FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE From Prometheus to Pornography

THE BANQUET YEARS, a spirited account of artists in fin-de-siécle Paris, elevated Roger Shattuck to prominence. Now in FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE, he extrapolates themes of taboo in literature as diverse as Genesis, Faust and Frankenstein--and applies them to society, politics and science. As he does go on a bit, this abridgment is most welcome. Narrator Howard is very good with his critical interpretation of the text, though he's much drier than the author, whose literary grace, humor and informality are as notable as his erudition. Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPT 97]