The Mark of Zorro (Townsend Library Edition) by Johnston McCulley Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Mark of Zorro (Townsend Library Edition)
Book Review: A GREAT BOOK!
Summary: 5 Stars
I wonder if Johnston McCulley had any idea what he was starting when he first wrote THE CURSE OF CAPISTRANO, as the story was titled when it was first published as a serial in a pulp magazine. Had it not been for Douglas Fairbanks, it would probably have ended with that one novel. I'm glad it turned out differently, as the Zorro legend has become such an ingrained part of our culture and sparked so many more stories, as well as movies and TV series! Don Diego Vega is a lifeless, spineless wimp--or so he would have the world believe. He won't engage in duels, won't romance pretty young ladies, won't engage in any of the activities expected of young gentlemen of that era. He only courts Lolita Pulido because his father has ordered him to get himself a wife, and even then, he does it in such a lifeless manner that Lolita can't stand him. All the while, however, he leads a double life that nobody knows about. At night, he dons a mask and costume, and calls himself Zorro (fox). As Zorro, he is everything Don Diego is not. He duels with soldiers and laughs as he does so. He romances Lolita in a passionate, yet gentlemanly manner, and defends her honor with a wicked captain. He persuades a group of young caballeros to stand up to tyranny, which in the end saves his life and Lolita's. THE MARK OF ZORRO is an exciting, adventure-filled, romantic novel. I recommend it to everyone.Book Review: A pleasant romp through Spanish California
Summary: 3 Stars
Most people are familiar with the story of Zorro, bland Caballero by day, masked rogue by night. This book, a reprint of the 1919 serial, is the genesis of many movies, several TV shows, and numerous other Zorro stories by McCulley. While not a great book, it provides a few hours of diversion.The story revolves around a trio of suitors for Lolita: Diego Vega, spiritless heir to the largest fortune in California, Captain Ramon, commandant of the presideo, who is not above blackmail and deceit to achieve his aims, and Zorro, the masked rogue who defends the mistreated and downtrodden. The plot is predicatably familiar and McCulley demonstrates only an adequate writing style. That "The Curse of Capistrano" (only later retitled "The Mark of Zorro") achieved success is due to McCulley's blending of a spirited heroine, a dashing, daring hero, the timeless story of good versus evil, and some dashes of humor. The book also contains a fourteen page forward discussing the book from a historical perspective. I found this informative and a worthwhile addition.
While not as good as similar books, for example "The Scarlet Pimpernal", it is still an enjoyable way to spend a rainy afternoon. Shhh, shhh, shhh.
Book Review: Viva el fox!
Summary: 5 Stars
After watching Zorro on television and movies for 20 years, it was finally nice to read the author's account of this charming, yet law-abiding hero! McCullley have not have pinpointed his Zorro in the most historically accurate time period of Old California...but then again, what great work of literature ever claimed to be 100% true, anyway? I just enjoy a great adventure-action-comedic love story, and this one delivers without flaw! I'm sorry it took me 20 years to discover just how cool the original MIB (man in black) really is!Book Review: THE Mark of Zorro
Summary: 5 Stars
Many people have seen "The Mask of Zorro" starring Antonio Banderas. Even more are familiar with Guy Williams' 1957-59 portrayal of the legendary hero, or even Duncan Regehr's series in the early 1990s. But very few have, unfortunately, ever read the book that started it all, "The Mark of Zorro", originally entitled "The Curse of Capistrano" in its initial 1919 release. This is such a shame. Few Zorro stories of today -- excepting some fan fiction -- can rival the genius in Johnston McCulley's work(s). His Zorro is the ultimate adventurer. Zorro's best-kept secret is the fact that there wasn't *one* Zorro story written by Johnston McCulley -- there were sixty! A wonderful new company is currently in production of republishing every one of these classic stories. I've read some of them; they're every bit as good as "Mark". Truly "must-reads". Miss them at your own expense.
Book Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
This novel contains everything from action to comedy to romance. As you read, you feel as if you are a third person, actually there in that time period watching the story unfold before your eyes. McCulley's use of wprds are strong and detailed. The novel is well written and the characterization is wonderful. I recommend this book to anyone anywhere!