The Grand Promenade

Spangle #3

by Gary Jennings

The epic saga of Spangle takes us on a grand tour across two continents, from the post-Civil War South to the glittering capitals of nineteenth-century Europe. in The Grand Promenade , Zachary Edge and his troupe of showmen travel north across Hungary to rugged, majestic Russia, where he will meet Tsar Alexander at the St. Petersburg court. From there it's south and west, dodging Bismark's bullets, to Emperor Louis Napoleon's Paris which is facing the imminent threat of war. For Zachary Edge and his friends, Europe, with its beautiful women, its absinthe-drinking poets, and its captivating royalty, provides on unforgettable experience after the next. Through them, we view a continent poised on the brink of tumultuous change.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction

624 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 1999

About the author

Gary Jennings led a paradoxically picaresque life. On one hand, he was a man of acknowledged intellect and erudition. His novels were international best sellers, praised around the world for their stylish prose, lively wit and adventurously bawdy spirit. They were also massive - often topping 500,000 words - and widely acclaimed for the years of research he put into each one, both in libraries and in the field.

Jennings served in the Korean War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal- a decoration rarely given to soldier-reporters- and a personal citation by South Korean President Syngman Rhee for his efforts on behalf of war orphans.

Where the erudition came from, however, was something of a mystery.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/garyje...

Reviews

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spangle saga grinds to a somewhat-acceptable conclusion in The Grand Promenade. Jennings' research now gives us lovingly detailed looks at Czarist Russia and France under siege during the Franco-Prussian War. Even better, the characters who inhabit the circus seem to have more relevant and interesting things to do than in The Center Ring. The excessive length of that second volume marred the narrative overall but at least it ended on a high note.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the cover on my paperback edition, which couldn't be found anywhere. Wonderfully descriptive, authentically presented and not your typical circus from what I've read about them. This circus family really was a family through thick and thin. A great read for sure.

[Jeremie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just didn't want it to end...

[Keka · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars from the first page to the last.
A Grand Promenade of historic fiction.

[Jennmcn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this trilogy. It was filled with humor, pathos and tragedy. The ever changing cast of characters made for a rollicking romp and a good read. I kept picturing Frank Morgan(The Wizard of OZ) playing Florian in the movie version.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volumes I and II were much faster moving and more fun to read. Volume III seemed to take forever to finish, but once you are that far in, it is hard to just let it go. The circus theme was entertaining and I learned a lot, but it could definitely been much shorter!

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE great writer of historical adventure fiction. Not only does Gary Jennings take you back in time to meet unforgettable characters, but he makes every moment count with mounting tension and action.

[L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the Spangle books are an excellent read and are completely different from most of the fiction genres. Jenning's exhaustive research really brought the characters, locations and situations to life. It's a shame Jennings is gone.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ending to the trilogy (or book if you prefer)!

[Mike Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

23

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the re read this summer, just loved the trilogy more than the first time, would recommend it, a historical fiction about a travelling circus.