Hi all,
As previously intimated, the Don Quixote Deathmarch does in fact loometh. In fact, it so loometh that we even have a start date: Wednesday, March 22 (meaning we aim to open the cover that day).
Looks like we may well have a good-sized group, including several first-timers. Should be fun (and grueling, but also fun). If you’re interested and looking to pick up a copy, most of us will be reading the new translation by Edith Grossman, and that’s what page references will refer back to.
For them what are new to the DM world, here’s basically how it works:
Every Wednesday I’ll post something right here on your computer screen laying out how far we’ll be marching that week (usually around 50 or 60 pages). Over the next 7 days, folks drop by and leave comments ranging from “owie” and “this hurts” to slightly more erudite analysis. And that’s pretty much the whole idear. Week by week and nibble by nibble, we make our way through. And by the end, this weary band of wanders will have another of The Great Books flashing sparks deep within our brains.
Anyways, we’d love to have you along. In fact, consider yourself personally exhorted. And of course, feel free to bring a friend. The more, the marchier….
See you on the trail,
-Cecil
16 comments for “Deathmarch 4: Cervantes Strikes Back!”
Captain Marsupial
March 9, 2006 at 1:54 pm
I’m in for this one. it fits my criteria-long, should be read, will be fun. BTW, what was book 3? the 2 birds thingie? or Pale Fire?
Thanks Cece for starting this back up.
This is the DM I’ve been waiting for. I was just reading a bio on Cervantes and he died on the same date as Shakespeare: April 23, 1616 (though not on the same day because Spain and England were on different calendars, so there was actually a difference of 10 days). DM After party in Spain, anyone?
So my heart sank a little when I read Cervantes died on the same day as Shakespeare I’ll admit it. Language required more brain cells back then. T’was less Simpsons-like. The modern brain wants to run for cover. Which is why it needs the Deathmarch. I am ready. I am excited. Especially if we’re going to Spain afterward. That is what we’re doing right?
Tell me if this sounds weird, but I think I may pass on the Cervantes and just read the comments. I’ll be like that character in the Whit Stillman film “Metropolitan”, who never reads the classics, but just literary criticism of them.
I just went and bought the book today. My god, it looks daunting at first. Then I skimmed the table of contents, and the chapters look reasonable. I find it pretty easy to handle a book that gives me logical 10 page chunks, even when I am at my busiest. And an introduction by Bloom (my academic grandfather). I guess I’m in again.
BTW – The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel did a feature on great books this past weekend. In their piece on _Tristram Shandy_ they referenced DQ, saying that it was long, but not as difficult as the Sterne. I hope they are right.
I’m in for this one. it fits my criteria-long, should be read, will be fun. BTW, what was book 3? the 2 birds thingie? or Pale Fire?
Thanks Cece for starting this back up.
2 was Pale Fire and 3 was At Swim Two Birds. And great to have you back, cap’n!
-Cecil
I’ll tilt at this windmill, too. Will knowing the musical help?
Re: the Grossman link, think you could direct traffic to BN.com? 🙂
This is the DM I’ve been waiting for. I was just reading a bio on Cervantes and he died on the same date as Shakespeare: April 23, 1616 (though not on the same day because Spain and England were on different calendars, so there was actually a difference of 10 days). DM After party in Spain, anyone?
This is great, Never knew Don Knotts left memoirs but can’t wait to deathmarch with them. Barney was such a well developed charcter. I’M IN ANDY’a!
So my heart sank a little when I read Cervantes died on the same day as Shakespeare I’ll admit it. Language required more brain cells back then. T’was less Simpsons-like. The modern brain wants to run for cover. Which is why it needs the Deathmarch. I am ready. I am excited. Especially if we’re going to Spain afterward. That is what we’re doing right?
oh yeah, absolutely. I’ve already rented the bus. Roaaaaaaaadtrip!
-Cecil
Not only am I onboard, but so is my so-called dad.
e’s in.
Ola, amigos. Si, estoy adentro.
–El HalcĂłn-Mago
I’m in, too. Me *and* my donuts.
–Green
Y todo esto, cuando comienza? Que hago? Como lo hago?
Jeff
Tell me if this sounds weird, but I think I may pass on the Cervantes and just read the comments. I’ll be like that character in the Whit Stillman film “Metropolitan”, who never reads the classics, but just literary criticism of them.
Call me Sancho. I’m in.
I just went and bought the book today. My god, it looks daunting at first. Then I skimmed the table of contents, and the chapters look reasonable. I find it pretty easy to handle a book that gives me logical 10 page chunks, even when I am at my busiest. And an introduction by Bloom (my academic grandfather). I guess I’m in again.
BTW – The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel did a feature on great books this past weekend. In their piece on _Tristram Shandy_ they referenced DQ, saying that it was long, but not as difficult as the Sterne. I hope they are right.
I didn’t realize the intro was by Harold Bloom. That does it. I’m in like Flynn. I just have to get the book. And figure out who this Flynn person is.