I was wondering if anyone has read this book,and would be able to recommend it. I'm a big fan of Zelda, and have a semi-decent understanding of some philosophies.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Legend-Zelda-Philosophy-Popular-Culture/dp/0812696549/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248903327&sr=1-6

Reviews I've read on the net haven't convinced me either way, as in to buy or not to buy. The book is split into twenty chapters, each by a different author covering philosophy and how that is present in the Zelda universe. Some chapters go to great depths in their use of the Zelda universe, while others use it as a background to their chosen philosophy. I've read that the explanations of philosophy make an interesting and accessible read, even if some authors appear to stretch Zelda over their particular area of discussion.

I've read similar books dealing in literary theory, obviously they were much more academic minded, as they form part of my Literature degree, but this is the first time I've seen anything like this dealing with videogames. It's a big plus it deals with my favourite franchise.

So, have any users encountered this, read it or could recommend it? Are any of you considering it if it was previously unknown to you?

Any help is appreciated.

I say get it

No.

Any reasons why?

give me a few Minutes i will ask my friend if she liked it our not

edit : she said that if it was a buch of kids trying to making a fan fic ( i have no cule thats the first thing she said  ) she felt that if a singel person was writing it, it would have been better. most of the chpters use basic logical fallacies and tried to tie them together with zelda .it had typographical errors. and one of the writers amites hes never finished a zelda game. over all i wouldnt buy it.

My question to you is this: Do you want to expand your Zelda knowledge or philosophical knowledge? I don't know if the authors in that book even played a bit of Zelda. :/

How about you read articles like this one from ZeldaInformer: http://www.zeldainformer.com/2008/05/the-message-of-majoras-mask.php . It's probably one of the best pieces of writing I've ever read, and it all makes sense. Hylian Dan writes amazing pieces.

ZeldaInformer is the best Zelda site for theory articles and Zelda lore. It surely contains philosophical stuff somewhere!

Thanks for the link.

It isn't so much a question of expanding my knowledge of Zelda-the best way to do that is to play through the various games in the franchise (which I do regularly). It's about getting another viewpoint on Zelda, and gaining a simple understanding of different philosophies, and seeing how they apply to videogames. I just genuinely don't know if this book is a good read or not.

The same things which make it appeal to me could also disappoint me when I read it, if you get my meaning.

Ah, well I think the link I provided you is going to fill all your needs! ;)

But if you want to be entirely sure that you're not missing out, buy the book. According to the customer review, it doesn't seem to be a book about Zelda that much though.

i got it, its ok, its more about philosophy (obviously) so if youre into that you might like it