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Cover of Giles Goat-Boy or, The Revised New Syllabus

Giles Goat-Boy or, The Revised New Syllabus

John Barth (1966)

SubgenreSword & Sorcery
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Doorstopper (600+))
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.75

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentExplicit
LanguageStrong

Synopsis

George, also known as Billy Bockfuss and as Giles, was raised as a goat rather than as a boy by a brilliant atomic physicist whose guilt about the bomb has driven him to the country. George sets out to become the messianic Grand Tutor of a university and to conquer the terrible Wescac computer system that threatens to destroy his community in this brilliant 'fantasy of theology, sociology, and sex.'

Giles Goat-Boy or, The Revised New Syllabus: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This postmodern satirical novel contains explicit sexual content and mature philosophical themes exploring religion, technology, and identity through allegorical fantasy. The sexual content is described as central to the 'fantasy of theology, sociology, and sex.'

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, explicit sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include on-page sex, religious themes, and identity crisis.

Who'll love this

Adult readers interested in philosophical satire and experimental literature will appreciate this allegorical quest narrative.

Tags

Satirical FantasyPhilosophical FictionAllegorical FantasyLiterary FantasyMetafiction