After years of only reading Sombrero Fallout and some shorter stories that I discovered in anthologies (from Rebel Inc, I believe), my in-laws presented me with this as a birthday gift.

A Confederate General is an intriguing debut. It is brimming with potential and, to quote the blurb, a 'preview of things to come'. Since I read Sombrero Fallout before many of the writing styles that I associate with Brautigan were developed over his career, here we can see the tiny seeds. The second novel, Dreaming of Babylon, which came twelve years after A Confederate General, still has that unmistakable style that connects the two.

The final novel in this collection, The Hawkline Monster, is the best, a strange journey through the wild west. Once again, the style is related to the other novels but is also somehow distinct (a bit like John Peel's description of The Fall: "always different, always the same"), but this time with some very unique turns. The use of language and the twisting of writing conventions offer a very different perspective on cowboys.

With all his books, Brautigan shows that stories are rewarding when they are imaginative. They can achieve things that almost no other art form can (especially movies and TV). With these three novels, he showcases his talent.

Like a Cat, Out Went Sadness

Richard Brautigan, the renowned American poet and novelist, was a figure of great significance. In 1963, when I was born, he was already of a certain age. By 1992, when I learned of his death, I had reached an age comparable to his at that time. And now, as I pen and rewrite this review, I find myself at the same age as he was when he decided to end his life.

I truly wish he were still alive. He would be approximately twice my age, and likely twice as wise. However, his unique and dreamy vision couldn't prevent him from taking his own life, from casting out his misery like a cat.
Sadness may have gone out, but it lingers just outside the door, howling to return.

In 1992, I wrote a shorter version of the above. But I had been an admirer of Brautigan's work for at least a decade prior to that. I was introduced to his poetry by classmates Van and Randy while in Mr. Grant's high school physics class. My previous exposures to poetry had been mainly through hymnbooks and Victorian-era works, which didn't prepare me for Brautigan's brief and brilliant word flashes. The titles of his books alone, such as "Rommel Drives On Deep Into Egypt" and "The Pill Versus The Springhill Mine Disaster," amazed me and continue to influence the kind of verse I enjoy reading and writing.
It took me some time to discover Brautigan's novels, but they share the same brevity, wit, and style. His best-known novel is "Trout Fishing In America," followed perhaps by "In Watermelon Sugar." This volume collects three other works from different stages of his career: "A Confederate General from Big Sur" (1965), "Dreaming of Babylon" (1977), and "The Hawkline Monster" (1974).
Each of these novels has its own unique charm. "A Confederate General from Big Sur" showcases Brautigan's fully developed prose style, with simple words that belie sharp themes of violence and sexuality. "Dreaming of Babylon" adheres to the structure of a detective novel, with a more disciplined prose. And "The Hawkline Monster" is the longest and most surreal of the three, taking readers on a bizarre journey through Oregon in 1902.
Overall, "Three books in the manner of their original editions" offers a great selection of Brautigan's work, allowing readers to experience his unique vision and style.

A really fun book!

This book is truly a delight to read. The imagery and imagination it presents are simply outstanding. It takes the reader on a wonderful journey through a world filled with unique and creative ideas.

It's great to be able to experience the works of Brautigan. His writing style is engaging and captivating, making it hard to put the book down.

After reading this book, I have a strong desire to read some more of his works. I'm eager to explore the other worlds and stories that he has created.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading and has a love for great literature.

Pretty much my favorite thing ever.

It could be a specific hobby, like painting or reading. When I engage in it, time seems to stand still, and I am completely immersed in the activity.

Maybe it's a place, such as a beautiful beach or a peaceful forest. The moment I step into that environment, I feel a sense of tranquility and joy wash over me.

Or perhaps it's a person, someone who makes my heart skip a beat and brings a smile to my face every time I see them.

Whatever it is, this favorite thing of mine holds a special place in my heart and brings me a level of happiness and fulfillment that nothing else can. It is truly a precious part of my life.

I cherish every moment spent with or doing this favorite thing, and I look forward to many more wonderful experiences in the future.

First is best.

It holds a certain charm and superiority that cannot be denied. It represents the pinnacle, the top of the heap.

Second, on the other hand, is (unproductively) lifeless. It lacks the vitality and energy that makes the first so appealing. It is a cynical pastiche, a pale imitation of something greater.

Third blew. It was a disappointment, a failure to meet expectations. It simply didn't measure up.

And yet, I dig this guy. There is something about him that I find captivating. Maybe it's his unique style, or his charisma.

Tell me how wrong I am. Maybe I'm missing something, or maybe my perception is off. But for now, I stand by my assessment.

First is still the best, second is lifeless, third blew, and this guy has my attention.

Published in 1964, the book presents an interesting perspective.

It reads as if it were a memoir penned by a friend of Jack Kerouac, someone who happens to come across Henry Miller on occasion (Miller is spotted just once in the narrative).

The story takes a poignant dive into an emerging counter-culture that is distinct from the nascent civil rights struggles of the late fifties and early sixties.

While there isn't a particularly complex plot, we do learn a fair amount about the two main characters, Lee and the narrator Jessee, as they meander from San Francisco all the way down to Big Sur.

Throughout the journey, there are references to a Confederate general, which are scattered in some chapters, adding a fanciful historical subtext to the contemporary story.

However, despite these elements, the book failed to truly hold my attention.

Perhaps it was the lack of a more engaging central storyline or the somewhat disjointed nature of the narrative that made it difficult for me to become fully immersed in the world created by the author.

Nonetheless, it does offer an interesting snapshot of a particular time and place in American culture.

I read this book when I was residing in Hawaii and was going crazy with island fever. It was truly a lifesaver during those numerous lonely and depressing nights. The author has done an excellent job in penning this piece. The words seem to flow effortlessly, captivating the reader from start to finish. I remember being completely engrossed in the story, losing track of time and my surroundings. It provided a much-needed escape from the monotony and isolation that I was feeling. Now that I think about it, I really should read it again. I'm sure there are many more hidden gems and nuances that I might have missed the first time around. It would be interesting to see how my perspective has changed over the years.

No doubt about it, Brautigan is a light weight, fun read. Just what I need during these "heady" times (not to be confused with the sort of 'headiness' in vogue during Brautigan's era).

The first novella, A Confederate General From Big Sur, was the first ever published by Brautigan. It isn't his best and falls far short of the pinnacle of his literary work, Trout Fishing In America. This work is mildly humorous, rambling and ultimately pointless. I'd give it a 2-star rating at best.

Dreaming of Babylon is a whole 'nuther story. Wildly original and entertaining, it is an incongruously upbeat first-person telling of a down-on-his-luck P.I. who has a penchant for daydreaming about Babylon, to the detriment of his work ethic and social relationships. It's definitely a fun, light-hearted read, worthy of 4-stars.

I haven't yet begun the final story in this collection, The Hawkline Monster. I'll update this review and give the collection a final rating at that time.

Final rating remains at 3. Decided not to read The Hawkline Monster at this time...

[And RIP Mr. Brautigan... sorry life became too tough for you to handle.:]

Brautigan's works offer a unique escape. His writing style is often characterized by its simplicity and quirkiness. In A Confederate General From Big Sur, although it may not reach the heights of his other masterpieces, it still has its charm with its somewhat aimless yet humorous narrative. Dreaming of Babylon, on the other hand, stands out with its originality. The protagonist's vivid daydreams about Babylon add an element of the fantastical to his otherwise mundane and unlucky life. It's a story that keeps you engaged and entertained from start to finish. While I haven't delved into The Hawkline Monster yet, based on the first two novellas, I can say that Brautigan's collection is worth exploring for those who enjoy light and entertaining reads.

Confederate General from Bid Sur was, without a doubt, the best among the three by a long margin.

The other two works seemed overly gimmicky, even for Brautigan. In comparison to the other two "Three-Brautigan's-in-one" pieces that I have read, this particular one was by far the weakest.

I would rate this one a two. However, Confederate General from Big Sur was truly superb. It had a certain charm and depth that set it apart from the others.

The story was engaging, and the characters were well-developed. It was a pleasure to read and left a lasting impression on me.

Overall, while the other two works had their moments, Confederate General from Big Sur was the standout piece and当之无愧 the best of the three.

Another collection that I read years ago and recently reread.

Lee Melon is truly a hero for dreamers. In times when things get tough, Babylon seems just a thought away.

Brautigan's western is indeed a wonderful place to be. It's as if you can step into that world and leave behind the hardships of reality.

The stories within this collection have a certain charm that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. They are filled with vivid characters and unique settings that come alive in your imagination.

Rereading this collection has been a great experience, allowing me to rediscover the magic that I first felt when I read it years ago. It's a reminder of the power of literature to transport us to different places and touch our hearts.

Whether you're a fan of westerns or simply looking for a good read, this collection is definitely worth checking out.

A Confederate General from Big Sur is truly an amazing piece of work that you should definitely read.

It's a captivating and engaging story that offers a unique perspective.

However, I must clarify that Wendy, I don't think this book would be to your taste.

I have a strong suspicion that you would despise it.

But for the rest of you, it's a great read.

The other two books I mentioned are also quite okay.

They may not have the same level of excitement as A Confederate General from Big Sur, but they are still worth checking out.

So, give them a try and see what you think.

I only really liked "A Confederate General in Big Sur". It was in the typical Brautigan "beat" style that became his theme.

Richard Brautigan's works often had a unique charm, and this particular piece was no exception. The way he described the scenes and characters in "A Confederate General in Big Sur" was both vivid and engaging.

The "beat" style added a certain rhythm and energy to the story, making it feel almost like a poem in prose. It was as if Brautigan was painting a picture with his words, allowing the reader to step into the world he had created.

Overall, "A Confederate General in Big Sur" was a great example of Brautigan's talent as a writer. It captured my attention from the very beginning and held it until the end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys unique and creative literature.