Alexandria: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Unfolds (v. 2)

Description

Alexandria will continue to delight the 3 million readers who fell in love with the epistolary romance of Griffin & Sabine. Awash with gorgeous artwork, the mystery of Griffin Moss and Sabine Strohem now entwines Matthew Sedon, an archaeologist steeped in Egyptian antiquity, and Isabella de Reims, a student in Paris whose vision holds the key to a new reality. Intrigue turns to danger and romance turns to passion as Matthew and Isabella struggle to make sense of a world-and feelings-beyond experience. Only the guidance of Griffin and Sabine, expert navigators of myth and reality, can keep them safe. Author and artist Nick Bantock brings a new sensuality and romance to his vivid dreamscapes and unique visual perspective. Alexandria is a breathtaking new chapter in a saga that has captured hearts, minds, and imaginations the world over.

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Customer Reviews

Suspense and intrigue but not as much magic as the original trilogy
This is the second book in the second Griffin and Sabine trilogy. It takes up where the first left off as we find Griffin corresponding with Isabella and Sabine corresponding with Matthew. In this book, the intrigue and suspense increase with the introduction of a villain in particular and a sinister group in general that are menacing Isabella and are after Griffin and Sabine. Matthew is working at a dig in Eygpt, where an unusual statue has been revealed. The two sets of partners work together to put Frolatti and the other group off their trail as the book comes to a climax and a cliffhanger. The art continues to be gorgeous and there is a heavy dose of mythology in the storyline. While I like Isabella and Matthew, their connection and passion does not seem as strong or intriguing as that of Griffin and Sabine. I am glad that I had the third book and did not have to wait for the conclusion of the series.

2010-06-07 (Tucson, AZ USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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BlueVelvette
The book "Alexandria" takes you on a journey that is full of fantasy and mystery. I am cherishing my collection of "Griffin and Sabine". Someone has started their own postcard correspondence on Flick'r, so check it out. It is not as good as the original, but very interesting, especially the hand drawn pictures. Maybe I am showing a bit of favoritism;oh well....... No issues with shipping or description of the book (new). I am loving the collage and have started my own. The collection is a good read from v. 1 - v. 6 and the graphics are extraordinary.

2009-11-08 | ChinaBlue (Pennsylvania USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Another great
Would like to be in author's head to see all the wonder's he must have left out. Great price, great vender shipping. Thank you.

2009-09-07 | sabina (newport news, va) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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as confused as ever but wanting more
After having read and reread all six of these very creative, interesting and unusual books, I still have yet to sort it all out. I have to report they are very "out there" for the person looking for a light read.
Please read them, you will be left wanting more.

2007-10-01 (Northern New Jersey) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Hoping for more
I like the novelty and skill in Bantock's work - I like it a lot. It's just that I don't see a lot of his novelty in this second trilogy. In the first series, a man is driven to some unseen fate by correspondence from a mysterious, other-wordly being. In this series, a couple is driven to some unseen fate by correspondence from a mysterious, other-wordly couple.

The format is very evocative. It's a voyeuristic look at the letters and postcards between the dramatis personae. We actually open the envelopes and read their mail. It gives a sense of naughtiness - "Is it OK for me to do this?" It's the same format as in the first series, though. The freshness is off it, it can't be a new experience again.

I would have been a lot happier if this series gave new information. Where is Paolo, or the Sicmon Islands? Who or what is Frolatti, and what is Frolatti's involvement? How does Sabine do - well, I'm not sure what she does.

I like Bantock's layered art (even when it's over-worked) and his fascination with stamps and postmarks. I really do want to see the story of Griffin and Sabine move forward. The tale seems to have stalled, though. Perhaps his success with the original G&S has left Bantock nervous about changing his formula.

2004-05-17 | wiredweird (Earth, or somewhere nearby) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 3

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The Morning Star: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Is Illuminated

Description

The mystery that began with a single enigmatic postcard reaches its dramatic conclusion in The Morning Star. Three million readers the world over await this last chapter of the best-selling Griffin & Sabine series, a volume of gorgeous artwork and passionate correspondence that crosses oceans and transcends realms. In these sumptuous pages lies not only the fate of Matthew Sedon and Isabella de Reims, but that of their unexpected kinship with Griffin and Sabine, as the long-distance lovers are drawn ever further from the safe haven of logic into a magical maze beyond the certainty of experience. Author and artist Nick Bantock draws on myth, memory, and his limitless imagination in a saga that has resonated with readers and lovers everywhere. The Morning Star marks the final destination on a journey across fabled landscapes and the uncertain terrain of the human heart-one to be savored and remembered long after the last page is turned. Win a trip for two to Paris or original artwork by Nick Bantock. Log on to the Griffin and Sabine web site and enter The Morning Star Sweepstakes.

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Customer Reviews

A disappointing conclusion to an intriguing series
This is the concluding volume to the second Griffin and Sabine series, and is the final book to date. Told in the same format as the previous books in the series, the artwork continues to be rich and luscious, and the letter format keeps the suspense going. You enter this book wondering if Matthew and Isabella will get together, wondering if they will be caught by Frolatti, and if they will ever meet Griffin and Sabine. Some of these questions are answered, some eluded to, and some are left hanging. We meet the cat from Griffin and Sabine who is obviously more than an ordinary cat. A diversion is planned for Frolatti that revolves around a supposed hidden artifact which gives the main characters some breathing room. While I won't go into the ending, I found it dissapointing and was hoping for more. Overall, I found this trilogy to be not as strong as the prior trilogy. The first set may have set my expectations too high. I did purchase The Venetian's Wife and will see what else Bantock can do.

2010-06-08 (Tucson, AZ USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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An ending to the trilogy that is, perhaps, too cryptic
Curious - this trilogy (a sequel to the Griffin & Sabine trilogy) was in many ways a more exciting story than the first. And the format and artwork was comparable, but somehow, this final volume in the second trilogy did not seem to have the overall impact. This seems solely due to the amount of information Bantock hints at without ever revealing. If you're used to your novels ending in a nice tidy package, this isn't it. However, the overall storyline, the presentation, and the artwork are enough to encourage me to re-read the first trilogy (which I don't recall as well as I should) and then re-read the second, taking a bit more time and dwelling on the hints and symbols. In doing so, one may get a better idea of what exactly happened.

2010-05-03 (Texas) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 3

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BlueVelvette
"Morning Star". . . one has to have a vivid imagination in order to enjoy this book. It takes you on a colorful, brilliant, and dramatic journey. One can only take pleasure in this amusing and engaging story. You will read it time and time again. The read is so compelling and engaging that you will find something special each and every time you read it. Delivery was prompt and as described (new).

2009-11-08 | ChinaBlue (Pennsylvania USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Almost
Almost as good as the rest. But still good. Great and fast vender shipping. Thank you.

2009-09-07 | sabina (newport news, va) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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pleasing gift
Purchased the book as a gift to complete my husband's set. He was excited to get it and enjoyed reading and rereading it.

2007-01-18 | word doctor (milwaukee, WI) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Gryphon: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Is Rediscovered

Description

Griffin & Sabine, Sabine's Notebook, and The Golden Mean have sold over 3 million copies worldwide, and spent over 100 weeks on The New York Times best-seller list. At long last, Nick Bantock brings us a new volume in the Griffin and Sabine story. The Gryphon is a tale rich in the artistry, mystery, and surprise that make the original saga so beloved. Although readers will be drawn into the book without ever having read the trilogy, The Gryphon begins to answer the question that fans have been waiting eight years to answer: "What happened to Griffin and Sabine?" As their remarkable fates are gradually revealed, we are introduced to Matthew and Isabella, long-distance lovers who find themselves entwined not only in each other's lives, but also in a perilous and alluring intrigue. The drama literally unfolds from postcard to richly decorated postcard and as provocative letters are pulled from real envelopes. The Gryphon features stunning new imagery, offering glimpses of mythic dreamscapes and surreal creatures as only Nick Bantock could have imagined. For those meeting Griffin and Sabine for the first time, here's an introduction that will have them yearning to explore the earlier volumes. And for those who have already entered the enchanting world of Griffin and Sabine, The Gryphon is a delightful rediscovery of a truly extraordinary correspondence

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With a fanciful combination of postcards and letters, author Nick Bantock takes you on a romantic and suspenseful tour of an imagined world. The Gryphon is the delightful follow-up to the wildly popular Griffin & Sabine trilogy. This sequel doesn't disappoint; it's as quixotic and cloaked in mystery as the trilogy, replete with similarly captivating foldouts and handwritten letters. Each illustration is intricately drawn with special attention paid to the tiniest details, like the faded postmarks on exotic stamps. Old-fashioned letters create an atmosphere of adventure, surrounding you with colorful images of ancient symbols. The correspondence between the four players flies off to real and mythical lands conjuring up dark forces and love affairs. It is impossible not to want to know what happens next. If you were charmed by Griffin and Sabine, then it's absolutely unthinkable to miss The Gryphon. --J.P. Cohen

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Customer Reviews

New lovers rediscover Griffin and Sabine
This is the first book in the 2nd Griffin and Sabine trilogy. We meet Matthew, to whom Sabine wrote a postcard to in the last book (The Golden Mean). We also meet his love, Isabelle. They are in a long distance relationship, with Matthew being an archeologist. Matthew receives Griffin and Sabine's correspondence and the two newcomers work on discovering if these two are real or if this is a hoax. When Isabella begins receiving correspondence from Griffin things become more intense and the mystery evolves. While I picked up this series to find out what happened to Griffin and Sabine, I found myself becoming intrigued by the two new characters and the parallels between their relationship and those of Griffin and Sabine. The book's plot keeps your interest and the artwork on the letters continues to be amazing. I can't wait to read the next installment to see what will happen.

2010-06-03 (Tucson, AZ USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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BlueVelvette
"The Gryphon" is an extraordinary read. The collection "Griffin and Sabine" is one to be cherished and valued for a long, long, long time. The long-distance lovers, take you on a romantic voyage, that reels in the flight of the imagination. You can not help but enjoy the fantasy, the film playing over and over in your mind. Photographs, that tickle the mind's eye. Absolutely breathtaking. Delivery prompt and received as described (new).

2009-11-08 | ChinaBlue (Pennsylvania USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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More than just a book
There's a lot to like here. This book opens a series that is sequel to Griffin and Sabine, one of the most imaginative sets I've ever seen.

Like G&S, we see our characters only through their correspondence. This gives a delicious sense of voyeurism, of peeking in on unguarded moments between intimates. The book presents the postcards at standard size, usually with images on one side and text on the other. The letters are separate sheets, in envelopes that are built into the book. This creates a distinctive reading experience - the physical interaction between book and reader is very different from normal turn-the-page, and evokes a sense of personal involvement.

The imagery is rich and layered, in Bantock's signature style. The best of these pictures contain many elements, where each retains a distinct identity within the whole. Sometimes, though, the different components seem overworked and run together, an effect I find murky.

The plot is cryptic and eerie as in G&S, partly because this extends G&S. As in real life, the story moves forward in uneven increments, a step forward by this character, then a step by that one. It holds my attention, but doesn't seem to carry the drama of the original series.

This is a wonderful book and an uncommon experience in reading. Bantock struck sparks in the original Griffin and Sabine series that he tries to recapture here. 'Gryphon' continues the story capably, but lacks the freshness of G&S. Still, I'm looking forward to the next books in this set.

2004-02-22 | wiredweird (Earth, or somewhere nearby) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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What took him so long!
I knew there was more to be written by Bantock than just the third book of G&S trilogy and sure enough after all this time he does it again. However, I was wanting more about Griffin and Sabine and I had hoped the baby picture at the end of the third book was an indication of more about them. Instead, Bantock begins with a new trilogy, with new lovers. But thank God he kept with his unique stlye of writing with letters and intriguing pictures and art work that varies through out the book making him a writer in his own class. His work is excellent and I started reading him years ago when I saw how beautiful his trilogy looked on a book shelf. That has led me to buy all his books including his address book and notecards and now my friends collect his stuff also.
If your not sure you want to read this book or the Griffin and Sabine trilogy than at least pick up the "Venetians Wife" and I guarantee you will change your mind. All of Bantock's books have an unusual theme filled with mystery, some romance and intrigue enough to make me read the books in one sitting. Please give one of his works a try especially if you are bored with the standard form of mystery writing. Bantock's books are a delight not only to read but to look at, even if you don't like this type of reading. BEWARE OF ALL THE CLUES AND TWIST IN HIS BOOKS.

2002-02-19 | sneetch56 (orlando, Florida United States) | Helpful Votes: 9 | Rating: 4

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Missed hearing from Griffin and Sabine
Once again, as he did in his Griffin and Sabine trilogy, Nick Bantock combines, in a most clever manner, both mystical thoughts and ideas using letters and postcards in his newest book, The Gryphon. With wonderful illustrations of stamps from far away places and beauiful calligraphy on notes which fold out from actual envelopes, the author engages his readers with further tales about Griffin and Sabine. While this book is a bit darker than his others and also engages two more characters in the search for Griffin and Sabine, overall this title is a welcome addition to the first three books which were so very unique when they were first published.

Now, after almost a decade's absence from the literary scene, its nice to know that Griffin and Sabine are alive and well. But if we still don't know exactly where they are in the world, one wonders if Mr. Bantock is having too much fun writing these books to ever let us find out.

2002-02-12 | NancyK18 (NJ) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Griffin & Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence

Description

Griffin: It's good to get in touch with you at last. Could I have one of your fish postcards? I think you were right -- the wine glass has more impact than the cup. --Sabine

But Griffin had never met a woman named Sabine. How did she know him? How did she know his artwork? Who is she? Thus begins the strange and intriguing correspondence of Griffin and Sabine. And since each letter must be pulled from its own envelope, the reader has the delightful, forbidden sensation of reading someone else's mail. Griffin & Sabine is like no other illustrated novel: appealing to the poet and artist in everyone and sure to inspire a renaissance in the fine art of letter-writing, it tells an extraordinary story in an extraordinary way.

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Customer Reviews

Fascinating!
This little book originally came to my attention when a friend showed me a library copy. I was taken by surprise at the original, insightful premise and the unique art and design. It appears to be a series of letters, written between two people who've never met. The book completely enthralled me - and was finished far too quickly. Fortunately, the author has written two companion books available as a set of all three. I'll be getting that one; I gave this copy to friend for her birthday!

2010-07-26 | The Coast (Los Angeles, CA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A mystical romance told through beautifully illustrated cards and letters
This is the first book in a two trilogy series. Through a series of postcards and letters we meet Griffin and the mysterious Sabine. Griffin is an artist, with a line of custom postcards. Griffin first receives a postcard from Sabine in which she comments on one of the prior versions of a card with a fish and a wineglass. The curious thing is that no-one else has seen this earlier version. The two begin a correspondence, and develop a deep closeness and a romance begins. Griffin learns that Sabine is across the world from him on a small island, where she draws and illustrates the island's postage. There remain questions throughout the book on wheter Sabine is real or a figment of Griffin's desire and need for connection. The book is unique in that the letters are in evelopes attached to the pages and must be pulled out to read. The artistry and artwork are absolutely gorgeous.

2010-05-14 (Tucson, AZ USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Unfortunately wet!
I love Griffin and Sabine and purchased it as a gift for a very good friend. It arrived on my doorstep in a timely manner, but sadly had been damaged by the rain. The cardboard it was wrapped in was shriveled and this unfortunate quality was also true of the book's dust jacket. I don't know whether this would be considered an issue with the postal service or with the packaging (i.e. the sender), but save the damage to the dust jacket, I was extremely pleased with the book and its arrival time.

2010-02-26 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Wow
Love this book. Magical. Great price and fast good vender shipping. Thank you.

2009-09-07 | sabina (newport news, va) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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An Intriguing Read. A Memorable Experience.
Reading Griffin and Sabine is a bit of a guilty pleasure, as if you are secretly reading someone else's love letters. The concept of reading postcards and peeling open letters is so unique and at once memorable. The illustrations on every page are beautiful and provide an insight to the main characters, Griffin & Sabine. This first book in the trilogy is my favourite. An opening to an intriguing, romantic and at times, heart wrenching love story.

2009-06-16 | Self-confessed Book Hoard (Singapore) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Sabine's Notebook: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Continues

Description

Created by Griffin to ease his loneliness, his imaginary lover Sabine takes on a haunting independent existence, leaving him beautifully strange postcards, letters, and a sketchbook diary, all of which are included in this sequel to Griffin & Sabine. 100,000 first printing.

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Customer Reviews

Mystery, romance and mysticism continue
This is the 2nd book in the first trilogy of the Griffin and Sabine series. Sabine is on her way to visit Griffin and in a panic, he leaves, telling her to stay in his place. Their correspondence continues, with Griffin traveling around the world, discovering more about each other through there letters. When he returns, he finds her not there and yet by her letters she was. Is she imagined or are things more complicated than they appear? The artwork continues to striking and I found myself zipping from letter to letter to find out what was going to happen, only to be left in mystery again. Their relationship deepens further in this book. The third book beckons and I look forward to perhaps some explanation or conclusion, but perhaps we will be left in the shroud of mystery, which might not be such a bad thing after all.

2010-05-19 (Tucson, AZ USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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All expectations exceeded in this masterpiece found at Amazon!
Thoroughly original and wildly creative, this second part of the trilogy of Griffin and Sabine will surprise & delight for a lifetime. The combination of art and plot galvanizes interest from the very first page. This is a not-to-be-missed adventure. For lovers of language, ideas, and the renewing capacity of the human spirit, this book is a must.

2010-04-29 | Linda in Columbia (South Carolina) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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BlueVelvette
The book "Sabine's Notebook" is fabulous. I ordered the complete set(6)from different merchants. No problems - rapid shipping and received as described brand new. The "Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine" is something one should have in their personal library. If you don't have the collection buy them. If you do have the collection treasure them. I purchased the first book in the collection "Griffin and Sabine" and someone stole it from me. So I am so very happy that I was able to purchase it again, before it became extinct or no longer in print. I will treasure this collection and keep a third eye on them this time. Lov'n it....

2009-11-08 | ChinaBlue (Pennsylvania USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Great
Wishing the series never would end. Great books, great vender price & careful shipping. Than you.

2009-09-07 | sabina (newport news, va) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Surreal Romance & Philately
Surreal romance, Philately, amazingly beautiful postcards and a page turner. This is a beautiful gift for your self or someone else. I have all books and the post-cards. Sorry the series ended

2007-07-04 (Portland, OR) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Averse to Beasts (book & cassette edition)

Description

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Customer Reviews

Sly....
If you liked the subversiveness of Ogden Nash, you'll love these beastly little verses! Plus, the presentation is exquisite: Shiny purple box with a wicked-looking rabbit behind the wheel of a car on the cover, opening up to two hidden compartments, one each for the cassette and book, each compartment whimiscally illustrated with bull dogs and ducks! NICE.

2004-11-25 | Brimstone (Los Angeles, CA) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 4

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Further ramblings from the artist/poet
In this now out of print volume, Bantock explores the spoken word. For anyone who has enjoyed the visual stimuli of the Griffin & Sabine books, or the mesmerizing narrative of The Venitian' Wife, or the Forgetting Room. The poetry calls to mind a more off-beat Shel Silverstein. Highly recommended.

1998-07-02 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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