The "Great Authors That Not Too Many People Know About" Thread

Dr. Drib · 07-21-2011, 02:03 PM

I want to start this off by hightly recommending Donald Harington, an Arkansan who has been compared to William Faulkner, but with his own special brand of humor.

Harington has written a series of books in the fictional town called Stay More. Theyy are very Southern Gothic and full of memorable characters.

I met him about 25 years ago, and he named me the Mayor of Stay More, because of my gushing admiration for him.

If you want to read a tender story of love between two cockroaches (an allegory, actually), try "The Cockroaches of Stay More." You'll be swept up in a tender story of blooming love and romance. In this wonderful novel, one meets Doc Swain and other characters from Harington's fertile imagination. One senses the true love he has for his characters.

For a different kind of story, one might try "Lightening Bug," a very Faulknerian novel that, thematically, reminds me of his "As I Lay Dying."

I'm only missing one or two of his novels, and have about 9 of them inscribed to me.

Harington's writing is beautiful and soaring, and full of wisdom and storytelling. It personally fills me with a deep sadness that he is no longer alive to write of that wonderful and mythical Southern town in Arkansas.

NOTE: These were available as ebooks (from Amazon; I didn't check other sources), but then were pulled due to horrendous formatting. It looks as if the bulk of his novels are going to be re-released August 4.

Don

Greg Anos · 07-21-2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I want to start this off by hightly recommending Donald Harington, an Arkansan who has been compared to William Faulkner, but with his own special brand of humor.

Harington has written a series of books in the fictional town called Stay More. They very Southern Gothic and full of memorable characters.

I met him about 25 years ago, and named the Mayor of Stay More, because of my gushing admiration for him.

If you want to read a tender story of love between two cockroaches (an allegory, actually), try "The Cockroaches of Stay More." You'll be swept up in a tender story of blooming love and romance. In this wonderful novel, one meets Doc Swain and other characters from Harington's fertile imagination. One senses the true love he has for his characters.

For a different kind of story, one might try "Lightening Bug," a very Faulknerian novel that, thematically, reminds me of his "As I Lay Dying."

I'm only missing one or two of his novels, and have about 9 of them inscribed to me.

Harington's writing is beautiful and soaring, and full of wisdom and storytelling. It personally fills me with a deep sadness that he is no longer alive to write of that wonderful and mythical Southern town in Arkansas.

NOTE: These were available as ebooks (from Amazon; I didn't check other sources), but then were pulled due to horrendous formatting. It looks as if the bulk of his novels are going to be re-released August 4.

Don

Sounds good.

Glad to see you around, I haven't seen one of your posts in a while....

Phogg · 07-21-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

Sounds good.

Glad to see you around, I haven't seen one of your posts in a while....

Watch the forum flee market.

melaniejaxn · 07-21-2011, 04:36 PM

A lot of foreign writers are overlooked. Two wonderful Spanish writers are Carlos Ruiz Zafon (slightly gothic thrillers set in the Spanish Civil Wat) and Arturo Perez Reverte (historical thrillers). Translations are excellent so there is no awkwardness that sometimes happens with other books.

issybird · 07-21-2011, 06:24 PM

My nomination is Donald Jack, a Canadian humorist. I only discovered him recently, while trolling for works with a World War I theme. Jack is best known for his series of novels known as the Bandy papers, about a WWI ace named Bartholomew Bandy. The fans of Wodehouse and those who like to see WWI skewered will find much enjoyment here.

There are nine Bandy novels. I've finished the first three and have reached the end of the war, so next will be to find out what Bandy gets up to in the 1920s. Annoyingly, only the third, fourth and sixth novels seem to be available in ebook, but perhaps the Canadians have access to more of them. But I have to say that I ran the name of Donald Jack by a Canadian friend and she was clueless.

Freeshadow · 07-21-2011, 06:27 PM

I say David Eddings - it still amazes me how much Fantasy fans haven't read him.

ebusinesstutor · 07-21-2011, 07:57 PM

Grant Callin. Wrote two amazing science fiction books, Saturnalia and The Lion on Tharthee (sequel to Saturnalia).

Great characters, wonderful stories, excellent humor and one of the most original alien political systems I have every come across.

rjnagle · 07-21-2011, 08:52 PM

Let me see, I'm a huge fan of Jack Matthews whom I interviewed a few years ago. http://www.ghostlypopulations.com/20...jack-matthews/

He's published a lot of short stories and novels, all are wonderful. I'm writing a book about him and helping him to convert his out-of-print titles to ebook. His how-to book on writing (which I helped him to publish) is great http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/work...ews/1100572933 and in fact, in about a week, I'll post on MR how to download a free DRM-free way to download this guide. (If you don't check MR often, send me an email idiotprogrammer at gmail.com and I'll let you know when I post the announcement).

Lately, I've been a fan of Christopher Morley, definitely an underappreciated author. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/sear...r_id&query=109 Haunted Bookshelf which I'm now reading is great (and free).. His best stuff is not public domain yet though.

Also, John Kendrick Bangs, a witty 19th century metafictional author http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/sear...r_id&query=979

lestatar · 07-22-2011, 11:48 AM

R Scott Bakker. The Prince of Nothing trilogy is brilliant IMO.

purple_fishy · 07-22-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melaniejaxn

A lot of foreign writers are overlooked. Two wonderful Spanish writers are Carlos Ruiz Zafon (slightly gothic thrillers set in the Spanish Civil Wat) and Arturo Perez Reverte (historical thrillers). Translations are excellent so there is no awkwardness that sometimes happens with other books.

I second Carlos Ruiz Zafon. His books are AMAZING.

DianNC · 07-22-2011, 03:52 PM

Can't think of an author to add offhand, but really enjoying reading the thread! Taking lots of notes!

Thanks!

xg4bx · 07-22-2011, 11:34 PM

For horror fans, Tim Curran is disgustingly underrated. He has his hands in everything from post-apocalyptic to Lovecraftian to zombies and horror westerns. Everything I've read of his has been fantastic and I'm surprised that barely any horror fans know of him.

Dr. Drib · 07-23-2011, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xg4bx

For horror fans, Tim Curran is disgustingly underrated. He has his hands in everything from post-apocalyptic to Lovecraftian to zombies and horror westerns. Everything I've read of his has been fantastic and I'm surprised that barely any horror fans know of him.

Just bought a Curran title, because of your recommendation.

If I don't like it, I'm going to send my vampire turtle after you!

Don

lestatar · 07-23-2011, 08:13 AM

+2 with Don!

Just grabbed "Biohazard" from Curran. Better be good or this doggie might nip at your heels xg4bx.

OtterBooks · 07-23-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I want to start this off by hightly recommending Donald Harington, an Arkansan who has been compared to William Faulkner, but with his own special brand of humor.

OK now you got me curious, especially after reading some excerpts on Amazon. There's quite a few books. Are there any of his you consider a good place to start?

07-21-2011, 02:03 PM	#1
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 45,351 Karma: 59447733 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: KINDLE: Oasis 3, Scribe (1st), Matcha; KOBO: Libra 2, Libra Colour	The "Great Authors That Not Too Many People Know About" Thread I want to start this off by hightly recommending Donald Harington, an Arkansan who has been compared to William Faulkner, but with his own special brand of humor. Harington has written a series of books in the fictional town called Stay More. Theyy are very Southern Gothic and full of memorable characters. I met him about 25 years ago, and he named me the Mayor of Stay More, because of my gushing admiration for him. If you want to read a tender story of love between two cockroaches (an allegory, actually), try "The Cockroaches of Stay More." You'll be swept up in a tender story of blooming love and romance. In this wonderful novel, one meets Doc Swain and other characters from Harington's fertile imagination. One senses the true love he has for his characters. For a different kind of story, one might try "Lightening Bug," a very Faulknerian novel that, thematically, reminds me of his "As I Lay Dying." I'm only missing one or two of his novels, and have about 9 of them inscribed to me. Harington's writing is beautiful and soaring, and full of wisdom and storytelling. It personally fills me with a deep sadness that he is no longer alive to write of that wonderful and mythical Southern town in Arkansas. NOTE: These were available as ebooks (from Amazon; I didn't check other sources), but then were pulled due to horrendous formatting. It looks as if the bulk of his novels are going to be re-released August 4. Don Last edited by Dr. Drib; 07-23-2011 at 07:00 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Unutterably Silly Solutions for people, zombies & vampires - using your reader "in the ground", Apple 2	snipenekkid	Lounge	0	02-24-2011 08:05 PM
New Literary Short Story From Giselle Renarde: "Ugly Naked People"	UntreedReads	Self-Promotions by Authors and Publishers	0	07-27-2010 11:02 AM
"Balanced copyright" and feedback from real people (not just corporate "persons")	llreader	News	16	02-15-2010 08:27 AM
People who "read" on computer screens and Kindles have rewired brains?	danbloom	News	7	10-29-2009 11:55 AM

07-21-2011, 04:36 PM	#4
melaniejaxn Enthusiast Posts: 48 Karma: 10308 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sierra foothills of California Device: Kindle	A lot of foreign writers are overlooked. Two wonderful Spanish writers are Carlos Ruiz Zafon (slightly gothic thrillers set in the Spanish Civil Wat) and Arturo Perez Reverte (historical thrillers). Translations are excellent so there is no awkwardness that sometimes happens with other books.

07-21-2011, 06:24 PM	#5
issybird o saeclum infacetum Posts: 21,148 Karma: 234223171 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New England Device: Mini, H2O, Glo HD, Aura One, PW4, PW5	My nomination is Donald Jack, a Canadian humorist. I only discovered him recently, while trolling for works with a World War I theme. Jack is best known for his series of novels known as the Bandy papers, about a WWI ace named Bartholomew Bandy. The fans of Wodehouse and those who like to see WWI skewered will find much enjoyment here. There are nine Bandy novels. I've finished the first three and have reached the end of the war, so next will be to find out what Bandy gets up to in the 1920s. Annoyingly, only the third, fourth and sixth novels seem to be available in ebook, but perhaps the Canadians have access to more of them. But I have to say that I ran the name of Donald Jack by a Canadian friend and she was clueless.

07-21-2011, 06:27 PM	#6
Freeshadow temp. out of service Posts: 2,815 Karma: 24285242 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Duisburg (DE) Device: PB 623	I say David Eddings - it still amazes me how much Fantasy fans haven't read him.

07-21-2011, 07:57 PM	#7
ebusinesstutor Star Gawker Posts: 526 Karma: 6944314 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Spruce Grove, AB Canada Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Grant Callin. Wrote two amazing science fiction books, Saturnalia and The Lion on Tharthee (sequel to Saturnalia). Great characters, wonderful stories, excellent humor and one of the most original alien political systems I have every come across.

07-21-2011, 08:52 PM	#8
rjnagle Zealot Posts: 126 Karma: 2167 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Device: ipad 1, Nook Simple Touch, Kindle 3, ebookwise 1150	Let me see, I'm a huge fan of Jack Matthews whom I interviewed a few years ago. http://www.ghostlypopulations.com/20...jack-matthews/ He's published a lot of short stories and novels, all are wonderful. I'm writing a book about him and helping him to convert his out-of-print titles to ebook. His how-to book on writing (which I helped him to publish) is great http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/work...ews/1100572933 and in fact, in about a week, I'll post on MR how to download a free DRM-free way to download this guide. (If you don't check MR often, send me an email idiotprogrammer at gmail.com and I'll let you know when I post the announcement). Lately, I've been a fan of Christopher Morley, definitely an underappreciated author. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/sear...r_id&query=109 Haunted Bookshelf which I'm now reading is great (and free).. His best stuff is not public domain yet though. Also, John Kendrick Bangs, a witty 19th century metafictional author http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/sear...r_id&query=979

07-22-2011, 11:48 AM	#9
lestatar LB's lolz Mutt Minion Posts: 2,902 Karma: 5700001 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hong Kong now but NYC forever Device: Kindle3, GalaxyTab, BB Bold9700, BB 8300, Sony Clie, Palm Vx, Palm III	R Scott Bakker. The Prince of Nothing trilogy is brilliant IMO.

07-22-2011, 03:52 PM	#11
DianNC Banned Posts: 1,431 Karma: 5222495 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: Nook Color, Entourage Pocket Edge, iPod Touch 5th Gen	Can't think of an author to add offhand, but really enjoying reading the thread! Taking lots of notes! Thanks!

07-22-2011, 11:34 PM	#12
xg4bx Are you gonna eat that? Posts: 1,633 Karma: 23215128 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Phillipsburg, NJ Device: Kindle 3, Nook STG	For horror fans, Tim Curran is disgustingly underrated. He has his hands in everything from post-apocalyptic to Lovecraftian to zombies and horror westerns. Everything I've read of his has been fantastic and I'm surprised that barely any horror fans know of him.

07-23-2011, 08:13 AM	#14
lestatar LB's lolz Mutt Minion Posts: 2,902 Karma: 5700001 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hong Kong now but NYC forever Device: Kindle3, GalaxyTab, BB Bold9700, BB 8300, Sony Clie, Palm Vx, Palm III	+2 with Don! Just grabbed "Biohazard" from Curran. Better be good or this doggie might nip at your heels xg4bx.

Advert

Advert