on 8/11/01 4:11 AM, Robin Hamilton at [log in to unmask] wrote:

> One of the things that grabbed me about Berry's "Morant Bay" -- Berry's
> blacks were non-submissive.

    Which reminds me to ask about Berry's _I Tell of Greenland: An Edited
Translation of the Saudarkrokur Manuscripts_ (a title in the Armand
Schwerner _Tablets_ trad, I take it?). Just ordered a copy from a Wyoming
book dealer--the only one this side of Canada who had it in stock at a
reasonable price (and nobody's got the Collected on this continent so far as
I know, though I've yet to query Carlo Parcelli for it). Amazon had a
customer review of _I Tell of Greenland_ (albeit no copies), and it was so
intriguing I searched for and bought the book before thinking to ask your
advice or Matthew's. Here's what "a customer from California," who gave it 3
stars, had to say:

The narrative provides fascinating reading for all those interested in Old
Icelandic Sagas and in medieval history, particularly the early Norse
expeditions from Greenland to Canada and the United States. [Say, Mark, you
aren't this California customer, are you?]... Great reading, yet bloody,
raunchy, maybe controversial. I am disappointed that there is no facsimile
of original documents and there are no references to academic work. While
the book appears to claim to be authentic I believe that it is very probable
that the author did not find original documents to the extent of the whole
book and he probably has very creatively edited. While I am willing to
forgive that if clearly labeled as fiction based on real documents, I would
appreciate if the fictional nature were more clearly stated. If the book
would present itself more credibly it might deserve 5 stars for people
interested in the place, time, and people. This book also could be described
in one sentence as "narration of the life and times of Leif Eriksson."
Definitely not for young people to read. For a mature audience only.

(Like those who are ready for _Billy Budd_, I guess.)

I figured that the lack of documents was compensated for by the "bloody,
raunchy, maybe controversial" parts, to which I'm certainly looking forward.
Anybody care to offer another testimonial? (Be sure to say how many stars
you'd give it.)

Thanks,

Candice