Considering that the cinematic version of this story is one of my all-time favorite movies, it somewhat boggles me that I took this long to read the book! I love it!!! William Goldman's prologue and his little asides are great!

Read it, read it, read it!

What a classic story!

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When I first read this, I was under the impression that this really was an abridgment, that there was an S Morgenstern and perhaps even a Florin or Guilder at some point in history. I was annoyed by the author commentary initially...thinking "just get on with the story...you're ruining it." Reading it again with the knowledge that S Morgenstern is one of William Goldmans pen names, his father never read it to him because it never existed, and all the snide asides he made throughout the book were not to belittle the original author but rather add to the comedy and satire...I'm glad it was left in! The asides are proof that writers have wayyyy too much time on their hands, but it was so creatively and convincingly done that many people (myself not excluded) finish the book believing every word about the history of Florin and "the original text". The Princess Bride is a very clever little book...it makes mention that it's for children, but I don't buy that. Better than the movie of course, but the movie is surprisingly faithful...there were only a few bits in the book that didn't make the movie that I missed. This book is a good little bit of escapism...the author is a self indulgent but brilliant man. Highest recommendations to anyone looking for lighter fare and a good laugh.

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This is one of my favorite books ever! I have seen the movie version too many times to count but the book is just as good if not better. I especially like the description of the "Pit of Despair" from the book. If you have enjoyed the movie version this book is a "must read".

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Great book! I'd seen the movie several times, and as expected, the book goes into much greater detail. It's a lot of fun to read whether you've seen the movie yet or not.

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I tried reading this once and then had to put it down because I was very confused (like many were) that there was actually an S. Morgenstern and there was an original book. Once I went online and realized that wasn't the case, I was better able to read it.

The movie follows the book. A few events changed slightly, some dialogue moved around. I admit that I skipped a lot of the "commentary" portions of the book, but there were a few that had been taken and put straight into the movie, so it was pretty funny to see that.

I found that I didn't care too much for Buttercup in the book, but I really enjoyed most of the other characters. I especially loved Fezzini. The flashbacks for the characters explaining why they are the way they are, I felt, were really insightful.

Overall an enjoyable read.

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For anyone who has seen Christopher Guest's "mocumentaries" (This is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind) and loved them, then this book is definitely for you. Goldman takes a joke and runs with it throughout the entire novel, and does so with a completely straight face. For starters, there is no S. Morgenstern (he was made up by Goldman) and there is no "original and unabridged" version of The Princess Bride. This book is the only version that has ever existed. In fact, Goldman makes up most of his own personal life as well (he has two daughters in real life, and no sons) to the point where you really have no idea what is true and what is completely made up.

As a stand-alone fairy tale, the story itself is actually pretty weak. There is surprisingly little character development and the plot is absurdly simple. The author's prolific comments and interjections, were they true, would ruin the flow of any other narrative. But when those two elements are combined, you are left with a fantastic compilation of satire and humor.

Fortunately, I learned that this book was written in a "mocumentary" style prior to reading it and was therefore able to enjoy it for what it really was: a story that, for no reason whatsoever, should ever be taken seriously. Had I taken this book at face value, it would have irritated me to no end and I'm pretty sure that I would have hated it. The fairy tale part of the book follows the movie almost exactly, but it is the element of "everything else" that makes this book truly unique and a very enjoyable read.

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Though entertaining, I found myself slogging through this book. I imagine that it takes a certain kind of reader to appreciate Goldman's writing style. For what it's worth, the book and the movie are very similar.

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Delightful tongue-in-cheek fantasy. I loved the movie, too.

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For once the book and the movie are on equal footing

I absolutely LOVED reading this book....

Goldman claims took out the "dry" and "boring stuff" that Morgenstern had in his book. Which basically means all the satire on Florin is gone (the stuff that the Florin history buffs love). Of course, now I want to go hunt up his enormous book and read it for myself (even though this "unabridged" book doesn't exist ... I know, I tried finding it!), even though apparently Morgenstern wasn't concerned about the material that makes up the hilarious "good parts" version. The book is just as quotable as the movie. ...It really is a must read.

Goldman's "abridgement" style is wonderful. He tells you what he is cutting out and why, and then tells the story in Morgenstern's actual words. Well, that's what he wants you to think ... I think it's just part of Goldman's style to say he edited a book to allow for some of the "lapses" - but that doesn't change the fact that I think this is a great book! And the lapses fit the style of the book very well -creative writing in fine form.

Read the book...Enjoy life. Unlike Westley you probably only have one to live.

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very sweet and funny

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The book isn't as comical (in the same way) as the movie. The abridged version is funny because the author "talks" with you the audience.

Great book to have in your library.

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LOVE this book! One of my favorites!!!

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A great book. A good companion to the movie; it includes a colored map.

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In my 20's this was one of my favorite books. (Similiar to the movie - but more satirical and cynical). This is an abridgement of that book - and leaves a lot out. If you've just seen the movie, it might be enjoyable (but certain key lines (like "Anyone want a peanut" aren't there). To really appreciate the book as written - it's not a good way to go. But, still got me through a 3 hour drive in tact.

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I cannot believe this book doesn't have more reviews. If I could, I'd own this thing. So, everyone and their grandmother has seen the Cary Elwes movie. If not, you need to seriously stop what you're doing, watch the movie, and sob for hours at the fact you wasted all your childhood by missing Princess Bride.

It follows the same plot to the core, but like all books that eventually turned into movies, it has more details. I actually think, if I remember correctly, the author was rushed. Either way, you can tell he took great time and detail writing this. And he was having a ball.

Anyway, not only is it romantic and heart wrenching, it's also extremely funny. I would say even funnier than the movie. I've NEVER laughed out loud because of a book, and this had me crying.

The only thing this book lacks is Andre and Cary Elwes, but since I seen the movie first, I saw their faces in the book anyway.

This is a must read!

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A good read.

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I'm a huge fan of the movie so when I found this book at the book store I had to have it. We get more info and background in the book then the movie and even get to hear what the author thought about parts. Loved it and would recommend that it to anyone who loved the movie.

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If you love the movie...you'll enjoy the book. It sure is interesting to see where changes occurred between the two and yet how much was retained. A fun read as much as the film is fun. A true fairy tale.

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I love the fact that Rob Reiner, who directed the film, reads this book. I don't love the fact that the book is abridged, with only the "good parts" left in. Still, it's a good enough abridgment and Reiner does a nice job with the voices. This was my first experience with an audio book and I was impressed with how nicely it was produced. This is audio cassette, so if your car still has a tape deck, this would be a fun book to listen to on a trip or even a long commute.

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One of the best books I've read. I couldn't put it down. It was funny, thrilling and a great fantasy read.

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