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!
Read it, read it, read it!
What a classic story!
Helpful Score: 4
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.
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".
Helpful Score: 3
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 3
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.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved the movie so I expected to love the book. Totally! Some reviewers complained about the author's personal comments inserted into the story. Get over it! It was part of the story.
Helpful Score: 1
A classic medieval melodrama that sounds like all the Saturday serials you ever saw, feverishly reworked by the Marx Brothers. Extremely funny, most original, and a deeply moving novel.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the few books I've read that I think is better as a movie. The extra details that are in the book (but didn't make it to the film) aren't all that compelling.
Helpful Score: 1
While I did not find the book a dismal failure, I did find reading it tedius. Could Goldman not just tell the story instead of including his own snide remarks? Also, I found that the pace of the story and lack of attention to detail disturbing. Perhaps I was spoiled by the movie (which I found to be far superior to the book).
Helpful Score: 1
For the time period this was written in, this is an astounding work of comeic genius. The humor used is more like today's - no wonder Morgenstern never got much fame out of this book. But heck - sword fights, true love, the dead coming back to life - this book has it all. The movie pretty much stayed true to the book, and the book was awesome, if you didn't already grasp that from my previous sentences. I LOVE THIS BOOK, even if the ending was a bit disappointing.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is one of the all time best books I've ever read and the movie, while entertaining, did not do it justice. It's a very unique book that would appeal to a wide variety of age groups.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book. It feels like a "children's book for grown-ups," just like the movies The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. That is, the story is framed as a fairy or fantasy tale, but the humor is adult. I prefer the book to the movie.
Read this years ago and my mother kept asking me what I was reading because I kept laughing. Very funny!
Helpful Score: 1
First for anyone that doesn't know this is not an abridged book, although almost all his readers were totally taken in by it- but that just goes to show how well written the book is :) That is part of the story of the book. Bill Goldman has no son and its all part of the fiction of the story. There is no Florin and there is no S. Morgenstern. There was no original book that he abridged and he was never read this book by his father. That too is all part of the fictional story Goldman has written with such realism that almost everyone who reads it is totally taken in as it being intirely believable. The sign of an amazing storyteller! The whole story is amazingly well and believably written to the point that for me the 'abridged' comments were so snarky and jerky that it really took away from the telling of the story for me. But I know for him and others those comments are part of the fun of the fiction of the book. Personally I was put off by the degrading comments towards his 'wife' and 'son' made time and again. These comments just really detracted from the feel of the book and experience overall for me became a negative feeling when reading the book. However it is amazingly written and beautifully done book and story!
Helpful Score: 1
A delightful story for all ages! The movie is just as good.
A good read.
One of the best books I've read. I couldn't put it down. It was funny, thrilling and a great fantasy read.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great book to have in your library.
LOVE this book! One of my favorites!!!
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!
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!
very sweet and funny
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.
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.
The author is a HUGE BAG OF ANNOYING WIND! The Princess Bride on film is absolutely fantastic, but the author's running commentary just distracts. ugh
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.
My absolute favorite book! This book dips into imagination, while holding onto real emotions like love and sadness. Great book!
A great book. A good companion to the movie; it includes a colored map.
I really enjoyed this book. I had only seen the movie before and this by far had more content. I liked Mr. Goldman's history and his comments within the book.
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.
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.
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.
"What happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince inthe world -- and he turns out to be a son of a bitch?"
Movie tie in but well worth the read for all the additional humor William Goldman packed the book witht hat didn't make it into the film version.
Movie tie in but well worth the read for all the additional humor William Goldman packed the book witht hat didn't make it into the film version.
Delightful tongue-in-cheek fantasy. I loved the movie, too.
SOOO great, I don't even care if it is an abridged version or and original.
I love this book!!!!!!
Great story! Definitely worth re-reading again and again.
everyone should read this book
Great book. Very funny, especially that last, super charged, uber fast paced, chapter.
A classic...very enjoyable, quick read...
This is a classic book - A wonderful read!
Okay so lets be honest, I read this book because I love the movie.
I must admit that I do not like the book as much as the movie. However there are a number of very interesting things in the book.
First, the bad, I found the sections that were not related to the story, you know where the grandfather is reading in the movie, very slow. The screenplay also changed the narrator in the movie. However, the thing I am most disappointed with, is that Buttercup is totally unbearable on paper...even more sappy than in the movie. I literally wanted to throw the book against the wall when she spoke, which is not often. For a book about her, there is very little with her in it.
Okay onto the fun stuff...the narrator in the book is William Goldman, the author, screenplay writer. It is a running dialog of his thoughts related to the book he is compressing. You get a little bit about his family (not sure if this is true) and a little bit about his job (I looked this up and it was confirmed, so when he talks about Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, well, it is because he wrote it!)
I liked the back story on Fezzik and Inigo, they are after all in my opinion, what makes the story so good.
Here is what I am not sure about...my particular copy of this book has an additional chapter (maybe) called Buttercup's Baby. I really liked the story, could not stand his constant breaking in because it made the last 40 pages much longer than they needed to be...but it gives you a bit of insight into what does happen after "happily ever after"
All in all it was a fun read, I would not call it quick but if you love the movie you will definitely get some more depth from reading the book.
I must admit that I do not like the book as much as the movie. However there are a number of very interesting things in the book.
First, the bad, I found the sections that were not related to the story, you know where the grandfather is reading in the movie, very slow. The screenplay also changed the narrator in the movie. However, the thing I am most disappointed with, is that Buttercup is totally unbearable on paper...even more sappy than in the movie. I literally wanted to throw the book against the wall when she spoke, which is not often. For a book about her, there is very little with her in it.
Okay onto the fun stuff...the narrator in the book is William Goldman, the author, screenplay writer. It is a running dialog of his thoughts related to the book he is compressing. You get a little bit about his family (not sure if this is true) and a little bit about his job (I looked this up and it was confirmed, so when he talks about Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, well, it is because he wrote it!)
I liked the back story on Fezzik and Inigo, they are after all in my opinion, what makes the story so good.
Here is what I am not sure about...my particular copy of this book has an additional chapter (maybe) called Buttercup's Baby. I really liked the story, could not stand his constant breaking in because it made the last 40 pages much longer than they needed to be...but it gives you a bit of insight into what does happen after "happily ever after"
All in all it was a fun read, I would not call it quick but if you love the movie you will definitely get some more depth from reading the book.
A wonderful, wonderful story. A fun story to read, especially to read aloud.
It was a sweet little story well suited to read to a child or simply enjoy by yourself. If you saw the movie, the book has very little extra, except it does have a pretty great pair of introductions, one by the author. It includes the bonus chapter of an unwritten sequel, Buttercup's Baby.
Even after having seen the movie, my kids have enjoyed this as their bedtime story several nights running.
"what happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince in the world - and he turns out to be a son of a Bitch"
Great and truly hilarious tale written in a very different style.
My 17 year old daughter enjoyed it very much! She said that it is a book that she would read over and over again, not consecutively, but several times.
Buy the movie. It's better than the book. Actually, the movie is one of the best movies I've ever seen. The book is a little too cutesy for me, but the movie turns that into charming.
The language is a bit hard to read, but it's VERY funny.
A classic! A must read for all!
A 30 year old guy checking in. I am a HUGE fan of the movie, and a big reader- so I figured I'd read the book my favorite movie was based on... I am sorry- It really annoyed me throughout the whole book. There seemed to be a lot of content that was left out of the movie for a reason, and I think that reason was good.
One of my favorite books of all time.
Definitely one of my favorite books, though William Goldman could have cut back on all the dialogue he added in. He also should have, in my opinion, left in some of the history that he took out. It would be very interesting to know a little about all the places you go throughout the book.
Fun, lighthearted book perfect for my weekend away.
Its just like the movie, if you ever seen the movie. I thought the book was ok. I liked the movie better.
The movie is better, but the movie stayed pretty close to the book. There were a few changes, but not enough to gripe about.
I absolutely LOVED reading this book....
Goldman 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 (which I actually do plan on doing), 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, instead of just rewriting the whole thing to suit Goldman's fancy (like so many abridgments are so uncreatively typically done).
Read the book...Enjoy life. Unlike Westley you probably only have one to live.
(n.b. 2010 - I've been looking for the "original" book ... and I don't think it exists. 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!)
(originally published: http://sophiesmindset.blogspot.com/2008/08/hot-fairy-tale.html)
Goldman 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 (which I actually do plan on doing), 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, instead of just rewriting the whole thing to suit Goldman's fancy (like so many abridgments are so uncreatively typically done).
Read the book...Enjoy life. Unlike Westley you probably only have one to live.
(n.b. 2010 - I've been looking for the "original" book ... and I don't think it exists. 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!)
(originally published: http://sophiesmindset.blogspot.com/2008/08/hot-fairy-tale.html)
While I did not find the book a dismal failure, I did find reading it tedius. Could Goldman not just tell the story instead of including his own snide remarks? Also, I found that the pace of the story and lack of attention to detail disturbing. Perhaps I was spoiled by the movie (which I found to be far superior to the book).
Different cover, but same book. :)
