Good Omens

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File:Good Omens.jpg
1st edition hard cover.

Good Omens is an exceptionally well-written novel that takes a humorous approach of viewing the Apocalypse. It is written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman who make extraneous use of footnotes. What I love about this book is how they make constant pokes and jabs at religion without actually becoming blasphemous.

It seems the world is going to end on a Saturday. Next Saturday actually. Just after tea. Crowley and Aziraphale (a demon and an angel) who have grown quite accustom to life on Earth, don't very much want the world to end, and have taken it upon themselves to prevent the Apocalypse.

Some of the main characters include: Crowley - the demon who always wears dark shades and drives a vintage Bentley. Aziraphale - an angel who owns a books store in Soho, but hates to sell his books. Adam Young - the anti-Christ at age 11 who loves nature and his dog. Anathima Device - current owner of the book Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter. Newton Pulsifer - a guy in way over his head. The Four Motorcyclists of the Apocalypse - Pollution, Famine, War, and Death.

The 2006 re-release hard cover features a much easier on the eyes typeface. The re-issue has a cute gimmick of creating two dust jacket covers (one in black with Aziraphale and one in white with Crowly). This annoys many collectors who now have to buy two copies of the book if they want a complete set, although the value of the first edition printing will always trump the re-issues.


Review

Good

  • This is seriously one of the funniest books I've ever read.
  • The combination between the dark humor of Gaiman and the silliness of Pratchett is a beautiful combination.

Bad

  • The earlier printings of this book had a nasty font that made it hard to read. The black/white release was annoying for collectors like myself.

Ugly

  • Nothing. This book is perfect.

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