
















 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 Book Review: The Horseman
   by Dave Bealer
 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=





   Nearly thirty years ago the classic science fiction television
 show "Star Trek" introduced the Vulcan philosophy of IDIC - Infinite
 Diversity in Infinite Combinations. The Vulcans, in embracing this
 philosophy, went from being the most violent and intolerant race in
 the galaxy to being a race of super-strong zombies. How did they
 really do it?  My guess is valium in the water supply.

   IDIC obviously represented Gene Roddenberry's hope for the
 future of the human race. By appreciating, rather than persecuting,
 the differences between individuals and groups, humans could work
 together to solve their problems. Alas, after thirty years we still
 have a long way to go. Racial minorities and homosexuals have made
 some strides towards acceptance by "mainstream society" (though why
 anyone would seek such acceptance remains a mystery), but there is
 another group of people who are still feared and loathed, for no good
 reason. The group in question consists of people who prefer the
 intimate company of animals.

   THE HORSEMAN: OBSESSIONS OF A ZOOPHILE is the sexual autobiography
 of Mark Matthews. A midwesterner, Matthews is a preacher's son, a
 former preacher, former drug addict, and father of two children (yes,
 human ones). Divorced from his human wife, Matthews is now a pagan,
 and married to a pony. (No, it's not a joke. If I made this up, the
 title would be "My Stepmother Is An Aardvark.")

   THE HORSEMAN has a lot to offer those who can approach the
 overall subject matter with a rational (and open) frame of mind. It
 features a superb recollection of Matthews growing up a misfit,
 totally out of sync with the people around him, especially his
 so-called peers. How many adults who actually read for pleasure
 didn't feel that way at times, particularly in high school?

   This book is based in fact, though all the names have been
 changed to protect both the innocent and guilty (so all you
 self-righteous mob members can just put away your torches). The
 author is the "moderator emeritus" of one of the major online
 writing conferences. This is his first book, but judging by the
 quality of his writing, it will not be his last.

                The Horseman: Obsessions Of A Zoophile
                by Mark Matthews   ISBN: 0-87975-902-X
                Prometheus Books   Hardcover   $27.95

   If you have a difficult time finding this book locally, it is
 available through Book Stacks Unlimited, an online bookstore in
 Cleveland, OH. Book Stacks can be reached via modem at 1-216-861-0469
 or by telnet to: telnet books.com.
 ==============================={DREAM}===============================

