Rating: 
Summary: Very enjoyable read of a fantastic landscape of the mind
Review: This is definitely an interesting book but, then again, that probably depends on what interests you. For Clive Barker fans, the story largely fits into the thematic structures he often puts to writing (notably in works like "Weaveworld" and "Imajica"). For those new to Clive Barker, his are books that you have to give a chance. Go along for the ride and realize that if you are confused by what is happening, so often are the main characters. In fact, that is often the point. Everything is not wrapped up into a nice little bundle, certainly not right away. You are given hints. You are given threads of the story along with the characters and, along with them, you will unravel those threads to get at the core elements.The overall story uses fantastical elements (the dream-sea, called Quiddity; loops in time; a mysterious cult that worships something called the Art) but in doing so what the story is really highlighting is the secret lives that people lead and how ephemeral those lives can be, particularly when those lives are based on the superficial and fleeting pleasures (whether that be fame, money, or sex). The events in the book speak to people's deepest fears and their secret desires and how those fuel an odd melange of dreams and nightmares and how those dreams and those nightmares can define who we are and who we become. The ideas in this book flow pretty fast and furious and yet all are logically connected in my opinion. While the concepts are fantastical, the mundane setting they are placed in serves as a wonderful contrast to the events that eventually take place. The ideas behind the Quiddity and the Art that allows access to it may not satisfy fans of more science-fiction novels but, on the other hand, the elements of an odd cult, an ancient enemy and the means by which tears in the fabric of reality can bring those things together are not really in the true horror genre either. So the book sort of straddles a few elements from various literary genres and weaves what I think is a very compelling story. If you decide to give this book a try, understand that you are getting into what is (at the time of writing this review) a two-book series. (The second book is "Everville" and a third book is ostensibly planned, although there is some debate on that, most notably from the author.) However, do not let that daunt you. The current book actually can stand on its own quite well if you decide to venture no further into Clive Barker's portrait of humanity and what might lie at right angles to reality and just beyond the veil of our dreams.
Rating:
Summary: The past, the future, and the dreaming moment between
Review: When Randolph Jaffe applies for a job in the "Dead Letter Office" in Omaha, Nebraska he has no clue of what kind of world he is about to enter. Most of the lost letters that are brought to his office are of no importance - unless they contain money, of course. But once in a while the content of a letter suggest more than a common human will ever be able to understand. They talk about crossroads between worlds - thin spots in the fabric of reality. It doesn't take long before Randolph is totally hooked. But when he is about to be fired, a murder changes his plans completely: he now must find a crossroads - even if this means losing his life. There is only one word strong enough to describe this book: masterpiece. Clive Barker is admired for his fantastic stories, interwoven with ... suspense, darkness and pure horror. This book is certainly no exception. But what makes this one so special is its vastness. Even when you only read the first pages, you know for sure that this is story huge - nothing less than epic; you realise immediately that you are on the verge of a mind-blowing experience. This book is the first part of three. The second book - or The Second Book of The Art - is already available: Everville. As with The Great and Secret Show, it is an absolute treasure. Sadly enough, the third volume is not planned for the near future. Clive has explained in an interview that the third part is a real struggle: it has a tendency of growing bigger that part one and two together. This could only mean more joy, of course! So, please Clive, don't let us wait any longer! This book should be on the shelf of every fantasy and horror lover.
Rating: 
Summary: Not A Fan
Review: This was the first Clive Barker book I've read. I was not impressed by anything - characters, plot, or writing style. It was laborious to read and would never be a reading recommendation I would make. The story is not especially suspenseful or compelling and there was no real empathy established with the characters though horrific things happen to them.
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars, of course, but...
Review: Considering I love Barkers style, imagination, ability... (hmmm, obsessed fan I am not, I promise) and The Great and Secret Show definately showcased his talents (and fairly early in his career...) However, there is a good bit of gratuitous sex. I first read this book when I was 11... and I wouldn't let my 11-year old read it (if I had an 11-yr old!). If you are looking for something different, here's where you should start looking. This book is strange, imaginative, different... Just read it!!
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of Dark Fantasy
Review: "The Great and Secret Show" is one of the best books I have ever read. I've read many Barker books and while all of them are fantastic, this one is unbelievable. Barker intwertwines his magnificent use of prose with his uncanny knack for details. This book will not dissapoint!Barker is superior not only to other horror novelists, but most writers in general. He writes, but at heart he's an artist. "Show" is his finest work yet. It combines unforgettable characters, magic, the apocalypse, horror, and a disgruntled mailworker in a fantastic adventure story that will surely stick with you forever.
Rating:
Summary: mesmerization
Review: a powerful, eloquent work that coalesces mysterious events in the lives of strange, alluring characters. Written in the beautiful, haunting style of a brilliantly talented writer - one is made to realize that Barker is in a class all his own. I am mesmerized and perplexed to the point of absolute joy by his work!
Rating: 
Summary: No Place For Taste
Review: This is a very good plot: twisted, dramatic, and memorable. Be forewarned, though: this book is riddled with gratuitous sex, gratuitous sex, and more gratuitous sex. I challenge anyone to find a reasonable explanation as to the purpose of the scene with the dog, the Death Boy and the dirty dancer. Also, the book would have been none the worse without the excremental references and some even worse scenes that I won't go into here. The same goes for Everville. Tesla rules.
Rating:
Summary: The Art of the Book part I
Review: It is difficult to review this book without reviewing Everville as well...so I won't. This is an Grand scale guide through the world of the spirit that spares nothing in it's quest to convey the vastness and rich heart of that which is both within and beyond the mortal realm.
Here the reader finds the Kabbalah (Mem b'Kether Sabbat), Thoth, Jungian Archetypes, and an all consuming world/story unparalleled in scope and ambition.
What Imajica did in one book (albiet large) Barker, here, attempts to do in three (GOD...how long must I wait for the third book Clive?!). Barker even claims that he will eventually combine all three Books of the Art into one massive tome.
Breathe deeply from the Tree of Life, swim in Quiddity...and come inside.
Rating:
Summary: Worth the effort
Review: Like most of Barker's works, "The Great and Secret Show" is not an easy read, and is not recommended as an introduction to the fantasy/horror genre. For those who have the requisite mindset, though, this book is a jewel. Randolph Jaffe's corruption by the Nuncio, Fletcher's pitiful attempts to stop him, Jo-Beth and Howie's ultimate star-crossed love, Tesla, Raul, Kissoon, the terata and Lix... they're all burned into the reader's mind by the force of Barker's writing. The concepts embodied in TGaSS are mind-blowing: more than once since my first reading of this book and Everville, I've found myself thinking of "the past, the future, and the dreaming moment between, all one country living one immortal day." Barker's unconventional treatment of Christianity and homosexuality will doubtless offend some. For the more open-minded, and those with a bent for truly fantastic writing, "The Great and Secret Show" is an absolute treasure.
Rating:
Summary: Like an Old Friend ....
Review: Like an old friend you will want to see this novel again and again and again even if it is only to rehash old stories. this book is truly exceptional. Not many writers can actually make you visualize settings with only words. the story, the plot or your own desire to read the novel will compel you to stay with it. Not this novel, the magic Clive barker performs by actually letting you be in the novel and feel for these characters will drag you through to the end. when you do finally complete this book you will wish that it goes on for another 1000 pages. It is truly a wonderful novel and something that will stay with you for years after you read it.
I read this book when I was in High School and I never will forget it.
READ IT AS SOON AS YOU CAN!!! You will not regret it.
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