As you may know, im the author of the inheritance cycle, as well as the fork, the witch, and the worm short stories set in the world of eragon, and an adult scifi novel, to sleep in a sea of stars, which is publishing on september 15th this year. Spangle is gary jenningss third and biggest historical entertainment, after. Gary jennings books list of books by author gary jennings. Gary jennings author interview with don swaim youtube. For spangle, gary jennings traveled with nine different circuses in america. Librarything is a cataloging and social networking site for booklovers. Theres always a spangle novel lying open in my house.
Jennings does provide intriguing circus lore, and he retells 19th century social history as if it were unfolding news. Gary jennings usually structures his historical novels. Spangle is a novel about a spectacle, but the readers hope that it will acquire momentum is not quite fulfilledat least until its stirring look at the invaded france of. Gary jennings, a prolific writer whose books included the bestselling novel aztec, about the aztec war against the spanish conquistadors, died on saturday at his home in pompton lakes, n. Gary jennings has carved out a niche for himself in modern fiction long, intricately plotted novels based. Born in buena vista, virginia in 1928, jennings passed. Published in 1987, it follows a circus troupe known as florians flourishing florilegium of wonders from the confederate surrender at appomattox to europe, ending in france during the francoprussian war.
The new york times gary jennings is a wellknown author of epic historical novels, each one set in a different period but all sharing the theme of survival by wit and chance in violent times. This is my favourite of all his books, and perhaps the most poignant. Gary jennings usually structures his historical novels around a narrator who comes of age in the. Im currently reading the anthology of the three spangle books. Founded in 1997, has become a leading book price comparison site. Gary jennings is a wellknown author of epic historical novels, each one set in a different period but all sharing the theme of survival by wit and chance in violent times.
Gary jennings was known for the rigorous and intensive research behind his novels, which often included hazardous travelsexploring every corner of mexico for his aztec novels, retracing the numerous wanderings of marco polo for the journeyer, joining nine different circuses for spangle, and roaming the balkans to do raptor. Ever didactic, jennings gives the reader page after page of fascinating 19thcentury circus arcana. The books follows a group of vagabonds that get caught in the middle of international relations. These books are an example of historical fiction that happens to be somewhat historically accurate. I discovered the author through aztec, and he remains my favorite writer. Spangle is the story of a traveling circus we join near appomattox just after lees surrender to grant. Spangle is a historical novel written by gary jennings and first published in 1987. Gary jennings which unfortunately does not have an english description on gr. Spangle by gary jennings 1987, hardcover for sale online. Gary jennings was known for the rigorous and intensive research behind his books, which often included hazardous travelexploring every corner of mexico for his aztec novels, retra.
Gary jennings was known for the rigorous and intensive research behind his books, which often included hazardous travelexploring every corner of mexico for his aztec novels, retracing the numerous wanderings of marco polo for the journeyers, joining nine different circuses for spangle, and roaming the balkans for raptor. I put this one a close second after aztec, i wouldnt hesitate to say some may like it more. And educational history comes alive in his books, virtually bursting out of the page to take you by the throat. Spangle is essentially an entire novel of that, further watered down by a thirdperson perspective rather than the firstperson viewpoint were used to getting from this author. Full of the wildly colorful characters gary jennings is famous for, the epic saga of spangle takes us on a grand tour of two continents, from the reconstruction south and a north which has remade our union, across the ocean to an ancient union reesta. Spangle by gary jennings 1987, hardcover for sale online ebay. Exlibrary with page removed, library markings and labels. Gary jennings is a wellknown author of epic historical novels, each one set in a.
Another adventure brought to life by gary jennings. The best thing about jennings work is that you become smarter as you read. Gary jennings has carved out a niche for himself in modern fiction long, intricately plotted novels based around a single character in a little known historical area. Really excited to be answering your questions here. See all books authored by gary jennings, including aztec, and aztec autumn, and more on. Feb 18, 1999 gary jennings, a prolific writer whose books included the bestselling novel aztec, about the aztec war against the spanish conquistadors, died on saturday at his home in pompton lakes, n. Spangle is a historical novel written by gary jennings 19281999. I read this one last of the gary jennings books as i wasnt that interested in circus plot or the late 1800s timeframe. But unlike aztec and the journeyer whose firstperson narrations gave a powerful comingofage feel, spangle lacks a strong viewpoint character through which to filter the seemingly endless historical data edge is almost without personality. Gary jennings is the best among our historical novelists. The complete series list for spangle gary jennings. A picaresque novel about the adventures of a 19thcentury circus, from the.
Jennings aztec, the journeyer spent considerable time accompanying modern circuses to write this long historical novel that begins wth one conflict on the. Spangle is a novel about a spectacle, but the readers hope that it will acquire momentum is not quite fulfilledat least until its stirring look at the invaded france of 1870. Spangle printed by antheneum in 1987 has protective plastic cover and original paper cover. These sprawling works, sometimes reaching 500,000 words, are packed with violence, braggadocio and vivid sex scenes. I always learn something from his books while enjoying the story and characters. Buy the center ring spangle by gary jennings from amazons fiction books store. We throw in out lot, and horses, with the fascinating troupe. Jul 18, 2012 gary jennings author of aztec the journeyer raptor spangle interview by don swaim.
Spangle is a novel about a spectacle, but the readers hope that it will acquire momentum is not quite. Ive read all three books so many times that the covers are gone and the books are mangled. Uncommonly good collectible and rare books from uncommonly good booksellers. Jennings role with the mountaineers has grown throughout his career in morgantown. It is a bit less depressing then jennings other books and i found it more uplifting from the camaraderie and circus atmosphere.
Born in buena vista, virginia in 1928, jennings passed away in 1999 in. In 1980, after the successful novel aztec, he specialized in writing adult historical fiction novels. Gary jennings was known for the rigorous and intensive research behind his books, which often included hazardous travelexploring every corner of mexico for his aztec novels, retracing the numerous wanderings of marco polo for the journeyers, join. He brings the past to life in a most entertaining and authentic way. Gary jennings was an amazing author, and his historical research shows so clearly in this book. Another tremendous work of historical research, organization, and writing. Grand promenade spangle, no 3 by jennings, gary and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at.
Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. I learn so many things, i find myself spouting them in casual conversation. Complete set series lot of 3 spangle books by gary jennings road show circus. Gary jennings author of aztec the journeyer raptor spangle interview by don swaim. On the other hand, theres a pleasantly lighter tone on this outting and the degree of detail is as rich as ever. Gary jennings author interview with don swaim duration. Gary jennings audio books, best sellers, author bio. Gary jennings is known for his intensive research which often includes rigorous and sometimes hazardous travelsexploring every corner of mexico for his aztec novels, retracing the numerous wanderings of marco polo for the journeyer, joining nine different circuses for spangle, and roaming the balkans to do raptor. Great reads, full of love and violence, colourful and exciting. He was also popular for writing adult novels of historical fiction and gained prominence after the immense of his 1980 book called aztec. Gary jennings first made a name for himself in american fiction with aztec, a highly imaginative account of the conquest of mexico as seen from the aztec side. Gary jennings september 20, 1928 february, 1999 was an american author who wrote childrens and adult novels. Everyday low prices on a huge range of new releases and classic fiction.
213 763 1100 930 899 1091 1000 903 311 552 1047 1385 1195 545 621 1356 1321 203 1013 1318 1119 1322 1244 1326 293 1183 503 741 384 1391 887 395 133 1368 286 1123 1227