Food and Agriculture during the Civil War

by R. Douglas Hurt
Food and Agriculture during the Civil War cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Technical
  • ID: 5199
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer has a long-standing appreciation for Kurt Vonnegut's work and finds 'Welcome to the Monkey House' to be a hilarious and dark collection of short stories. The stories explore themes of humanity's flaws and well-intentioned efforts gone wrong, with a mix of science fiction and dark satire.

The reviewer has been a fan of Kurt Vonnegut for many years and enjoys his straightforward and unapologetic writing style. 'Welcome to the Monkey House' is a collection of short stories written between 1950 and 1968, featuring a mix of science fiction and dark satire. The stories often revolve around humanity's tendency to go astray despite good intentions, with themes that remain relevant today. The reviewer highlights several stories, such as 'Harrison Bergeron,' which critiques the idea of forced equality, and 'The Manned Missiles,' which is particularly emotional due to its matter-of-fact storytelling. Overall, the collection is seen as a perfect starting point for anyone new to Vonnegut's work.

Quick quotes

    The man says what he thinks, all the time. in literature, in scifi, in interviews where politics come up. He says what he thinks and believes, and doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks.

    A lot of the stories are hilariously dated, but mostly, they are just hilarious in the darkest way possible.

    If you’ve never read Vonnegut, this is a perfect place to start.

barnesandnoble.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
engaging 3.50

The review discusses a collection of short stories by Kurt Vonnegut, highlighting his candid humor and the varied settings of his works, from contemporary tales to science fiction. The reviewer notes Vonnegut's ability to blend humor with social commentary, though some stories are criticized for their thin plots.

Kurt Vonnegut's collection of short stories, 'Welcome to the Monkey House,' offers a mix of contemporary and science fiction tales, each marked by his signature humor and social commentary. The reviewer appreciates Vonnegut's candid and often humorous approach, particularly in stories that explore themes like overpopulation and the futility of war. However, some stories are criticized for their thin plots and lack of depth, especially those that delve into science fiction. The collection includes pieces from various magazines, reflecting Vonnegut's versatility and his ability to adapt to different genres. Overall, the reviewer finds the collection engaging and thought-provoking, though not without its flaws.

Quick quotes

    The contents of this book are samples of work I sold in order to finance the writing of the novels. Here one finds the fruits of Free Enterprise.

    This Vonnegut is obviously a lovable fellow.

    The title story takes up the same theme, overpopulation, but treats it sententiously.

purdue.edu · Unknown · 2016-02-11
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer appreciates Vonnegut's unique storytelling and humor, finding the collection to be a perfect capture of midcentury spirit. They highlight the blackish humor and bitter irony present in the stories, which are seen as both mockingly dystopian and romantically tinged.

The reviewer finds Kurt Vonnegut's collection of short stories to be a masterful capture of the midcentury spirit. They particularly enjoy the blackish humor and bitter irony that permeate the tales, which range from mockingly dystopian to vaguely romantic. The stories are noted for their psychedelic aura and the unique way they address conformity and societal issues. The reviewer also reflects on personal connections to the themes, drawing parallels between Vonnegut's experiences and their own family dynamics. Overall, the collection is seen as a brilliant exploration of human nature and societal norms, with a distinctive Vonnegutian style that makes it stand out.

Quick quotes

    The Year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren’t only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way. Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else.

    Now I understand you poor fish,” I said. “You couldn’t get along without fear. That’s the only skill you’ve got — how to scare yourselves and other people into doing things. That’s the only fun you’ve got, watching people jump for fear of what you’ll do to their bodies or take away from their bodies.

    So it goes. Cause a long time relationship is a lot like Bobby Fischer facing off against Boris Spasky: for each of them had MEMORIZED EVERY MOVE THE OTHER COULD EVER MAKE.

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