The Princess Bride By William Goldman

Once upon a time came a story so full of high adventure and true love that it became an instant classic and won the hearts of millions. Now in hardcover in America for the first time since 1973, this special edition of The Princess Bride is a true keepsake for devoted fans as well as those lucky enough to discover it for the first time. What reader can forget or resist such colorful characters as

Westley . . . handsome farm boy who risks death and much, much worse for the woman he loves; Inigo . . . the Spanish swordsman who lives only to avenge his father's death; Fezzik . . . the Turk, the gentlest giant ever to have uprooted a tree with his bare hands; Vizzini . . . the evil Sicilian, with a mind so keen he's foiled by his own perfect logic; Prince Humperdinck . . . the eviler ruler of Guilder, who has an equally insatiable thirst for war and the beauteous Buttercup; Count Rugen . . . the evilest man of all, who thrives on the excruciating pain of others; Miracle Max. . . the King's ex-Miracle Man, who can raise the dead (kind of); The Dread Pirate Roberts . . . supreme looter and plunderer of the high seas; and, of course, Buttercup . . . the princess bride, the most perfect, beautiful woman in the history of the world.

S. Morgenstern's timeless tale discovered and wonderfully abridged by William Goldman pits country against country, good against evil, love against hate. From the Cliffs of Insanity through the Fire Swamp and down into the Zoo of Death, this incredible journey and brilliant tale is peppered with strange beasties monstrous and gentle, and memorable surprises both terrible and sublime.

I think everyone has seen this movie. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I love it. My bought me the book and it's also one of my favorites. Since I think everyone has seen the movie, I'm not going to go over the plot.

William Goldman writes how is father used to read him the book, however only read him the "good parts." Later on Goldman would publish an abridged version or the "good parts" version.

Now, the movie follows the book pretty good. The plot is all there. A few back stories are left out. Like, how Buttercup is the most beautiful woman in the world. The Prince created the Zoo of Death to hold all different types of animals so that he could hunt. (That's where Wesley is kept captive), Fezzik's history and he was stranded in Greenland, how Inigo is the best fencer in the world, etc.

During the book, Goldman writes in about the parts he cut out and explains what was happening or his memories when he was being read the book. Like in the movie, when the grandfather says, "She doesn't get eaten by the eels."

Now, I always flip flopped about was S. Morgenstern being real. Goldman claimed he was. Then I found this link. So I have to say, that was pretty good. Cause I was one of people who sent in for the reunion scene.

You see, when Buttercup throws herself down the ravine, "Morgenstern" cuts to them running towards the fire swamp claiming every couple is entitled to some privacy. Goldman writes about how he felt cheated about not seeing the reunion between Buttercup and Wesley. He was going to add his version. Supposedly his publisher said no but you could write in and request Goldman's version. All you get is a letter saying there is some legal battle.

I really like this book. Gives you a little bit more information on the characters.

Grade: B+/A-