Of Interest to Barry Hughart Fans
Posted on March 19, 2008 Posted by John Scalzi 12 Comments
The author of Bridge of Birds has penned an intro for Subterranean Press’ upcoming Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox omnibus, which gathers together all three of the novels featuring the characters. In the new intro we learn how Hughart came to write the Master Li/Number Ten Ox novels, and whether there will be any more in the future. Subterranean has put it this new intro on the order page for the Chronicles, all the better to allow you to get it for yourself. Sneaky.
Cool. Thanks for keeping us up to date on this – I’ve ordered it for my wife.
Awesome! Thanks for the pointer. I read Bridge of Birds two summers ago when I picked it up my first time in Portland (west coast). I randomly chose it from an entire shelf of books. Much laughter followed. Lately I’ve been looking for an excuse to spend some of my meager savings…
After I ordered the trade version. I had a burst of insanity and ordered the limited version. Having one handy to give away will make me feel much wealthier than holding the money would.
Truly cool to hear how the books came to be, and more so that he’s not jumping on the bandwagon to make another buck with endless sequels that don’t really do much for the characters or for himself.
Actually, I just realized that more than anything the first book, to me, was like The Princess Bride, but on speed (not that I’ve ever tried speed, but the expression is universal, these days). Just so much fun, but with new depths that you discover every time you read it.
Thanks to Subterranean Press for this unexpected treat. I’m going to read these to my son, and I have a feeling he’s going to enjoy them as much or more than I did.
I had never heard of Barry Hughart until reading about him here. Now I have Bridge of Birds on my to be read list, but it’s really sad to read what happened to this author. To hear that he originally planned on writing 7 books in the series, but quit because of his publisher makes you understand how hard the writing business can be.
I have pre-ordered the trade version from Subterranean.
I wonder if this re-issue would prompt Mr. Hughart to dive into writing again…
I’ve came to read Barry Hughart at a family vacation in Spain. Since then I’dreaming of having the ability to write such books. I’ve followed Master Li and Number Ten the Ox several times through their adventures. Sure I’m not the only one in Germany who likes to hear much more! Mr. Hughart, if You read these few, poor lines – please start writing again! Don’t let the publishers bring You down!
Barry–Send me your current address, please. The one I have now goes back to ’85. I have some mail that I’d like to pass along.
Hy: Barry’s not on this thread.
a friend gave me the bribge of birds to read….i was so overwhelmed at it’s beauty. i tried to get a copy to send to my sister for her birthday. it was out of print and i ended up getting a copy on ebay out of florida. i wrote in the front of it to my sister .i expressed how i love it but i didn’t know how to describe it as it was a dective ,sci-fi,romance artistic,dance,funny,tender,teaching,etc. my very avid reader sister called me after she read it and said it was that and more. we talked this week about her husband having terminal cancer,my sister is now 62years old and is going to read the book again for the forth time.we both agreed on wondering what it would have been like in school if this book had been on the required reading list. send it to your teacher,and it one day may…..as it should. my biggest shock was to find it was written by a man….but i can say barry i love you and wish that you would find a way to do all 7 books…you are truely the one person i would love to meet.such a fine mind you have. for those that haven’t read it you have really MISSED OUT,as those that have read it will gladly tell you.when you finish you feel alive and you know barry hughart is a genious.
I followed your link to Media Winn, but when I searched for “Barry Hughart” and “Bridge of Birds: A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was,” I got zero hits. Help!
First off I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to
ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing.
I’ve had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts
out. I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost
just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas
or hints? Thank you!