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Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' DomA Send a noteboard - 03/03/2011 02:17:06 PM
I can see what you're getting at, but it's a distinction that I don't accept. Although I agree there are many popular books that all one asks from is enjoyment (e.g. Dan Brown, JK Rowling, John Buchan, LM Montgomery), I don't agree that being popular renders a book/author ineligble for the classification of 'great' either.


You haven't read my post attentively then, as I've mentionned how Hugo is a great popular writer (ie: he wrote great stories) and is also widely recognized as a great writer (his prose, his works have recognized artistic value).

I make the distinction (and it's a traditional disctinction, by the way - not my own) between great popular writers and great writers because if you try to judge their works with the same criterias, most of the great popular writers will end up at the bottom of the list because of the lack of artistic/aesthethic value of their writing, unless you narrow your analysis to specific craft aspects, like storytelling, characters etc. - which is a lot about purely subjective notions, such as how fun the story is, or how much you like the characters.

You can compare the craftsmanship of J.K. Rowling and Jane Austen in storytelling, but if you try to compare their Art of writing, this is not even close to a contest (which is why I find stupid to look at most popular work with the "great writing" critical grid. As far as I know, Rowling has no artistic intent with her prose - it's pointless to look at her work from this angle (as one would for a "great writer" or an author with artistic ambitions, only to arrive at the foregone conclusion that her prose has little artistic value and use that to bash her gratuitously.


Are great popular writers like Rowling, Doyle, Dumas etc. as valuable and significant culturally as the great writers is not a debate I even got into and that I leave to others like you who try to put all writing in the same bag as I don't personally care - I enjoy reading both good popular literature - great stories - and the great writers, sometimes for the same reasons (a lot of great writers were also great storytellers...), more often for fairly different reasons and I can admire craftsmanship and art in literature both (I just can see the difference between the two). I merely touched on the artistic differences that exist between popular literature and great literature. I also don't equate the vague category of "the classics" with great literature. Tons of books that became classics are recognized as such for their ideas rather than their form.
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Can someone explain to me how Jordan is not a particularly good writer? newyorkersedai - 21/02/2011 05:41:31 PM 3273 Views
I personally see it as more of RJ being a fantastic story teller, but not a well structured writer. darius_sedai - 21/02/2011 06:44:21 PM 1662 Views
Re: I personally see it as more of RJ being a fantastic story teller, but not a well structured Lo'oris - 22/02/2011 10:59:25 PM 1284 Views
What do you think about the Southern Gothic authors? Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 08:08:26 AM 1164 Views
Re: What do you think about the Southern Gothic authors? Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 10:51:57 AM 1257 Views
Oh, it really depends. Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 05:39:07 PM 997 Views
thanks, I'll have a look *NM* Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 05:40:50 PM 804 Views
For the same reason that most people think they have above average intelligence. RabidWombat - 21/02/2011 11:13:34 PM 1620 Views
Thank you. Nargs - 21/02/2011 11:43:08 PM 1366 Views
Re: For the same reason that most people think they have above average intelligence. *NM* Gerbeaud - 22/02/2011 02:39:20 PM 896 Views
Re: For the same reason that most people think they have above average intelligence. Gerbeaud - 22/02/2011 02:41:37 PM 1094 Views
Well Said! Evil_Monkey - 22/02/2011 02:42:22 PM 1285 Views
That's possibly the best explanation of literary criticism I've ever seen. The Count - 23/02/2011 02:47:12 AM 1218 Views
I can take a shot at that, since nobody else seems willing to. Ghavrel - 22/02/2011 07:29:20 AM 1688 Views
Do you enjoy reading Robert Jordan's ... Nargs - 22/02/2011 04:31:28 PM 1353 Views
Not particularly. Ghavrel - 22/02/2011 10:22:00 PM 1470 Views
Agreed. Tom - 22/02/2011 10:37:08 PM 1231 Views
Re: I can take a shot at that, since nobody else seems willing to. Lo'oris - 22/02/2011 11:23:38 PM 1310 Views
That has very little to do with anything unless you can provide a real-world analogy to a channeler. Ghavrel - 22/02/2011 11:30:52 PM 1227 Views
Re: That has very little to do with anything unless you can provide a real-world analogy to a Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 12:02:24 AM 1272 Views
As far as I'm concerned, the only way to gauge whether an author is good or not is ... Velveti - 22/02/2011 03:58:17 PM 1209 Views
Amen *NM* Nargs - 22/02/2011 04:32:50 PM 791 Views
Re: Can someone explain to me how Jordan is not a particularly good writer? DomA - 22/02/2011 06:27:11 PM 2073 Views
Brain overload! This is really well thought out. RabidWombat - 23/02/2011 10:22:37 PM 1262 Views
thank you for the insight into the outside view lol Onarishma - 24/02/2011 04:34:57 PM 1313 Views
I think it has more to do with limitations imposed by how the story was organized and edited. RugbyPlayingAshaman - 22/02/2011 07:50:18 PM 1579 Views
That's interesting, and I have a weird agree/disagree here; also, that Adam Roberts sucks newyorkersedai - 23/02/2011 02:15:12 AM 1329 Views
Re: That's interesting, and I have a weird agree/disagree here; also, that Adam Roberts sucks Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 11:02:14 AM 1294 Views
adam roberts reviews uglycat - 23/02/2011 03:53:49 AM 1288 Views
And I suspect those who prefer the BS books are those who largely read WoT for the story. *NM* Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 08:06:16 AM 747 Views
Oh GAWD!... not another pointer to Robert Adam's incoherant muckraking HyogaRott - 24/02/2011 07:47:35 PM 1143 Views
I think DomA answered the question best, but the "do you like it" argument is weak. Tom - 22/02/2011 10:32:51 PM 1446 Views
Re: I think DomA answered the question best, but the "do you like it" argument is weak. Lo'oris - 22/02/2011 11:16:24 PM 1391 Views
The Necronomicon isn't actually a book, you know. *NM* Ghavrel - 22/02/2011 11:28:29 PM 710 Views
There are nine, actually... Lo'oris - 23/02/2011 12:04:55 AM 1455 Views
Lovecraft's Necronomicon was fictitious. If you want to count fanfiction, fine. *NM* Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 12:38:07 AM 774 Views
Based on how poorly worded that response was, I'm not sure what to think of it. *NM* Tom - 23/02/2011 12:13:00 AM 753 Views
I hope I am misunderstanding you. Stephen - 23/02/2011 10:57:47 PM 1145 Views
Re: I hope I am misunderstanding you. Lo'oris - 24/02/2011 10:41:09 AM 1276 Views
If the core of the story is all that matters, why read a book Stephen - 24/02/2011 10:32:01 PM 1239 Views
Re: If the core of the story is all that matters, why read a book Lo'oris - 24/02/2011 11:23:42 PM 1071 Views
So wait, style is good? Stephen - 25/02/2011 12:32:07 AM 1469 Views
Re: So wait, style is good? Lo'oris - 25/02/2011 08:53:55 AM 1122 Views
I'm not trolling Stephen - 25/02/2011 11:57:18 PM 1145 Views
That depends... DomA - 23/02/2011 03:00:35 AM 1367 Views
I didn't say aesthetics was the primary criterion. I named three criteria. Tom - 23/02/2011 05:39:03 AM 1230 Views
the "do you like it" is the most important criterion RabidWombat - 23/02/2011 10:45:17 PM 1231 Views
Re: the "do you like it" is the most important criterion DomA - 24/02/2011 01:53:59 AM 1218 Views
Thumbs up - IMHO, all discussion can end here Nargs - 28/02/2011 05:45:34 PM 1350 Views
Not for quality of writing. Tom - 24/02/2011 05:17:52 PM 1173 Views
Those who can do, the rest are critics. *NM* HyogaRott - 24/02/2011 07:55:50 PM 763 Views
I object, sir! People don't read WoT for the way it's told? newyorkersedai - 24/02/2011 12:58:58 AM 1282 Views
If you don't mind me asking... Fanatic-Templar - 24/02/2011 01:05:12 AM 1048 Views
Re: If you don't mind me asking... DomA - 24/02/2011 02:19:17 AM 1167 Views
I still don't get it. Fanatic-Templar - 24/02/2011 08:27:50 AM 1069 Views
Re: If you don't mind me asking... Lo'oris - 24/02/2011 11:29:14 PM 1111 Views
I don't mind that you ask, but I'm not going to engage in a defense of literature. Tom - 24/02/2011 05:35:27 PM 1061 Views
Re: I don't mind that you ask, but I'm not going to engage in a defense of literature. Lo'oris - 24/02/2011 11:26:55 PM 1217 Views
I'm sure you have a wonderful job awaiting in fast food service. Tom - 25/02/2011 01:57:15 AM 1266 Views
Re: I'm sure you have a wonderful job awaiting in fast food service. Lo'oris - 25/02/2011 08:56:06 AM 1163 Views
Jack @$$ snobbery at its best. WOW *NM* Nargs - 28/02/2011 05:48:43 PM 801 Views
... Fanatic-Templar - 25/02/2011 01:07:22 AM 1125 Views
Maybe you should have used better prose? fionwe1987 - 25/02/2011 01:23:17 AM 963 Views
It is not a serious question. Tom - 25/02/2011 01:53:59 AM 1105 Views
How so? fionwe1987 - 25/02/2011 02:59:05 AM 1247 Views
I have every right to use that tone. Tom - 25/02/2011 03:08:14 PM 1194 Views
Is that so? Fanatic-Templar - 25/02/2011 05:58:31 AM 1191 Views
I'm not fixated with Jordan. Tom - 25/02/2011 03:13:56 PM 1208 Views
Then why do you keep trying to qualify the passage in relation to him? Fanatic-Templar - 25/02/2011 06:29:31 PM 1256 Views
You're conflating two things. Tom - 25/02/2011 07:32:59 PM 1231 Views
All right, now we're getting somewhere. Fanatic-Templar - 26/02/2011 12:40:57 AM 1157 Views
you raise very good questions... *NM* Nargs - 26/02/2011 09:21:13 AM 703 Views
Okay, here you go. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt as to your sincerity. Tom - 26/02/2011 03:20:44 PM 978 Views
Thank you, and I agree with all your explanations. *NM* Fanatic-Templar - 26/02/2011 07:28:09 PM 722 Views
Glad to hear that. Tom - 27/02/2011 03:42:33 AM 1059 Views
No problem, these things happen on the internet. *NM* Fanatic-Templar - 27/02/2011 04:36:57 AM 774 Views
No, it is a serious question, just one that can never be seriously answered. HyogaRott - 25/02/2011 03:28:48 PM 1132 Views
Your opinion isn't as valid as anyone else's if that's your opinion. Tom - 25/02/2011 04:44:57 PM 1292 Views
Re: Your opinion isn't as valid as anyone else's if that's your opinion. HyogaRott - 25/02/2011 06:05:18 PM 1700 Views
I'm not wasting my time proving something to an internet moron and troll like you. Tom - 25/02/2011 07:36:19 PM 1057 Views
Ah yes, the wonderful "dissmiss the person who disagrees with me by insulting him tactic" HyogaRott - 28/02/2011 02:30:35 PM 1068 Views
Re: Your opinion isn't as valid as anyone else's if that's your opinion. Lo'oris - 26/02/2011 11:06:26 AM 1108 Views
Jack @$$ snobbery at its best. WOW *NM* Nargs - 28/02/2011 05:51:48 PM 630 Views
double post. oh my! *NM* Nargs - 28/02/2011 05:52:17 PM 657 Views
Just makes you right twice *NM* HyogaRott - 28/02/2011 09:42:19 PM 758 Views
Re: ... Lo'oris - 25/02/2011 08:59:37 AM 1171 Views
And part 2, on the analysis of writing. newyorkersedai - 24/02/2011 01:16:20 AM 1187 Views
Florid desciption is usually not a good thing. Tom - 24/02/2011 05:30:30 PM 1141 Views
Re: I find this whole thing elitist and more than a bit silly GarethBryne - 23/02/2011 06:45:05 AM 1275 Views
Why do you think mind-expanding literature is restricted to the classics? Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 08:03:59 AM 1110 Views
Re: Why do you think mind-expanding literature is restricted to the classics? GarethBryne - 23/02/2011 09:25:10 AM 1297 Views
Of course people read for pleasure. Ghavrel - 23/02/2011 09:04:24 PM 1068 Views
Ok... Nargs - 24/02/2011 08:59:27 AM 1111 Views
"Yeah well, that's, like, just your opinion, man." Good argument. Ghavrel - 24/02/2011 03:43:24 PM 1182 Views
*NM* Tom - 24/02/2011 05:37:02 PM 674 Views
I find your above average tastes and intelligence uninspiring. Nargs - 24/02/2011 08:42:03 PM 1048 Views
I'm curious to hear who Tom and DomA consider a "very good writer"? VTHokie - 24/02/2011 05:49:13 PM 1169 Views
Among living writers? Tom - 24/02/2011 08:16:08 PM 1230 Views
No Rushdie? fionwe1987 - 24/02/2011 09:22:46 PM 1124 Views
I was considering mentioning Rushdie. Tom - 24/02/2011 09:32:20 PM 1070 Views
My list would be similar... DomA - 26/02/2011 07:24:11 AM 1335 Views
That was a very good list. Tom - 26/02/2011 03:07:31 PM 1181 Views
Re: That was a very good list. DomA - 27/02/2011 04:51:43 AM 1233 Views
Once I finish Hugo I'm probably going to read Druon. Tom - 27/02/2011 02:30:03 PM 1019 Views
Oh, and another question Tom - 27/02/2011 05:28:47 PM 992 Views
Re: Oh, and another question DomA - 01/03/2011 03:42:02 AM 1171 Views
One final question, if you'll indulge me... Tom - 01/03/2011 06:43:23 PM 1059 Views
Well, until I have time to return to your previous post but... DomA - 01/03/2011 07:45:13 PM 1205 Views
I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' Iain83 - 27/02/2011 11:14:30 AM 1277 Views
You like Solzhenitsyn but not other Russian writers? Tom - 27/02/2011 02:43:46 PM 1192 Views
Re: You like Solzhenitsyn but not other Russian writers? Iain83 - 02/03/2011 11:47:19 PM 1289 Views
Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' DomA - 28/02/2011 11:51:49 PM 1302 Views
Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' Iain83 - 03/03/2011 12:01:30 AM 1214 Views
Link to DomA Post from up above: Nargs - 03/03/2011 12:20:11 AM 1447 Views
Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' DomA - 03/03/2011 02:17:06 PM 1157 Views
He's a great storyteller, but his prose is somewhat uninspiring. *NM* Marshall - 27/02/2011 07:28:00 PM 797 Views
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