The Book of the Dun Cow
4/5
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About this ebook
“Far and away the most literate and intelligent story of the year … Mr. Wangerin’s allegorical fantasy about the age-old struggle between good and evil produces a resonance; it is a taut string plucked that reverberates in memory” —New York Times
“Belongs on the shelf with Animal Farm, Watership Down and The Lord of the Rings. It is, like them, an absorbing, fanciful parade of the war between good and evil. A powerful and enjoyable work of the imagination.” —Los Angeles Times
In a time when the sun revolved around the Earth, and the animals could speak, Chauntecleer the Rooster rules justly over his kingdom. But while peace reigns for Chauntecleer, evil is brewing across the river, as the monstrous Cockatrice pillages his own lands and people, preparing for the return of Wyrm.
Imprisoned within the Earth to contain this ancient evil, Wyrm is determined to return, with the help of Cockatrice. Keeping Wyrm in his prison is a task too great for any individual animal, so it is up to Chantecleer to rally all of the animals, great and small, to work together to keep the Earth safe once again.
“Good and evil were never seen more distinctly not pitted more ferociously than in this animal fable, reverberating with the righteousness of the Bible or a medieval morality play … The animals are not mere literary symbols but are invested with a humanness all their won.” —The Saturday Evening Post
“Wangerin’s story functions as a frightening representation of modern evil … a parable for adults to ponder.” —The Christian Century “Wangerin has so fluidly woven all these legends together into one small gem.” —Washington Post Book World
Walter Wangerin
Walter Wangerin, Jr. is a literary scholar, theologian, performance storyteller and best-selling author. He is the author of over 30 books, which encompass a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, children's books, poetry and short stories and have become favourites of people in all walks of life and of all ages. Wangerin's first book, The Book of the Dun Cow, won the National Book Award in 1980 and was The New York Times' Best Children's Book of the Year. Wangerin's was also awarded the Helen Keating Ott Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children's Literature (2000) . His vibrant retelling of the Bible as an epic novel - The Book of God - was acclaimed as a literary masterpiece and has now been published in over 20 languages worldwide and recently reissued. He is writer-in- residence at Valparaiso University. He and his wife live in Valparaiso, Indiana, USA.
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Titles in the series (3)
The Book of the Dun Cow Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Second Book of the Dun Cow: Lamentations Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Third Book of the Dun Cow: Peace at the Last Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for The Book of the Dun Cow
6 ratings1 review
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Like the previous two books in the Book of the Dun Cow series, Peace at Last continues the fight between good and evil. Now that evil has entered the world and infected many animals, the world has become a very dangerous place for those who would follow the path of righteousness. The disparate group of animals, this Band of the Meek, finds itself trapped between a huge mob of vicious killers intent on destroying them and the promised sanctuary which is hidden at the bottom of a steep ravine. It will take a leap of faith for them to enter but, if they can make this leap, rest and freedom from the sorrows of the world will be their reward even to the Least of them.I have seen this series compared to books like Animal Farm and The Lord of the Rings. To me, it more resembles Pilgrim’s Progress both in style and in content. Despite its modern language, there is something archaic in its telling. There is an elegance and lyricism to the prose which is so rarely seen in modern literature outside of poetry which I found an absolute joy like reading a hymn of praise by Bach. One word of warning, however. There is some use of swearing in the tale. Personally, I felt it fit the narrative, sort of like a dissonant note in a concerto meant to jolt the reader and move the story but I suspect that some readers may be offended by this.