Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Let's see here, it's been a while...

Sir Walter Scott wrote more than Ivanhoe - his stuff is pretty flowery

Lord Dunsany wrote early, early, early fantasy. His stuff is absurdly purple.

Tolkein's writings are on the flowery side too.

The (Anti-)?Federalist papers also have some fairly involved and technical prose.

The characteristic of the above writing is that it flows. Also notable is that they were native English speakers not translating.

Most modern writing and reading is locked into a school of thought that elevates concision, smaller words, fewer clauses and smaller sentences.

There was some pivot around the time of Hemingway to this form of writing, I haven't looked up what happened.

At any rate, the snippet the grandfather posted didn't really work in a language sense. Lunch is over so I can't really spend the time to take it apart. :-)



Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: