Here for your delectation is the SPECTACULAR RARE---------------------AS MAX SAW IT by Louis Begley. This piercingly observed and brilliant novel combines the ambience of Begley's The Man Who Came Late with some of the underlying themes of his Wartime Lies. Max Strong leads a life of privilege: a Harvard Law professor, he is also the author of a bestselling book, the unexpected heir of a sizable estate and the friend of jet-setting architects, moguls and diplomats. As narrator he devotes equal time to chronicling his own experiences and describing his intersections with Charlie Swan, a Harvard classmate with whom he is reunited one summer when both are guests at a villa at Lake Como. While Max, approaching 50, can say that his past has been "unperceived, really not felt," Charlie is extravagant with his emotions, loudly exercising his passions. Max watches as Charlie becomes deeply involved with Toby, a breathtaking young man whom Max describes as "Eros himself." When Toby gets AIDS--unnamed here but unmistakable--Max learns from Charlie what it means to endure, to survive and to surrender. Begley disarms the reader with his elegant prose, his ample sentences and ornate syntax cushioning the keenness of his perceptions. In the end, however, the reader, like Max, is forced to confront himself in the role of bystander and onlooker: Begley takes the measure not only of his characters, but also of his audience. You are bidding on the OVERSIZED stated Ballantine First Edition from May 1995. Other than a name on the flyleaf, both the cover and the book are in minty-mint condition. There are no rips, tears, markings, etc.---and the pages and binding are tight as a drum (they still crackle) (see photo). Check my feedback to see that I sell exactly as I describe. . Paypal is an acceptable alternative. I will ship internationally for additional charges. So bid soon and often for this magnificent, impossible-to-find LITERARY COLLECTIBLE. WANT TO SEE MORE?? COME VISIT MY STORE! ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY FIRST EDITIONS! EVERYTHING (except death and taxes) IS NEGOTIABLE! IF BEST OFFER IS NOT A LISTED CHOICE, SEND ME A NOTE AND IT WILL BE. MAKE ME AN OFFER I CAN'T REFUSE----(NO HORSE'S HEAD IN THE BED, PLEASE!) CLICK HERE---- ****PLUS**** Check my auction listings for the STEAL OF THE DAY-----ONE BOOK---ONE BUCK---TAKE A LOOK---GOOD LUCK!!! Click Here---- Auctions Be sure to add me to your favorites list! Check out my other items! ***Special*** Just because it's June, June, June..... BUY 1, GET 1 FREE!!! Details: Choose any book (sorry, no other items, and best offer does not apply) in the store BARRY'S BARGAIN BIN, and get the second book FREE! (s h applies to each item). How-to-do-it: Purchase your first book from the store, and indicate in "ask seller a question" what your choice for your FREE book will be (free book must be of equal or lesser value to a maximum of 24.99). I will remove that listing (first come, first served) and it will be shipped upon payment of your order. There is no limit to the number of purchases and FREE items!!! Offer expires June 21, 2005. ***DUE TO A MULTITUDE OF REQUESTS, THIS OFFER WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER---UNTIL SEPTEMBER 5.*** PLAN YOUR SUMMER READING NOW!!