From: Chris Dowling <bogus_at_does.not.exist.com>
Date: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 02:49:24 -0600

This is being forwarded to the list for Joanna. Chris

From: Joanna Rudge Long Subject: Re: Freedman / Lincoln In-Reply-To: Mime-Version: 1.0

What a beautifully succinct explanation of what distinguishes Freedman's writing, or indeed any really fine book. Such texts invite close scrutiny and analysis, yielding up particular and relevant meanings while also inviting readers to reenvision a book's entire subject and see it more clearly. As you point out, it's Freedman's particular genius to use concise and simple language that not only clarifies his subjects for young readers but also, by using such vivid and specific words as "bloodshed and bungling," invokes more powerful meanings for readers of any age. When all is said and done, books are made of words, sentences, and ideas, and only by examining these in the kind of detail you've used here can we really appreciate an author's craft and art, or learn to distinguish between the useful and competent and the truly great. Joanna Rudge Long, Consultant, South Pomfret VT 05067 jrudgel at sover.net At 11:46 AM 4/3/98 +0000, you wrote:
Received on Sat 04 Apr 1998 02:49:24 AM CST