Ian Lendler
Author of An Undone Fairy Tale
Series
Works by Ian Lendler
Alcoholica Esoterica: A Collection of Useful and Useless Information As It Relates to the History andConsumption of All Manner of Booze (2005) 106 copies, 2 reviews
The Fabled Life of Aesop: The extraordinary journey and collected tales of the world's greatest storyteller (2020) 91 copies, 3 reviews
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Gender
- male
- Short biography
- [from author's website]
Ian Lendler is, first and foremost, a person. After that, the details get a bit sketchy. We're pretty sure he has two arms and two legs. There are rumors of a third thumb, which you may laugh about now but let's see what you think 1,000 years from now when evolution decides that three thumbs is way better because you can use can-openers more efficiently and hitchhike with aplomb and everyone will laugh about the old days when everyone was a "two-thumber." But I digress.
I am a writer. For some bizarre reason, you are visiting my website so…WELCOME! I hope you're here because you like my books. Otherwise, this could get awkward.
Want to know something more about me? Okay…. I originally hail from Wallingford, Connecticut (“home of the steamed cheeseburger”). But after stints in New York City, London, and San Francisco, I now live in San Rafael, CA (“home of normal cheeseburgers”).
I have 1 wife (the maximum number allowed by law), 2 kids (the maximum number allowed by sanity), a dog (who's currently making eyes at my turkey sandwich), a hammock (which is tragically not being occupied by me at the moment), and a deep, deep desire to end this bio with something witty yet touching which will leave you, dear reader, with a sense that this whole reading experience, this whole “visiting Ian's website” journey has been edifying, enlightening, and in some intangible way, has left you a better person for having been here.
Ummm…
I'll get back to you on that one. - Birthplace
- Wallingford, Connecticut, USA
- Places of residence
- New York, New York, USA
London, Middlesex, England, UK
San Francisco, California, USA
San Rafael, California, USA - Associated Place (for map)
- USA
Members
Reviews
Although this book is purportedly about dinosaurs, it’s really about the history and development of modern science. Using the discovery and research into dinosaurs and fossils, primarily in the fossil-rich land of England, Lendler shows the development of science through the Industrial Age and into modern times. The various characters are vividly portrayed, from Mary Anning, ignored because of her working-class origins and femininity to William Buckland, a charismatic teacher and key show more player in early geology and paleontology, now mostly forgotten. Lendler details the human aspects of science, showing the one-sided feud of Richard Owen and Gideon Mantell, and how Owen’s attempts to destroy Mantell’s career and reputation persisted.
Along the way, Lendler brings in historical context, dinosaurs in fiction, politics, and the early creation of academic research into the past history of the world. He deals respectfully but honestly with religion, showing how many of the early scientists were also ministers who struggled to reconcile their faith with their scientific discoveries. The book is peppered with sidebars, illustrations, and other fascinating bits of information.
An epilogue gives more detail about the careers and fate of the main players, including places, animals, and fossils, starting with Nicolaus Stend, who died in 1686, and ending with the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, which are currently being renovated and restored for a new generation to enjoy and wonder at. The book includes a bibliography, acknowledgments, credits, and index.
There is one glaring error, which I suspect is a result of the printers, not the publishers. On page 182-183, the illustration of a titanosaur stretches across the page, and a chunk of text at the bottom of the page of 182 is missing. The text reads, “It just so happened that the only three dinosaurs that had been discovered back” and continues on the next page “of the carnivorous Megalosaurus, genuinely terrifying). I would guess the illustration bumped it off the page and somehow nobody noticed.
Verdict: Despite this error, which I hope will be rectified in future editions, this is one of the best narrative nonfiction books I’ve seen in a long time. While centering on England and the scientific development there, it doesn’t shy away from the cultural context, mentioning the exclusion of women and the class struggle that left many unrecognized, even when they had done the work of discovery. It’s a riveting account of the rapid way scientific discoveries changed the world and the way we think. Highly recommended.
ISBN: 9781534427006; Published October 2019 by Margaret K. McElderry; Purchased for the library show less
Along the way, Lendler brings in historical context, dinosaurs in fiction, politics, and the early creation of academic research into the past history of the world. He deals respectfully but honestly with religion, showing how many of the early scientists were also ministers who struggled to reconcile their faith with their scientific discoveries. The book is peppered with sidebars, illustrations, and other fascinating bits of information.
An epilogue gives more detail about the careers and fate of the main players, including places, animals, and fossils, starting with Nicolaus Stend, who died in 1686, and ending with the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, which are currently being renovated and restored for a new generation to enjoy and wonder at. The book includes a bibliography, acknowledgments, credits, and index.
There is one glaring error, which I suspect is a result of the printers, not the publishers. On page 182-183, the illustration of a titanosaur stretches across the page, and a chunk of text at the bottom of the page of 182 is missing. The text reads, “It just so happened that the only three dinosaurs that had been discovered back” and continues on the next page “of the carnivorous Megalosaurus, genuinely terrifying). I would guess the illustration bumped it off the page and somehow nobody noticed.
Verdict: Despite this error, which I hope will be rectified in future editions, this is one of the best narrative nonfiction books I’ve seen in a long time. While centering on England and the scientific development there, it doesn’t shy away from the cultural context, mentioning the exclusion of women and the class struggle that left many unrecognized, even when they had done the work of discovery. It’s a riveting account of the rapid way scientific discoveries changed the world and the way we think. Highly recommended.
ISBN: 9781534427006; Published October 2019 by Margaret K. McElderry; Purchased for the library show less
The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth by Ian Lendler is a graphic novel adaptation / retelling of the Scottish play by Shakespeare. Now when I see an animal themed "presentation" of something famous like this, I'm skeptical. So often, these things are dumbed down, simplified, and so far removed from the original that there's no point in keeping any reference to the title except perhaps to make it sound vaguely educational.
Not so with the Stratford Zoo series (their take on Romeo show more and Juliet comes out in this year). Though the animals are doing their own thing, the characters are still recognizable. The humor is on point plot-wise and outlandish at the same time (as a good parody should be).
But what makes this book really something special, something to show to everyone (as I have been doing!), is the acting by the animals. Or, put more succinctly, the artwork by Zack Giallongo, is hilarious. It's like reading the storyboard to an old Warner Bros' short (think Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, or Friz Freeling). show less
Not so with the Stratford Zoo series (their take on Romeo show more and Juliet comes out in this year). Though the animals are doing their own thing, the characters are still recognizable. The humor is on point plot-wise and outlandish at the same time (as a good parody should be).
But what makes this book really something special, something to show to everyone (as I have been doing!), is the acting by the animals. Or, put more succinctly, the artwork by Zack Giallongo, is hilarious. It's like reading the storyboard to an old Warner Bros' short (think Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, or Friz Freeling). show less
The Zoo has closed for the evening, and the visitors head home to visions of animals in their dreams, the animals are gathering, for the Play is the thing. The Midnight revue has gathered to perform a grand production of Macbeth, for all to see. Macbeth the regal lion, brave warrior and hero of the realm is well loved by all. But his wife, Lady Macbeth dost wish for more and encourages him to eat the king, so that he may rule! Down this path madness does lie, but he does as she wishes for he show more loves her so. As more animals disappear to cover his crime and as Queen Macbeth descends into madness, new heroes arise and the tragic tale comes to an end.
One of the things that I struggled the most with in school was reading plays. Any play, but Shakespearean plays were always the worst. I had trouble figuring out which character was speaking, how scenes fit together, and words always got jumbled in my head. It was only when I discovered graphic novel adaptations of the plays did things really start to click for me, and after reading this adaptation I really wish I had, had this version to read! It captures the classic story well, but adds some additional humor and asides to the audiences that make the play even more fun. Ian has done a great job of adapting Macbeth so its enjoyable for all ages and making the characters into animals. Macduff is a noir detective stork. Lady Macduff is a cheetah, who can’t quite get the spots out. The witches try to help their colleague perfect her evil cackle (she tries everything else first...including a nice Santa laugh.) While Ian does tone down some of the darker aspects of the play, given that the book is for younger readers, he captures its essence and message perfectly.
I’ve been a huge fan of Zach Giallongo’s art since his previous First Second book, Broxo, and his illustrations in this book made me fall even more in love with his art. While Ian crafts the perfect words for his characters, Zach brings them to life, capturing their expressions and movements perfectly. Macbeth, a regal looking lion, moves with ease, but as he eats more and more animals, he begins to waddle and his belly extends and Zach captures it with ease. My favorite character though has to be Macduff the stork. Depicted in a trench coat and a fedora (I really wonder whose idea that was?) captures the essence of Macduff as a detective so well that I’m going to have a hard time imagining Macduff as anything else from now on. Zach should also be commended, along with Ian, for making the more violent acts of the play into something a bit more cartoony with squirting ketchup substituting for blood and well placed animals blocking the view when needed.
If you’re looking for a literary analysis or think that Shakespeare has no humor, please look elsewhere. On the other hand if you’re looking for something fun to introduce Shakespeare to younger readers, 5th grade and up, forge ahead! Older readers will enjoy the humor and new look at Macbeth as well. In fact, I think this book would work perfectly in a high school setting, helping students understand that Shakespeare does have humor to it, and that it can be fun and enjoyable to read. I give the book four out of five stars.
PS: I hear that a second volume is in the works, this time based upon Romeo and Juliet. I can’t wait!
Review copy provided by Gina at First Second show less
One of the things that I struggled the most with in school was reading plays. Any play, but Shakespearean plays were always the worst. I had trouble figuring out which character was speaking, how scenes fit together, and words always got jumbled in my head. It was only when I discovered graphic novel adaptations of the plays did things really start to click for me, and after reading this adaptation I really wish I had, had this version to read! It captures the classic story well, but adds some additional humor and asides to the audiences that make the play even more fun. Ian has done a great job of adapting Macbeth so its enjoyable for all ages and making the characters into animals. Macduff is a noir detective stork. Lady Macduff is a cheetah, who can’t quite get the spots out. The witches try to help their colleague perfect her evil cackle (she tries everything else first...including a nice Santa laugh.) While Ian does tone down some of the darker aspects of the play, given that the book is for younger readers, he captures its essence and message perfectly.
I’ve been a huge fan of Zach Giallongo’s art since his previous First Second book, Broxo, and his illustrations in this book made me fall even more in love with his art. While Ian crafts the perfect words for his characters, Zach brings them to life, capturing their expressions and movements perfectly. Macbeth, a regal looking lion, moves with ease, but as he eats more and more animals, he begins to waddle and his belly extends and Zach captures it with ease. My favorite character though has to be Macduff the stork. Depicted in a trench coat and a fedora (I really wonder whose idea that was?) captures the essence of Macduff as a detective so well that I’m going to have a hard time imagining Macduff as anything else from now on. Zach should also be commended, along with Ian, for making the more violent acts of the play into something a bit more cartoony with squirting ketchup substituting for blood and well placed animals blocking the view when needed.
If you’re looking for a literary analysis or think that Shakespeare has no humor, please look elsewhere. On the other hand if you’re looking for something fun to introduce Shakespeare to younger readers, 5th grade and up, forge ahead! Older readers will enjoy the humor and new look at Macbeth as well. In fact, I think this book would work perfectly in a high school setting, helping students understand that Shakespeare does have humor to it, and that it can be fun and enjoyable to read. I give the book four out of five stars.
PS: I hear that a second volume is in the works, this time based upon Romeo and Juliet. I can’t wait!
Review copy provided by Gina at First Second show less
If I had to choose the very best of the 'meta' picture-books out there, this would definitely be on the short list, right up there with [b:The Monster at the End of this Book|44186|The Monster at the End of this Book|Jon Stone|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388193494s/44186.jpg|640276] and [b:Press Here|9677870|Press Here|Hervé Tullet|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327934372s/9677870.jpg|14565750]. Even literal children, who know that books don't get changed while one is reading show more them, will get a kick out of pretending to try to slow down to give the illustrator a chance to get the next page done. And the thing that makes it a keeper is that the story itself, even disregarding the gimmick, is silly fun. show less
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Statistics
- Works
- 12
- Members
- 728
- Popularity
- #34,884
- Rating
- 4.0
- Reviews
- 44
- ISBNs
- 41
- Languages
- 2