Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
27(27%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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"Armies of the Night" (1968) is an engaging and detailed series of chronicles that delves into the demonstrations against the Vietnam War, specifically the "march on the Pentagon." The author vividly portrays, in vibrant colors and without any attempt to conceal their flaws, the leaders of the opposition and their diverse troops. This includes students and professors, black and Latino marchers, Protestant pastors, "liberal bourgeois," and hippies.

It showcases how these individuals, hailing from a wide range of backgrounds and united by their courage, fearlessly confronted the police and military forces with their bare hands. The narrative highlights the determination and passion of these protesters, who were willing to go to great lengths to voice their opposition to the war.

Many of the protesters, including Mailer himself, ultimately found themselves in jail as a result of their actions. This work provides a fascinating insight into a significant moment in history, capturing the spirit and struggle of those who fought for peace and social change during the Vietnam War era.
July 15,2025
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Ego writ large, and I'm truly sorry to say that I despised this book.

It seems as if Mailer is constantly talking about himself, which becomes an overwhelming burden to bear.

His self-obsession is so blatant that it overshadows any potential merit the book might have had.

The constant stream of self-referential remarks and the unwavering focus on his own persona make it a tiresome read.

Rather than engaging the reader with interesting ideas or a captivating narrative, Mailer seems more interested in promoting himself and his own image.

It's a disappointment, as one would hope for a more profound and thought-provoking work from such a renowned author.

Unfortunately, in this case, his ego has gotten in the way of creating a truly great piece of literature.
July 15,2025
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I understand that this novel represents new journalism, and in this regard, a significant portion of Mailer's personality will be encapsulated within it. However, given my perception of him as egotistical and arrogant, I truly could not endure this book.

I have a deep affection for this era in history. It is a time that holds great significance and interest for me. I had hoped that Mailer would be able to do justice to this major event and convey its importance effectively.

Regrettably, it seems that he was overly preoccupied with self-promotion and constructing an image of himself. This self-centered focus caused him to squander the opportunity to present a more profound and accurate portrayal of the era. As a result, the book fails to capture the essence and significance that it could have.

Overall, my disappointment with this work stems from my high expectations for Mailer to offer a more engaging and enlightening exploration of this historical period. Instead, I was left with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
July 15,2025
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This book, upon its publication in 1968, swept the highest awards for non-fiction, namely the Pulitzer and National Book Awards. However, this was one of the more entertaining and well-written books that I could only give three stars to.

The book is largely about Mailer himself and is written in the third person, which was rather frustrating to read. It would have been so much better if Mailer had simply inserted the word "I" instead. In fact, I began to make the word substitution myself, and then it flowed more readily. Another aspect of the book is that it is quite dated. There is little reference or historical background provided for those current events of 1967.

I hope my review does not dissuade anyone from reading this book because this writing style was en vogue for a time.

3 stars. It has more literary value than the rating might indicate. For what it's worth, I have read Mailer's other two famous works: "The Naked and the Dead" (which I disliked as it was too bloated) and "The Executioner's Song" (one of the best books I've ever read).

July 15,2025
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DNF is a very popular online game.

It has a large number of players around the world. The game features exciting gameplay and a rich storyline.

Players can choose from a variety of characters and classes, each with its own unique skills and abilities.

They can explore different dungeons, fight against powerful monsters, and obtain valuable items and equipment.

The game also has a social aspect, allowing players to interact with each other, form teams, and participate in various events and competitions.

DNF offers a challenging and engaging experience for gamers of all levels.

Whether you are a casual player or a hardcore gamer, you can find something to enjoy in this game.

So, if you are looking for an exciting and addictive online game, give DNF a try!

You might just find yourself hooked on it.
July 15,2025
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I have this rather strong feeling that if one were to simply listen to a wealthy white guy masturbating, it might just be possible to spare oneself the time that would otherwise be spent reading this particular book.

It seems that, in essence, the two experiences are somewhat similar.

Of course, this is a rather bold and perhaps somewhat controversial statement. But think about it for a moment.

When you listen to someone engage in such an act, there's a certain level of voyeurism and perhaps a sense of窥探 into a private and rather intimate moment.

Similarly, when you read a book, you are often delving into the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the characters, which can also feel like an intrusion of sorts.

So, in a strange way, there might be some truth to the idea that these two seemingly disparate things could be considered somewhat equivalent in terms of the time and energy they consume and the level of engagement they require.

July 15,2025
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Mailer seems to be completely insane. His actions and words are so strange that I really didn't understand them at all.

I started to wonder if Mailer is just a troll, someone who故意says and does things to provoke and annoy others. But then again, maybe there's more to it than that.

Maybe Mailer is dealing with some inner turmoil or issues that are causing him to act this way. I guess I'll never really know for sure.

All I can do is observe his behavior and try to make sense of it as best I can. But one thing is for sure, Mailer is definitely a mystery.
July 15,2025
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It took some time for me to adapt to Mailer's third-person point of view and his unique style in this book. However, once I managed to do so, it turned out to be an excellent read.

Actually, it is not truly a novel at all. Instead, it offers a sober depiction of the 1967 march on the Pentagon by leftist, peace activists, revolutionaries, and anti-war protesters.

This account makes one wonder why we are unable to stage another such event today. Is it because the times have changed? Or perhaps the issues have become more complex?

Nevertheless, the significance of that march cannot be ignored. It was a powerful expression of people's dissatisfaction with the war and their longing for peace.

Maybe we can learn from the past and find ways to bring about positive change in the present.
July 15,2025
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This is a vivid and compelling portrait of the 1967 anti-war march on the Pentagon. However, Mailer often gets in his own way.

He is counted among the so-called Midcentury Misogynists for a reason. His prose sometimes feels like the tiresome monologue of a man who loves hearing himself talk without a real purpose.

Despite all this, the book won awards. There is insight along with the insufferable self-importance. This makes it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in this specific piece of history.

It's important to note that Mailer's work has both its flaws and its merits. While his self-importance can be off-putting, the vivid description of the anti-war march and the insights he provides into that era make the book valuable.

Readers who are willing to look beyond the flaws will find a wealth of information and a unique perspective on this significant event.

Overall, the book is a complex and interesting read that offers both entertainment and education.
July 15,2025
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I read this particular piece 49 years ago when I was still a high school student.

At that time, I found it truly wonderful. It offered a behind-the-scenes look at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration, and it was extremely topical.

In hindsight, it seems to be an example of gonzo journalism, as Mailer described his own experiences rather than focusing solely on the demonstration itself. Since I had not yet read anything by Hunter S. Thompson, it appeared very novel to me back then.

Juvenile Fiction and adult fiction are distinct categories. I guess then that "Armies of the Night" can be classified as Juvenile Non-fiction. As such, it is still very much outdated.

Don't squander your precious time on a book that may have been relevant for only a year or two.
July 15,2025
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This book held a great deal of potential for me.

However, I simply could not engage with it. It was extremely dry.

History doesn't necessarily have to be uninteresting and dull, yet this particular book was like the Sahara Desert in terms of its lack of appeal to me.

I found myself struggling to get through the pages, as if I were traversing a vast and arid landscape with no signs of life or excitement.

The author's writing style might have been the culprit, as it failed to bring the historical events and figures to life.

Despite my initial hopes and expectations, this book left me feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.

I had hoped to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of history through its pages, but unfortunately, it fell short of my desires.

Perhaps another reader with a different perspective or interest might find more value in this book, but for me, it was a missed opportunity.

July 15,2025
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One of the most extraordinary and profound novels I've read in years is this one.

When Mailer is "On", no one can touch the man. His writing is so captivating and powerful.

What's more, the first few chapters of the book formed an incisive portrait of aspects of Your Humble Reviewer that he couldn't have put into such fine words himself. It was truly remarkable how accurately it captured certain qualities.

I was so impressed that I reread it immediately upon completion. This is something I reserve only for the best books.

It's a true delight to read this novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great literature.

It will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
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