Classics Considered

An incredible, incredibly busy summer quarter hasn’t left me much time to read.  I’m taking two classes, tutoring part-time, and job-hunting on the side.  However, yesterday I was able to get over to Barnes & Noble and pick up this lovely trio.

I couldn’t keep myself out of The Old Man and the Sea, so I read it today and will be posting a review for Hamlette’s read-along at The Edge of the Precipice.  Not gonna lie – the cover and typography are just gorgeous!  (Admittedly a purchasing factor.)  I will say nothing yet of the story, except I’m glad I finally read it.

And then there’s Melville and Conrad.  Conrad really is best-read in hard copy.  His writing is wonderfully intricate, so much so it’s easy to feel a little lost in the e-Ink versions.  I already know the story of “Billy Budd” from a radio drama, but I wanted to read the original and also “Bartleby the Scrivener,” which comes highly rated.  Also, on a tight schedule, short stories are always fun.

Have you read these three giants of nautical literature?  Particularly, what do you think of Hemingway’s style?