Having read your post, here are some thoughts. The problem with 'elitism' is that by its very nature, it implies exclusivity. As a poet whose work taps into both classical and free verse (combining the two in many cases), writing for the ancients, as well as the Romantics (see my Indiegogo campaign for The Romantic Series: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/michaellopez-27690480/hymn-to-equity), I aim to leave no one behind in terms of comprehension or enjoyment.
Each volume (in all my work) includes a mini-biography, an author's note, maps, a list of those in the book, and, where necessary, footnotes. I honestly could not make it any more straightforward unless I stood there and read it to the reader, IRL answering their queries as they arose (which, of course, is impossible!).
Even with all of this, I am quite sure some people will read it and not comprehend it; however, that is more due to their level of education than anything I (as an author) have done. That does sadden me, since I have put a lot of effort into making it as accessible as possible.
I would also like to comment that Harold Robbins' work is not classical literature (nowhere near the level of someone like Dante or Chekhov). That being said, I have enjoyed a raunchy Jackie Collins novel as well as Chaucer. It is much like food. One can savor a hot dog with sauerkraut and beer, as well as caviar on a crisp wafer, with a dinner wine such as a fruity port. Sometimes, depending on your day, one suffices over the other. I would not want to have the choice taken from me. The catholic nature you describe, I believe, embodies the ability to make such a choice, and that is worth everything.
OK. I shall read these and then return to this post later.
X Marks the spot
Where can I buy this version of the book with these great covers? The ones available in the UK aren't as good!
USA!!
Having read your post, here are some thoughts. The problem with 'elitism' is that by its very nature, it implies exclusivity. As a poet whose work taps into both classical and free verse (combining the two in many cases), writing for the ancients, as well as the Romantics (see my Indiegogo campaign for The Romantic Series: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/michaellopez-27690480/hymn-to-equity), I aim to leave no one behind in terms of comprehension or enjoyment.
Each volume (in all my work) includes a mini-biography, an author's note, maps, a list of those in the book, and, where necessary, footnotes. I honestly could not make it any more straightforward unless I stood there and read it to the reader, IRL answering their queries as they arose (which, of course, is impossible!).
Even with all of this, I am quite sure some people will read it and not comprehend it; however, that is more due to their level of education than anything I (as an author) have done. That does sadden me, since I have put a lot of effort into making it as accessible as possible.
I would also like to comment that Harold Robbins' work is not classical literature (nowhere near the level of someone like Dante or Chekhov). That being said, I have enjoyed a raunchy Jackie Collins novel as well as Chaucer. It is much like food. One can savor a hot dog with sauerkraut and beer, as well as caviar on a crisp wafer, with a dinner wine such as a fruity port. Sometimes, depending on your day, one suffices over the other. I would not want to have the choice taken from me. The catholic nature you describe, I believe, embodies the ability to make such a choice, and that is worth everything.