world that coexists with the world of Muggles draws many parallels to Piers Anthony's world of Xanth and the world of Mundania. These books could EASILY be brought to life on the screen, and are very appropriate for the younger set--to most degrees (I wouldn't say so with his Adept series, though).

I first started reading this series when my older cousin gave them to me back in 1987--I read about 10 or 11 of them before finally petering out--because I think Anthony started to wear out with them as well. Still, these are some of the first real books I read, and I devoured each one with absolute relish. They are witty, adventurous, and have a light-hearted feel that many other fantasy series lack.

Highly recommended for tweens and above!

Jason Sipe, Hood Press Books, Tales of Madness: Seven Horror Stories by Edgar Allan Poe

Enjoyable fantasy.......2007-05-28

Pier Anthony's Xanth series gets off to a terrific start with "A Spell for Chameleon." Bink is a young man who doesn't possess any magic, which in the world of Xanth is a problem. If he can't show some ability, then he'll be exiled to the non-magical world - Mundania. Bink is advised to consult the Great Magician Humfrey, who has the power to reveal what is hidden. If Bink really does have magic, then Humfrey should be able to help. The journey to Humfrey's castle is fraught with perils, and this leg represents only the beginning of Bink's adventures.

I'm a newbie to fantasy novels, but several people recommended this book to me, and the Xanth series sounded intriguing. This first novel has everything I'd expect - a likeable protagonist, a journey that is constantly thwarted, and a few good plot twists. What I enjoyed most was the Xanth world, which is filled with creative touches, as well as Anthony's jokey tone. The book does have quite a few puns (Xanth's wilderness is crowded with numerous "punny" trees, including shoe trees); however, the humor doesn't hinder the story. All in all "A Spell for Chameleon" was an enjoyable read, and one that has convinced me to try the second book in the series.

This Book Was Good.......2007-05-18

I thought that this was a good book. It had me constantly thinking about what was going to happen next, it had surprises that I didn't even expect, and it was very descriptive that the images constantly stayed in my head till I finished the book. This book will keep you reading until you turn the last page; you won't want to put it down.
I liked the book because it has just the right amount of everything that you would look for in a book: mystery, murder, comedy, and suspense. It also had lots of questions that really made me think, and as I continued to read, it answered them all. There are few twists in the book that you wouldn't expect, most are good but it really depends on the way that you look at it. I thought the comedy in the book was great, but you have to understand what is going on and also have to have a good sense of humor.
The book is very interesting until the very end and you want to stop reading. The story is based on a young man in his late twenties named Bink who is to be exiled from Xanth, unless he can show that he has a magical talent. So he sets out on an adventure to discover if he has a magic talent or not. Along the way he makes friends, enemies, and comes close to death. This book is an adventure waiting to unfold.
I think the author did a great job of compiling all of the events into an imaginative story that has you wondering what's going to happen on every page. There is minimal inappropriate language and some sexual references, but it should be fine for anyone that can handle it that isn't too immature. I suggest that if you like this book that you will enjoy the sequels like I did; they are just as equally exciting and just as descriptive. I suggest this book to anyone that has a good imagination and who likes to ponder interesting yet difficult questions because this would be the book for you.

Three Complete Xanth Novels: A Spell for Chameleon; The Source of Magic; Castle Roogna

Average customer rating:

THESE BOOKS ARE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Piers Anthony at his finest!
You Gotta Love These Books!
The best of the series
The first books of Piers Anthony's renowned Xanth Series

Three Complete Xanth Novels: A Spell for Chameleon; The Source of Magic; Castle Roogna
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Wings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0517122332
Release Date: 1995-02-11

Customer Reviews:

THESE BOOKS ARE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1999-07-07

These books are fantastic!!!! It is a shame not more kids are into these books.I know people all ages would like them because ALL my friends like these books & they are my father's favorite books. Maybe some more people should show these books on their sites. I give these books 1000+ thumbs up (if I had that many thumbs) and 1,000,000,000,000+ stars.

Piers Anthony at his finest!.......1998-12-06

These three books make for an excellent trilogy, thick with a rich writing style, imaginative prose, and surprising depth for a "lightweight" fantasy series. I cannot imagine the fantasy genre without these. Piers Anthony has opened up a whole new route of writing fantasy. You'll be won over by Xanth's charm instantly. Excellent.

You Gotta Love These Books!.......1998-11-04

Pier Xanthony is a great author. His books are mostly for adults, but teens love them too! I happen to be one, so I would know. His books are punishly hilarious, and lots of fun! I hope he never stops writing them. If you haven't read any then you should definately go for these. Start with A Spell for Chameleon, the rest of the books are listed inside in the order that you read them. They are best read if you start from the beginning, that way you get the right info at the right time. For example, if you don't know about the Gap and the Gap Dragon then you won't understand what's going on at some points. I wouldn't give this series anything less than a 5-star rating. I love it!

The best of the series.......1997-07-29

The first three books of the Xanth series are the best of the hideously sprawling series. The characters are more fully realized and the atmosphere is not so cheekily sexist. The puns actually add to the stories, instead of dragging the readers along to the big blinking neon sign PUN! PUN! PUN! Bink and Chameleon are probably the best characters Anthony has written, because they are adults and have some rather serious relationship problems. To put it bluntly, this was the only volume of my Xanth collection that I bothered to save when my bedroom was flooded

The first books of Piers Anthony's renowned Xanth Series.......1996-08-20

Containing the trilogy that started the well-known series, this book introduces the reader to the magical world ofXanth.

Xanth is a peninsula (with a remarkable resemblance to Florida) where magic exists and anything is possible. It is surrounded by the "Curtain," a magical barrier that instantly kills anything touching it. Outside the Curtain, Xanth is surrounded by the magic-less land of "Mundania." With this setting with unlimited possibilities, Piers Anthony has created a masterpiece.

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A Spell For Chameleon (Xanth, Volume 1)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J0O2H8

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A Spell For Chameleon
PIERS ANTHONY
Manufacturer: New York Ballantine 1978.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N250AU

Average customer rating:

It is an excellent source of reading for all ages

It was one of the greatest books that I have read.

thanks for a touch of reality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Magic of Xanth: An Enchanting Fantasy Trilogy/a Spell for Chameleon, the Source of Magic, Castle Roogna
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Dragon on a Pedestal (Xanth Novels)

ASIN: 0345340469

Customer Reviews:

It is an excellent source of reading for all ages.......1999-11-10

When I got this book, I thought that it was just another long book. But when I started to read it, I couldn't put it down. It has interesting events on every page.

It was one of the greatest books that I have read........1998-11-25

This book took me out of reality to and helped me to realize I am not the only one with these types of problems. It is an great way to relax when you have had a stressful day.

thanks for a touch of reality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1998-11-14

I was introduced to Xanth when I was sick and became one of it's greatest silent fans. The library had this buried and I just had a feeling I finnally found someone I can identify with, Dee. Her simplistic complexity was right on the mark and when she wins, not only her true love, but also finds that it's o.k. to be so different and yet the same as everyone else, you can't help but LOVE these books! Piers, please don't ever stop being a kid inside, i'd think the world as I know it was about to end. With resspect from a former Alcoholic, thanks

The Magic of Xanth: A Spell for Chameleon; The Source of Magic; Castle Roogna

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The Magic of Xanth: A Spell for Chameleon; The Source of Magic; Castle Roogna
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QN65RS

The Magic of Xanth: An Enchanting Fantasy Trilogy Box Set-3 Volumes: A Spell for Chameleon / The Source of Magic / Castle Roogna /

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The Magic of Xanth: An Enchanting Fantasy Trilogy Box Set-3 Volumes: A Spell for Chameleon / The Source of Magic / Castle Roogna /
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000TYZXZ4

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A Spell For Chameleon
Piers ANTHONY
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVN46C

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A Spell for Chameleon
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Easton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000IFK4OO

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A Spell for Chameleon
Piers (Pseudonym of Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob) Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVNJOO

Book Description

In a universe where Earth no longer exists, the remnants of humanity survive in space stations and starships. Now, an army of genetically enhanced warriors is sent to destroy mankind-once and for all.

Only one woman can stop them: renegade intelligence agent Morgan Roche.

Customer Reviews:

Australian SF Reader.......2007-08-01

Here is what this book boils down to. Would you, a created human, decide yes or no when given the choice by godlike posthumans to destroy a race of superhumans you were at war with? What if the wrong choice meant your death?

Morgan Roche has to make this terrible decision.

They fooled me.......2004-05-13

It doesnt offen happen these days with the pulp coming out of the movie industry. But these two guys got me, and got me good. Well done mate(s).

As you can read from other reviews, a highly charged ending, but other than that all is explained to a logical end. The question is, will Morgan Roche return?

AuthorZone.Com Book Review.......2003-07-24

A thought provoking fantacy fiction.
You must read the first two books though.

Very powerful writing!

Still on my best trilogy list.......2002-03-14

I see that some readers felt dissatisfied with the ending. That's ok. If everyone felt like I do, Hollywood would be out of business. I loved the ending and anyone who couldn't see the potential for such an ending was not paying attention. The clues were there and I wanted the ending to be different as much as Morgan Roche did the entire journey but understood that things do not always work out the way you want them. I was then left with a total respect for the writers ability to let go of the typical ending and have the courage to do something different. I loved these characters with all their talents and flaws and deeply hope to be able to someday return to their world, as I am sure there are many other characters waiting to share their story with us. We still know very little of the Dato Bloc, the high humans and the others. I have no doubts that Williams and Dix have plenty more to share with us. Lead on gentelmen, and we will follow!

In response.......2002-02-11

I dont normally bother with writing reviews but felt after I read a recent one froma reader in San francisco regarding Dark Imbalance, I had to say something in the authors defense. While I appreciate that everyone has their own opinions on these things I find it kind of arrogant that this reader would say that he cannot believe that a "serious" reviewer would like this book. It almost implies that the opinions of others are wrong and I resent that! I loved this book, and the entire Evergence series. There is nothing even remotely "akin" to "and then she woke up and it was all a dream" or whatever this person suggested. If anything I found the conclusion refreshingly different. I know some people I spoke to didn't enjoy it because of what happened to the characters, but they still enjoyed the book itself and the writing style of the authors. I happened to like the way the series was finished. It took me by surprise because I was expecting something similar to the way most of these series finish up (happy endings which allow the characters to go off and have further adventures). I have heard that it is the intention of these writers to go back and do a second Evergence series which I hope that one day they do because I for one would be out there in the shops on the first day of release to buy them.

Reader from SF suggests these authors should go back and rewrite the last book. I say leave as it is! Evergence trilogy stands out for me as one of the best science fiction series of the last decade. Whether we like the ending or not, it is an ending the authors wanted to write. If reader from SF wants a different ending then perhaps they should go and write a series themselves as they would like to see it. But for my money the ending of Dark Imbalance is NOT a cop out by any stretch of the imagination. It is a well written book which builds to a conclusion that gives the reader (this one anyway) an emotional impact. I urge readers who have not read this series yet not to be put off by such comments by reader from SF. You may not like the ending the authors offer but I think it will be one you'll remember.

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Evergence: A Dark Imbalance
Sean; Dix, Shane Williams
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000J2XFJ2

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Entering the Tao

Another self proclaimed spiritual master.....

Guiding with examples

Entering the Tao

A helpful introduction to practical Taoism

Entering the Tao
Hua-Ching Ni
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Taoism | Eastern | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Taoism | Other Eastern Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1570621616
Release Date: 1997-04-22

Book Description

Master Hua-Ching Ni uses straightforward language and personal experiences, as well as traditional stories and teachings of the ancient masters, to impart the wisdom of Taoism, the Integral Way. His teachings promote a simple, natural, healthy, and happy way of life that lays the foundation for spiritual self-cultivation. Master Ni emphasizes that it is important first to establish a good understanding of basic spiritual principles and then begin to realize this wisdom in daily life by adopting practices and attitudes that help to conserve, nourish, and refine the subtle energy. Among the topics he discusses in short, accessible passages are: Basic spiritual self-protection Self-reliance Emotional balance Do's and don'ts for a healthy, natural lifestyle Sleeping and dreaming Diet Love, sex and marriage Meditations and invocations from the Taoist tradition

Customer Reviews:

Entering the Tao.......2007-01-24

This book was interesting but you definately need an open mind when you are reading it! I enjoyed some parts more than others. I like the premise of the book as I am interested in the Eastern way of life, but some of it was a bit out there for me!

Another self proclaimed spiritual master............2006-12-20

Though there's nothing particularly toxic about "Master" Ni's books, I don't think they have much to do with Tao. Let's consider the evidence:

1)Ni proclaims himself a "Master" and touts his spiritual pedigree and credentials in many of his books.

2)He publishes many many books on Tao. He has much to say. He has many many "insights" to share. He rambles.

3) He places his own grinning visage on the cover of the book.

Now go read the Tao Teh Ching. Done yet? OK, now you can clearly see that all of the above directly contradict the most basic Taoist teachings. Read Ni if you must, but this is not the Tao.

Guiding with examples.......2002-11-15

The selections in this book are independent from each other: some are stories, some are explanations, some are instruction. Most are less than a page long. This is not a guidebook in a conventional sense. The selections do not function as chapters, aphorisms or platitudes. Instead, they are meant to 'convey', in the same sense that each stanza of the Tao Te Ching conveys.

I find this style enjoyable and useful for two reasons.

First, it allows the reader to pick up the book on any page, read a topic, and reflect on it - just as one would with the Tao Te Ching.

Second, the shortness of each section tends to prevent a reader from focusing too intently on words and concepts, rather than embodying in themselves what has been conveyed by a particular selection.

It is appropriate that a guide like this is not "in-depth" in a cognitive sense. As the author says, "The Tao is really simple; it is people who make it complicated. They must awaken from the complications they have created for themselves and dare to live a plain and truthful natural life."

Kudos go to the editor, too, for her choice of excerpts and the layout.

Entering the Tao.......2001-07-27

Dear Readers, After reading this new publication "Entering the Tao" many times, I realized the treasure of this book is the easy to read "hands-on" approach to entering the Tao in modern times. It is basic guidance to follow written in simple terms. There is no big mystery or special requirements. You just live a simple life and to do so we need to exclude a few things and remember a few basic things we may have forgotten. The beauty and joy of reading this book over and over is that it brings great peace. When I was in the middle of a crisis situation, it helped me to find some momentary joy and to see the learning and growth in it. Following the guidance helped me to remove most of the anxiety, pressure, and feeling of hopelessness. In my opinion the book will bring any reader to the realization that these experiences are in fact external and should be treated that way. At first I thought my experience was unique and that I had no way out (in more than one way -- out of the situation or out of the pain it caused). All that changed after reading this book! When you enter the Tao, there IS great peace. What a great stress reliever! Doing the practices you will find in other books by Hua Ching Ni, which are extremely helpful, but to get the right mindset we need to change our normal negative way of thinking and viewing ourselves and the world. Entering the Tao teaches us how to go about this. I highly recommend this book as one of the treasures shared by Ni and after reading this book you may want to read many more of his publications. It is a great starter book!

A helpful introduction to practical Taoism.......2000-10-06

Hua-Ching Ni provides a simple and practical introduction to Taoism. The book is pleasant and can easily be read in a short time. Perfect for individuals looking to get started in practical Taoism. For those interested in a more detailed history of Taoism and its religiosity Eva Wong's "The Shambhala Guide to Taoism" would be a better bet. Those less interested in detail and more in the "big picture" should stay with Ni. A nice little book.

Entering the Tao of Sudden Enlightenment & The Tsung Ching Record

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Entering the Tao of Sudden Enlightenment & The Tsung Ching Record

Manufacturer: Sutra Translation Commettee of the United States & Canada
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000F2Z008

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