Rites of Passage
3 journalers for this copy...
To the Ends of the Earth is a trilogy of novels by William Golding, consisting of Rites of Passage (1980), Close Quarters (1987), and Fire Down Below (1989).
This was the first book of the trilogy, and went on to win the 1980 Man Booker Prize, beating Anthony Burgess' Earthly Powers. It focuses upon the account of a trip to Australia, and takes the form of a journal written by Edmund Talbot, a young, aristocratic passenger aboard a British warship. His influential godfather, having secured him employment with the Governor of New South Wales, presented him with the journal in which to record the significant events of the journey.
Talbot begins his commentary by detailing the various passengers and crew members, who encompass a motley yet representative collection of early 19th century English society. The journal quickly becomes concerned with the account of the downfall of a passenger, the Reverend Colley. Talbot has a somewhat ambiguous role in this: whilst he quickly assumes a mediator's role between the Reverend and Captain Anderson, the initial problem was caused by Talbot's presumption of preference and status within the group of passengers and, inappropriately, the crew. Class division, or the assumption of a higher status than is warranted, is a running theme of the book. This theme focuses upon the proper conduct of a gentleman; however, it also deals with his often-stormy friendship with one of the officers, Lieutenant Summers, who sometimes feels slighted by Talbot's ill-thought-out comments and advice.
Like many of Golding’s books, it also looks at man’s reversion to savagery in the wake of isolation. Talbot is ambivalent about presenting the account, which he considers may not show him in the best light, to his godfather, though he does not consider that he has a choice and eventually has the journal sealed so he cannot tamper with it.
This was the first book of the trilogy, and went on to win the 1980 Man Booker Prize, beating Anthony Burgess' Earthly Powers. It focuses upon the account of a trip to Australia, and takes the form of a journal written by Edmund Talbot, a young, aristocratic passenger aboard a British warship. His influential godfather, having secured him employment with the Governor of New South Wales, presented him with the journal in which to record the significant events of the journey.
Talbot begins his commentary by detailing the various passengers and crew members, who encompass a motley yet representative collection of early 19th century English society. The journal quickly becomes concerned with the account of the downfall of a passenger, the Reverend Colley. Talbot has a somewhat ambiguous role in this: whilst he quickly assumes a mediator's role between the Reverend and Captain Anderson, the initial problem was caused by Talbot's presumption of preference and status within the group of passengers and, inappropriately, the crew. Class division, or the assumption of a higher status than is warranted, is a running theme of the book. This theme focuses upon the proper conduct of a gentleman; however, it also deals with his often-stormy friendship with one of the officers, Lieutenant Summers, who sometimes feels slighted by Talbot's ill-thought-out comments and advice.
Like many of Golding’s books, it also looks at man’s reversion to savagery in the wake of isolation. Talbot is ambivalent about presenting the account, which he considers may not show him in the best light, to his godfather, though he does not consider that he has a choice and eventually has the journal sealed so he cannot tamper with it.
Released 12 yrs ago (4/13/2012 UTC) at Smiths Lake, New South Wales Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Off to New Zealand as an Alphabet Relay book.
Thanks PJLBewdy, this "R" book arrived today along with another "R" book!
Both look interesting and will go on to Mt TBR.
Both look interesting and will go on to Mt TBR.
I'm afraid I found this book rather heavy going and didn't quite manage to finish it.
Journal Entry 5 by 
keeta1
at Howick Village Mall in Howick, Auckland Province New Zealand on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
keeta1 at Howick Village Mall in Howick, Auckland Province New Zealand on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (10/3/2012 UTC) at Howick Village Mall in Howick, Auckland Province New Zealand
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Left on the bench outside the Heel & Key Bar
Welcome to bookcrossing and thank you for picking up this book. Please make a Journal Entry to let me know that it has found a good home with you.....then read and release for someone else to find!!
Released for the NJABBIC Challenge 2012 - Week 40
Welcome to bookcrossing and thank you for picking up this book. Please make a Journal Entry to let me know that it has found a good home with you.....then read and release for someone else to find!!
Released for the NJABBIC Challenge 2012 - Week 40
Journal Entry 6 by 
AnonymousFinder
at Howick, Auckland Province New Zealand on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
AnonymousFinder at Howick, Auckland Province New Zealand on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Not really a big reader to be honest, but I like the idea of sending a book "out into the wild". I'm going to give this to a friend and he'll leave it somewhere in the South Island when he is tere this weekend. Happy trails little book. Happy trails.
Book has been released at a Waimate Bed and Breakfast
Found in Bed and Breakfast near Waimate, South Canterbury, New Zealand, and brought home to Christchurch. Really enjoyed the book, haven't read any Golding since Lord of the Rings - and this is very different. Sending it north with an Aucklander. Many thanks, travelling books are a great idea.
