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The Friendly Examiner #1-3
The Friendly Examiner
When we remember the literature of the Age of Reason, we think of satires and essays debunking the extravagance of the imagination, or of projects for improving the material conditions of mankind. We do not think of the tale of terror. Of course not! The leaders of the Enlightenment wanted to dispel the darkness where monsters live, not thicken it—not magnify it. In fact (and this is not generally known) the editors of the first Encyclopaedia even took the bold step of engaging an intrepid young rationalist to investigate outbreaks of superstition, and to expose the machinery of charlatanism or the delusions of ignorance that inspired them. His first to get to the bottom of a ridiculous report that a giant blood-sucking spider has been preying on the inhabitants of a remote village in the Black Forest. Utter nonsense, of course…
200 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2021
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 24, 2022
Adventure awaits! But a very special sort of adventure... one where your foolish superstitions are explained away, your credulity exposed, your fanciful multicolored bubbles burst! That's no monster, it's merely a strikingly large arachnid! Those aren't a cabal of underworld fiends, they are merely sweatshop enthusiasts! There's no magical magnetical fluid in your veins, fool, you're merely being mesmerized! Let's follow our guides, the pleasantly plump and certainly very friendly Hippolyte Sperling and his much, much better half, the very sensible, brave, and exquisitely beautiful Fabienne Sperling, as they shine out their scouring, scorching Light of Reason. Truth shall shine forth! These logical exemplars of the Enlightenment shall calm your fears as they expose fantasies of the night to the cold light of rational day.
But hark, bold duo and their adherents! The Enlightenment shall soon give way to the dark, ambiguous morbidity of Romanticism! Let's hope your marriage stays intact during the turbulent and very sexy times ahead...
These three novellas and their three adventures were delightful. Erudite (endnotes!) and clever and yet also... winsome? There's a sweet innocence here. Overall this is a minor work from this very talented author, and rather in the Scooby Doo vein. But I am in favor of charming larks that seek to only provide pleasure, and so this very friendly collection is happily recommended.
But hark, bold duo and their adherents! The Enlightenment shall soon give way to the dark, ambiguous morbidity of Romanticism! Let's hope your marriage stays intact during the turbulent and very sexy times ahead...
These three novellas and their three adventures were delightful. Erudite (endnotes!) and clever and yet also... winsome? There's a sweet innocence here. Overall this is a minor work from this very talented author, and rather in the Scooby Doo vein. But I am in favor of charming larks that seek to only provide pleasure, and so this very friendly collection is happily recommended.
August 2, 2023
Marvick, Louis - The Friendly Examiner
“Death behind us, death ahead of us. Ruins above ground, and tombs underneath.” (from V2)
Enlightenment vies with religious dogma and superstition in an isolated village beset with mysterious and horrifying deaths.
M. Sperling is sent to Heilbrunn to investigate, ascertain the truth, and dispel any cobwebs of irrational fear.
The initial volume (and these are all slim) places us into the Age Of Reason, circa 1760, with M. Sperling, agent for the Society of the Men of Letters (think the Republic of Letters), setting forth to verify reports from another member.
This playful tale serves to introduce Hippolyte Sperling, as he deals with an ill-garbed, ill smelling hag who shares his coach, and then faces a deadlier presence on the far shore.
The second volume probes the disappearance of a key member of the Society. Denis Diderot.
Ostensibly toiling on his ”Encyclopedia” the philosopher is drawn into the cult of tombs.
More members of the Society are introduced and several narratives unfold as M. Sperling delves into a literary underbelly.
This was my favorite volume, and the one I found problematic. It ends with a cliffhanger, and what turns out to be a false trail. I found this puzzling, if not irksome. The road not traveled and whatnot. I long for a mild edit.
The third and perhaps final volume unveils a savior / scoundrel. Franz Mesmer. This episode, featuring Mesmer either as emissary of new science or honey tongued deceiver, contains a fair amount of action. Indeed, high adventure bookends this tale!
These are works of illumination – and darkness. Of understanding – and ignorance.
Of those who attempt to improve our daily situation – of those who would diminish our potential, enslave us to their will.
Fortunately, The Friendly Examiner is set centuries earlier. Current society has progressed beyond such warfare and our freedoms are secure.
“Death behind us, death ahead of us. Ruins above ground, and tombs underneath.” (from V2)
Enlightenment vies with religious dogma and superstition in an isolated village beset with mysterious and horrifying deaths.
M. Sperling is sent to Heilbrunn to investigate, ascertain the truth, and dispel any cobwebs of irrational fear.
The initial volume (and these are all slim) places us into the Age Of Reason, circa 1760, with M. Sperling, agent for the Society of the Men of Letters (think the Republic of Letters), setting forth to verify reports from another member.
This playful tale serves to introduce Hippolyte Sperling, as he deals with an ill-garbed, ill smelling hag who shares his coach, and then faces a deadlier presence on the far shore.
The second volume probes the disappearance of a key member of the Society. Denis Diderot.
Ostensibly toiling on his ”Encyclopedia” the philosopher is drawn into the cult of tombs.
More members of the Society are introduced and several narratives unfold as M. Sperling delves into a literary underbelly.
This was my favorite volume, and the one I found problematic. It ends with a cliffhanger, and what turns out to be a false trail. I found this puzzling, if not irksome. The road not traveled and whatnot. I long for a mild edit.
The third and perhaps final volume unveils a savior / scoundrel. Franz Mesmer. This episode, featuring Mesmer either as emissary of new science or honey tongued deceiver, contains a fair amount of action. Indeed, high adventure bookends this tale!
These are works of illumination – and darkness. Of understanding – and ignorance.
Of those who attempt to improve our daily situation – of those who would diminish our potential, enslave us to their will.
Fortunately, The Friendly Examiner is set centuries earlier. Current society has progressed beyond such warfare and our freedoms are secure.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews