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76 reviews
July 14,2025
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Simple, supremely interesting, Twainish.

It offers a beautiful look into times that will never be experienced again.

Mark Twain's works are renowned for their simplicity and captivating nature. They transport readers to a bygone era, allowing them to witness the unique charm and idiosyncrasies of those times.

The language used is vivid and engaging, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

Twain's ability to capture the essence of the people and the places he describes is truly remarkable.

His stories are not only entertaining but also provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and historical context of the time.

Reading Twain's works is like taking a journey back in time, experiencing the joys and sorrows of a world that no longer exists.

It is a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.
July 14,2025
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If you don't like fishing, hunting, bullfighting, going to the beaches of Normandy - Ernest in a few words - it's impossible not to like Ernest!

Ernest is a person with a wide range of interests and a unique charm. Fishing allows him to enjoy the tranquility of nature and the excitement of catching fish. Hunting gives him the opportunity to test his skills and courage in the wild. Bullfighting is a thrilling spectacle that he finds fascinating. And going to the beaches of Normandy provides him with a chance to relax and soak up the sun.

Even if you don't share his specific interests, you can't help but be drawn to his enthusiasm and passion for life. Ernest is always full of energy and ready to explore new things. His love for adventure and his ability to find joy in the simplest of pleasures make him a truly remarkable person.

So, if you ever have the chance to meet Ernest, don't be surprised if you find yourself falling under his spell. You might just discover that there's a little bit of Ernest in all of us.
July 14,2025
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Good.

However, the dreadfully boring and cruel fishing and hunting stories really detract from the overall experience.

Also, the bar stories and the bullfighting stories seem to lack depth and substance.

What a great writer indeed, but it's a pity that these particular aspects of the work fall short.

Documenting an era where men took great and foolish risks to impress others is an interesting concept, but perhaps the execution could have been better.

It would have been nice to see more exploration of the human psyche and the motivations behind these actions.

Overall, while there are some闪光点 in the writing, there is also room for improvement.

Maybe with a little more refinement, this could have been an even greater work of literature.

July 14,2025
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Hemingway's essays can be classified into three distinct parts.

The first part consists of the cynical essays, which I find to be the most original, intriguing, and even funny (!). These essays offer a unique perspective and a certain wit that captures the reader's attention.

The second part deals with war and politics. While these essays are important in understanding Hemingway's views on these topics, they can sometimes feel a bit technical and less engaging.

The third part focuses on his time in Latin America. These essays provide insights into his experiences and observations in that region, but again, they may not have the same level of immediate appeal as the cynical ones.

Overall, Hemingway's essays offer a diverse range of topics and styles, but for me, the cynical ones stand out as the most interesting and enjoyable to read.
July 14,2025
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This was yet another literature class reading, but one that was worthy of at least a few remarks.

I anticipated suffering from eye-rolling headaches or perhaps succumbing to mid-homework ninja sleep, which often accompanies dull writing or reading. However, what I discovered instead was a deeper admiration for Ernest Hemingway's talents and a profound sadness regarding the changes in journalism.

Although there were certain passages that required some effort to navigate (usually related to the subject matter at hand), I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed a significant portion of it. The writing was highly evocative, and it allowed me to appreciate Hemingway's growth as a writer.

I also became aware of the impact of dumbing down our society through TV and other mind-numbing media. There was entertainment in what he wrote, not merely the use of words to convey facts. He placed the reader in his own position and made them experience the world as he did, something that, unfortunately, we have lost patience for in an increasingly digital age.

Don't misunderstand me; I'm not lamenting the progress of technology or society. I'm simply mourning the loss of a world that regarded the art of a well-written story as an integral part of their daily experience.

July 14,2025
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I’m still delving deep into the extensive library of Ernest Hemingway’s books.

In the past two weeks, I listened intently to “The Short Stories: Volume I” which features the remarkable “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.”

Just yesterday, I completed reading “A Moveable Feast.”

Now, I’m currently engrossed in Hemingway’s “By-Line.” This collection contains numerous stories that he published as a journalist for the Toronto Star, as well as for various magazines and other periodicals.

It’s truly astonishing to think about the fascinating life he led.

After I’ve finished most of his major works, I feel compelled to write in more detail about Hemingway.

He had so much to say, and his words have left an indelible mark on the literary world.

His unique writing style and the depth of his stories continue to captivate readers even today.

I can’t wait to explore more of his works and uncover the hidden gems within.

It’s like embarking on a never-ending adventure through the mind of a literary genius.

July 14,2025
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My edition of this work looks distinct. It is a paperback with a green/blue cover.

This particular volume claims to encompass the finest of Hemingway's writing from his reporting days. I have discovered that it has had a profound impact on my perception of France and Germany during the interwar period.

The book showcases his remarkable writing skills as he vividly describes the arduous times that prevailed. His words paint a vivid picture of the social, political, and economic upheavals that these countries endured.

Reading through these pages, one can almost feel the tension and uncertainty that filled the air. Hemingway's ability to capture the essence of the moment is truly remarkable, and it makes this collection a must-read for anyone interested in history or literature.

Overall, this edition of Hemingway's work is a valuable addition to any bookshelf, offering a unique perspective on a significant period in history.
July 14,2025
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Eight months later, and I’ve finally worked my way through this collection of journalism.

Before this, I had never read Hemingway, and there is no doubt that he is a phenomenal writer.

I loved reading his early works, especially as an early-career reporter myself. The articles that discussed his career and the craft of writing were truly captivating.

However, I must admit to skipping the fishing and hunting articles. They seemed to drag on forever, and quite frankly, I have no interest in those topics.

The war correspondence, on the other hand, was fascinating. It made you feel as if you were part of the action. But unfortunately, my knowledge of WW2 is just too lacking to fully appreciate the dispatches for what they are.

Despite this, I still found the collection to be a valuable read, and it has given me a new appreciation for Hemingway’s writing.
July 14,2025
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Let’s face it, we all know that Ernest Hemingway is an outstanding writer, but this book truly demonstrates his prowess. He began his career as a journalist nearly 100 years ago. The first piece in this collection, dating back to March 1920, is about a free shave by an apprentice barber in Toronto. Journalism served as the foundation for Hemingway’s literary journey, and this book gathers 75 articles written over 35 years.

As you can envision, it’s a captivating read. It’s not just because it’s intriguing to observe how the world has changed during those intervening years. Hemingway’s talent for words is as evident here as in his novels, and perhaps even more potent as he writes about real events, most of which occurred directly to him or his acquaintances.

The topics he covers are typical of Hemingway – hunting, fishing, bullfights, women, alcohol, and so on. He was also the first great writer to gain a reputation as a heavy drinker. Many have imitated him in both his lifestyle and writing style, but no one has ever equaled him. In my view, no one ever will. It’s wonderful that his personality is firmly imprinted on his journalism, as well as in the rest of his work.

Ultimately, if you’re not a Hemingway fan, you probably won’t want to read this. And even if you are, I wouldn’t fault you for initially sticking to his novels. However, as with most great writers, even the less-read and seemingly less appealing works reveal their glorious triumphs once you read them. My honest opinion is that you’d be foolish to overlook this just because a book of journalism doesn’t sound particularly interesting. You’ll learn much more about the world as it was and as it is than you might expect.

Of course, being a classic, it includes commentary, a foreword, and even, strangely enough, an introduction titled ‘Hemingway Needs No Introduction’. With most classic novels, having the author’s work interrupted by references can be a chore. Noel Coward once said that “having to read footnotes is like having to go downstairs to answer the door while in the midst of making love.” Here, though, the additional notes enhance what you’re reading in a way that few other books can manage.

July 14,2025
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A collection of his columns as a journalist - just wonderful!

This compilation brings together the best of his work as a journalist. Each column is a gem, filled with incisive analysis, engaging storytelling, and unique perspectives. Whether it's covering the latest news, exploring social issues, or offering insights into the human condition, his writing is always captivating and thought-provoking.

Reading through this collection is like taking a journey through the mind of a talented journalist. You'll be introduced to a wide range of topics and ideas, and you'll come away with a deeper understanding of the world around you. The columns are presented in a clear and accessible style, making them suitable for readers of all backgrounds.

Overall, this collection is a must-have for anyone who loves good journalism. It's a testament to the power of words and the importance of a free press in a democratic society. So, if you're looking for a great read that will inform, inspire, and entertain you, look no further than this wonderful collection of columns.
July 14,2025
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Much of Hemingway's stylistic and thematic features are indeed present in his works, particularly in the later ones. His unique writing style, characterized by简洁的 language and powerful descriptions, is on full display. However, it's important to note that it's not advisable to read all of his works at once. The essays within this collection vary in quality, ranging from just being okay to truly great. This makes it a more suitable read for those who are die-hard Hemingway fans or completists. They will appreciate the opportunity to explore every aspect of his writing, even if some of the pieces may not be as outstanding as others. For the average reader, it might be more beneficial to select a few of his most well-known and highly regarded works to get a better sense of his genius.

July 14,2025
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The older I grow,

and the more I immerse myself in the writings of Hemingway,

the deeper my admiration for him becomes.

This collection of his published newspaper and magazine articles caught my eye after I read another work about World War II.

In that book, his essay on the fighting in Hurtgen Forest was mentioned,

and I learned that he was embedded with my Dad's unit during that battle.

I initially only intended to read that one essay and maybe skim through a few more,

but I ended up devouring all of them.

Some were hilarious,

and I had never come across anything humorous by him before.

I truly relished those.

Many were philosophical,

especially his war correspondence.

Some were straightforward reporting,

but always with outstanding writing!

Those interested in the sports of big game hunting and fishing,

the history of the Spanish Civil War and World War II,

descriptions of exotic places, and so on will love this anthology of articles.

In these works, he often refers to himself as "Your Correspondent."

I'm glad that, even though these were written decades ago,

as I read, he for a while became "My Correspondent" too.

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