Re-reading these stories some 40 years after the first time I read them was like embarking on a fascinating voyage into a time capsule - and a very specific one at that.

There's an innocence here that's truly mind-boggling. People don't "roll a joint", they have "batches of dope", as if it were a brand new discovery. The women all seem to want to "be layed" all the time (as if). There's nothing the least bit "racial" brought up about the Confederacy. A lot of it could never be written today, but most of it could, and would still be fantastic.

Brautigan writes like a casual poet, effortlessly tossing out fun and silly metaphors for the sheer heck of it. He's at the cusp of a magical realism that has only recently become Americanized, both ahead of his time and yet an integral part of it.

Got a frog problem? Get some alligators! Now there's a fine idea.

I loved his useless, incompetent, soft-boiled private eye C. Card, one of the best/worst detectives I've ever come across. The biggest mystery is "where did she put all that beer"?

The Hawkline Monster is a crazy horror story with Chemicals and elephant foot umbrella stands and a sad, discontent shadow.

All three of these stories are inventive and scattered, and you really have to just go with it, take it one line at a time, and let it breathe.

My introduction to Brautigan began with "Trout Fishing in America." After devouring that book, I had a rather anticlimactic realization about what I needed to do to truly engage with Brautigan. I did appreciate its freeform style and non-linear, joke-like pace. However, it felt as if the hook of "Trout Fishing" didn't quite sink into me, and so I pushed Brautigan back to a dusty corner on my shelf.

Then, I picked up this collection of three of his novels. And about halfway into "Confederate General from Big Sur," I FELT IT, man. I believe it has a great deal to do with the fact that these novels are indeed proper novels, unlike "Trout Fishing," which stands as its own unique type of literary work. While these novels possess a very distinct style and approach, the form is present. And I think I required that framework to precisely understand what it is that Brautigan does.

These novels are hilarious, truly funny. I could vividly visualize the scenes playing out, and it made me think of some of my favorite "hip counterculture" comedies such as "Putney Swope," "MASH," "Long Goodbye," and so on. Of course, Brautigan also has this vein of pathos that runs through everything and bursts out between the jokes. I read these three novels almost in one sitting, and now I wish that everything I ever read was like what is within these pages.

These stories just ooze hippie goofballery.

Hippie culture was all about peace, love, and a carefree attitude. The stories that emerged from that era were filled with a sense of fun and playfulness.

There were tales of people dressing up in wild and colorful clothes, dancing in the streets, and having adventures without a second thought.

The hippies were known for their unique way of looking at the world, and their stories reflected that.

Whether it was a story about a group of friends going on a road trip or a person finding love in the most unexpected place, there was always a touch of hippie goofballery.

These stories have become a part of our cultural history, and they continue to inspire people today to embrace their inner hippie and live life to the fullest.

A truly fantastic collection of stories awaits within these pages.

Belonging to one of the smartest minds of the beat generation, this work offers a unique blend of emotions.

It is filled with moments that are both funny and sad, presenting a fatalistic view of life that makes you ponder.

What more could one possibly ask for in a literary piece?

Adding an air of mystery and tragedy, the author himself took his own life, which only adds to the allure and makes one believe that this collection must be truly good.

It is a captivating read that will draw you in and keep you engaged from beginning to end.

Whether you are a fan of the beat generation or simply looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read, this collection is sure to satisfy.

So, pick it up and embark on a journey through the pages of this remarkable work.

We had a cottage that was more like a hut. It was just a few steps up from the ground. All of the walls were intact and around the same height. However, there was no water, no electricity, and nothing else but love and fun.

I truly want that cottage back. When there is nothing to do, a lot of interesting things can happen. The frogs there were like every problem we had ever tried to solve. Their presence added a certain charm and challenge.

And those root digging Hopis were truly inspirational. They seemed to have a connection with the land and a way of life that was simple yet meaningful. Their activities and the way they interacted with the environment left a lasting impression on us. That cottage, with all its simplicity and the unique experiences it offered, holds a special place in my heart.

I long to return to that place and relive those memories of love, fun, and inspiration.

I actually read Confederate general only.

The others are just part of this collection.

I had an early edition of the single title.

The prose in it is truly wonderful.

It transports the reader back to a bygone era, painting vivid pictures of the events and people.

The author's use of language is masterful, creating a sense of atmosphere and emotion that is palpable.

Each word seems to be carefully chosen to convey the intended meaning.

Reading this early edition is like holding a piece of history in your hands.

It gives you a unique perspective on the Confederate general and the times in which he lived.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in history or great prose.

It only gets four stars because "Dreaming of Babylon" and "The Hawkline Monster" were like the cinderblocks tied to the ankles of the angel that is "Confederate General from Big Sur". I'm really not sure why Brautigan felt the compulsion, especially near the end, to write these genre pieces. They ended up being written out in a way that resembled ironic TV dramas or something similar. However, in his early works, such as "Confederate General", "Trout Fishing", and so on, he was so charming. He was just tuning in, blinking at everything, loving it all, and watching it all swim around in his mind. That part definitely deserves 5 stars!

Confederate General is a work that has received a rating of 3.5 out of 5. It likely offers an interesting perspective on the Confederate General, perhaps delving into his life, strategies, and the impact he had during a particular period.

Dreaming of Babylon, on the other hand, has a higher rating of 4 out of 5. This might suggest that it is a more engaging and captivating piece. Maybe it takes the reader on a journey through a fictional or historical Babylon, filled with vivid descriptions and fascinating characters.

Hawkline Monster, with a rating of 3 out of 5, also has its own charm. It could be a story that combines elements of mystery, adventure, or the supernatural. The Hawkline Monster itself might be a central figure, adding an element of intrigue and excitement to the narrative.

Each of these works has its own unique qualities and ratings, which can give readers an idea of what to expect before delving into them. Whether one is interested in history, fantasy, or other genres, there is likely something here to pique their interest.

This book is a collection that encompasses three remarkable Brautigan novels from the 60's and 70's.

First and foremost, there is "A Confederate General from Big Sur". It revolves around the protagonist Jesse and his escapades with Lee Mellon. The two find themselves residing in a makeshift "home" along with some women and boisterous bullfrogs. This setup creates a rather comical narrative, making it a hilarious debut novel from Brautigan in 1965. The description "The pond was quiet like the Mona Lisa" adds a touch of whimsy.

Next is "Dreaming of Babylon: A Private Eye Novel 1942", published in 1977. It details the adventures of private eye C. Card in San Francisco. He is a down-on-his-luck detective without bullets for his gun, often daydreaming about his own private escape world where he is a great hero. Card struggles to come up with a suitable first name for his hero until a brilliant idea strikes him, and he settles on "Smith Smith". The line "I didn't like the idea of being stew" adds an element of humor.

Finally, there is "The Hawkline Monster: A Gothic Western", published in 1974. It features Greer and Cameron, who are hired killers assigned to slay a monster living in the caves beneath a mansion by a woman whose sister looks and acts identically to her. Cameron's comment "It ain't weirder than Hawaii" adds a hint of lightheartedness to the otherwise gothic tale.

Together, these three novels offer a diverse and entertaining look into the unique world of Richard Brautigan's writing.

Confederate General: 5 Stars

The Confederate General is truly a remarkable piece of work. It has received a full 5-star rating, indicating its high quality and significance. This could be due to its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, or perhaps its historical context that adds depth and interest.

Dreaming of Babylon & Hawkline Monster: 3.5 or a 4

On the other hand, Dreaming of Babylon and Hawkline Monster have received ratings of either 3.5 or 4. These ratings suggest that while they are good books, they may not quite reach the same level of excellence as the Confederate General. However, they still offer an enjoyable reading experience with their unique plots and interesting themes.

Overall, both of these works have their own merits and are worth considering for any book lover. Whether you prefer the historical drama of the Confederate General or the more imaginative worlds of Dreaming of Babylon and Hawkline Monster, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

I really liked the book, and I absolutely loved The Hawkline Monster.

This book has a unique charm that keeps pulling me in. The story is full of excitement and mystery, with vivid characters and a captivating plot.

The Hawkline Monster, in particular, is a fascinating and unforgettable creation. Its presence adds an extra layer of intrigue and danger to the narrative.

As I read, I found myself completely immersed in the world of the book, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, making it easy for me to picture the scenes and events in my mind.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good adventure or mystery. It's a truly remarkable read that will leave you wanting more.

What can I say? Richard Brautigan is truly a genius.

The Hawkline Monster is, without a doubt, my favorite among all of his books. The absurdity of the plot, filled with mysterious chemicals, never fails to draw me in every single time.

As for his other works, I have read them as well. However, the library copy of Dreaming of Babylon was unfortunately missing 2 pages. Nevertheless, I still derived great enjoyment from it. I would highly recommend it to any fan of Brautigan.

Years ago, I read A Confederate General from Big Sur. But to be honest, I don't remember much of it. It didn't leave as deep an impression on me as his other remarkable works.

Brautigan's writing has a unique charm and creativity that sets him apart from other authors. His ability to create strange and wonderful worlds within the pages of his books is truly astonishing. Whether it's the outlandish plot of The Hawkline Monster or the somewhat incomplete but still captivating Dreaming of Babylon, his works are a must-read for anyone who appreciates good literature.

I look forward to exploring more of his books and uncovering the hidden gems that lie within.