While I’m on the subject of the classic book, it would be remiss of me not to mention the new illustrated edition of it by the immensely talented Sardax. I have a kindle edition, which for reasons that escape me has become hard to track down. Isn’t one of the selling points of electronic books that they don’t go out of print and are always in stock? Anyway, if you’re interested in a copy, Sardax has a collection of links to places carrying the hard copy edition.
I have to admit I’m not the biggest fan of the original story. I’m glad I purchased the Sardax illustrated version, as it’s a book I feel I have to own and his artwork is always a pleasure, but unfortunately I find the primary character and narrator whiny and annoying. The writing is also very much of its time, which means its verbose, meandering and very formal in its language. David Ives was undoubtedly wise to avoid a straight translation of the book, and instead do a play with a play, letting him take the theme but put his own modern twist on it.
Of course, mentioning Sardax gives me an excuse to feature some of his brilliant artwork. This is from his illustrated version of the book.
