The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker

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This is the first book of a projected trilogy.

Though diverting, the novel is something of a potboiler, and despite its pervasive horrific imagery, it fails even to frighten us-or invite us to suspend disbelief. To enlist allies, each sires offspring (using the seed of mortal men), and their spiritual children help to carry on the bizarre battle. Later understanding the corrupting nature of his creation, Fletcher rebels against Jaffe, and the two, now demigods, engage in a cosmic struggle. Reading through the mass of mail, he finds clues to an alternative reality, the laws of which are called 'the Art.' Mastering these principles, he becomes powerful but evil, and presses into service a man named Fletcher, who synthesizes a transforming drug, the Nuncio. Down-and-outer Randolph Jaffe works in the dead-letter office in Omaha. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title.Įarly in his new epic novel, Barker describes the thoughts of one of his characters as 'barbaric and baroque'-and the words fairly sum up the book. Sprawling, ambitious, triumphantly magical and satisfying, The Great and Secret Show is what the rest of life is all about. In this, the First Book of the Art, Clive Barker has created a masterpiece of the imagination that explores the uncharted territory within our secret lives and most private hearts. The Great and Secret Show has begun on the stage of the world. Young passion blossoms, as the world withers with war. To use it is the Art.Īrmageddon begins with a murder in the Dead Letter Office in Omaha, Nebraska.Ī lake that has never existed falls from the clouds over Palomo Grove, California.

Memory prophecy and fantasythe past, the future, and the dreaming moment betweenare all one country living one immortal day To know that is Wisdom. 'Succinctly put,' says Barker, 'it's about Hollywood, sex, and Armageddon.' Fantasy horror story love fablein this one unforgettable epic Clive Barker wields the full power and sweep of his extraordinary talents. Now, with The Great and Secret Show he rises to awesome new heights. Clive Barker's bestseller Weaveworld astonished worldwide readers with his visionary range, firmly establishing him as the reigning master of fabulist literature.

The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker