I hope this isn't as self-serving as it may seem, but I
really have a question that fits this topic. ... Does the
reader like his (or her) fiction with a frame or straight up?
There's been a lot of times that I'll go ahead and read a
biographical or critical introduction to a reprinted novel
before I begin to read. By doing so I may lessen the
excitement and the shock of the author's prose, but I also
enjoy the sense of context, the image of the writer at his
(or her) typewriter and I like to know the circumstances
under which the work was created. I've participated in the
reprint of two Harry Whittington novels with Stark House, and
I've offered an introduction which places the work in
context. That doesn't necessarily mean that I think the
stories NEED that introduction, however, and many times, I
suggest that someone check out the introduction AFTER reading
the novels, if they are so inclined. I certainly enjoy the
Hard Case books, and usually I'm able to find additional info
on the authors if I feel the need.
So what should it be, a frame, an "explanation", perhaps, for
the stories, or is it better to just pick them up cold, and
plunge into whatever world the author has prepared for us.
Maybe we should read the stuff twice.
David L. Wilson Downieville, CA
RARA-AVIS home page: http://www.miskatonic.org/rara-avis/
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