Piers Anthony is a well-known author who has always been fascinated by the concept of magic. In many of his books, he explores the idea of magic as a powerful force that can shape the world and its inhabitants. He delves into the origins and sources of magic, seeking to understand how it works and what gives it its power. One of the main themes in Piers Anthony's writings is the idea that magic stems from the imagination. He believes that the human mind holds immense power and that through our thoughts and desires, we can tap into the energy of the universe to create magical effects. In his novels, characters often discover that they have hidden magical abilities that were dormant until they unlocked them through their imagination.
The Fleetwood Talisman used a front suspension with traditional upper and lower control arms with integral steering knuckle for added dependability and longer life, helical coil springs, and rubber mounted strut rods with rubber bushings to absorb impact and isolate road noise. Shock absorbers with Teflon rings were fitted front and rear. The rear suspension used a four-link drive, helical coil springs, and large rubber bushings to improve ride quality.
The 1974 Cadillacs unfortunately had the worst performance of the decade due to the fact that it lacked a catalyst and the fact that the 472 wasn t cooperative with all of the EPA mandated emissions controls and mph standards. Offered on the Fleetwood Sixty Special platform with its generous 133-inch wheelbase and available only as a four-door sedan, the Talisman wasn t a separate model as such.
In his novels, characters often discover that they have hidden magical abilities that were dormant until they unlocked them through their imagination. Another source of magic that Piers Anthony explores is the natural world. He often incorporates elements of nature into his magical systems, believing that the energy of the earth, its plants, and its creatures can be harnessed to create magic.
1974 Fleetwood Talisman
A Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty-Special was the “Cadillac of Cadillacs” and was the very essence of the brand. A Fleetwood was the absolute epitome of luxury; it was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac. Riding on a commanding 133” wheelbase, 3” longer than the DeVille and Calais series, it was just a touch away from being a limousine. It was truly one of the world’s great sedans. This was Cadillac in the grand manner.
The eminent Fleetwood Sixty-Special maintained a poised dignity that was the TRUE hallmark of every Cadillac. The NOTORIOUS Fleetwood Brougham was identified immediately in any gathering of fine automobiles. Style code #6B B69/P Fleetwood Brougham was base priced at $8,083 with a mid-year increase of $9,537 due to the addition of a mandated starter interlock system and other emission control devices. The 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham was the latest chapter in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”
The Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham was executive-style luxury, understated, yet unmistakably Cadillac in spirit. In grace and stature the 1974 Fleetwood Brougham sedan more than ever was America’s number ONE luxury car. For the 1974 model year Cadillac offered special limited edition trim options for the Fleetwood Sixty-Special, the Fleetwood Brougham d’Elegance and the superlatively formidable Fleetwood Talisman.
The Fleetwood Talisman was the ultimate in individual luxury and comfort. A Talisman produces magical or miraculous effects….so did this motorcar. The option code #V4U Fleetwood Talisman was priced at $1,800 for an interior upholstered in Medici crushed velour and $2,450 for supple leather upholstery introduced later in the model year. The leather was the rarest so should you run across this in your travels BUY IT IMMEDIATELY and take it home to your garage. I see those appreciating phenomenally in the next few years.
Medici crushed velour graced the cabin luxuriously
opulence abounds, one could opt for the pillow and lap robe
The Fleetwood Talisman offered four of the most enviable seats in all of motordom. Each individual lounge seat featured a European inspired shirred sew-style. Elegant Medici crushed velour was available in four colors and the leather was available in two colors. The Fleetwood Talisman option featured locking front and rear Medici trimmed center consoles with the front concealing an illuminated writing pad with pen & pencil with a large storage compartment.
The rear console contained a holder for a vanity mirror and a storage bin. Signature exterior features included an Elk-grain fully padded vinyl roof with French seams and ‘Fleetwood Talisman’ affixed to each rear sail panel, a jewel-like stand-up laurel wreath and crest on its majestic hood and Turbine-vane wheel discs. The Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman was a very special sedan. Only 1,898 were built making them extremely rare and highly collectible today.
The 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman was powered by the Cadillac 7.7 litre 472 CID 16-valve OHV V8 engine equipped with a Rochester 4-bbl down-draft Quadrajet carburetor with equalized manifold. The engine produced 205 hp @ 3,600 rpm with 495 Nm of peak torque @ 2,000 rpm. Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 11.7 seconds, 0-100 mph in 38.5 seconds, with a top speed of 116 mph. It did the ¼ mile @ 77 mph in 18.5 seconds. The engine was mated to GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 400 3-speed automatic transmission.
The 1974 Fleetwood Talisman rode upon a perimeter frame with heavy gauge boxed side rails. 1974 Cadillacs were built as body on frame construction. The Fleetwood Sixty-Special had an individually longer wheelbase of 133” and had the luxury length of 233.7” with a 79.8” width. The 1974 Cadillacs unfortunately had the worst performance of the decade due to the fact that it lacked a catalyst and the fact that the 472 wasn’t cooperative with all of the EPA mandated emissions controls and mph standards. The 8.2 litre 500 CID was better suited for both the catalyst and the other GM smog deterrents added.
Medici crushed velour in black
The Fleetwood Talisman used a front suspension with traditional upper and lower control arms with integral steering knuckle for added dependability and longer life, helical coil springs, and rubber mounted strut rods with rubber bushings to absorb impact and isolate road noise. Shock absorbers with Teflon rings were fitted front and rear. The rear suspension used a four-link drive, helical coil springs, and large rubber bushings to improve ride quality.
Automatic Level Control was standard for the Fleetwood series which automatically compensated for changes in load and driving conditions. Also standard were power brakes with self-adjusting feature. The braking system used finned composite rear drums and front discs, and a dual hydraulic master cylinder provided independent operation of both front and rear systems. The braking system was fitted with a large two-piston power booster and larger front wheel brake cylinders for increased braking capacity.
Standard for the 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty-Special included signature Brougham features such as carpeted rear seat footrests, adjustable rear seat reading lamps, and Dual Comfort front seating power assisted of course, power windows, automatic parking brake release, and variable ratio power steering. One of the pleasures of Cadillac ownership included the many attractive features that came as standard equipment.
Cadillac offered an array of optional luxury features, equipment, and accessories to individualize the 1974 Cadillacs. No other luxury car could have been made more personally yours. The Fleetwood series had a special eloquence setting it apart from the ordinary. A Cadillac Fleetwood had to be seen to be believed, driven to be fully appreciated and owned for complete and total satisfaction that precluded the restless quest for something satisfying to replace it with.
Hello to my friend Rik Gruwez at Liberty Oldtimers in Brugge, Belgium
How special it was to have both body and interior crafted by the artisans at Fleetwood coachcrafters. Its preeminence in the luxury car class was unequaled. The Cadillac Fleetwood was the purveyor of opulent elegance second to none, often duplicated but NEVER replicated. All Fleetwoods maintained that poised dignity that was the hallmark of every Cadillac.
The Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac. When combined with the Talisman option it became the epitome of unrivaled sophistication and elegance. A Cadillac Fleetwood was the very essence of Cadillac in grace and dignity. This was just another brilliant superlative in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”
Sumptuous contour pillow-style seating in the 1976 Brougham d’Elegance
Just more superlative-superlatives…. in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”
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Whether it is a druid drawing power from the forest or a mage summoning a storm, the natural world plays a significant role in the magic of his stories. Furthermore, Piers Anthony examines the connections between magic and emotions. He believes that strong emotions, such as love, anger, or grief, have the power to amplify magical abilities. In his novels, characters often find that their emotional state directly affects their magical capabilities, and they must learn to control and channel their emotions to wield magic effectively. Overall, Piers Anthony views magic as a multifaceted and complex force that can be derived from various sources. He urges readers to look beyond the surface and explore the depths of their own imaginations, the natural world, and their emotional experiences to unlock the true potential of magic. Through his writings, he challenges us to believe in the power of our minds, to appreciate the wonders of nature, and to embrace our emotions as catalysts for extraordinary abilities..
Reviews for "The Source of Magic: Piers Anthony's Journey into the Unknown"
- John Doe - 2 stars - I found "Piers Anthony: The Source of Magic" to be a disappointment. The story was slow-paced, and the characters lacked depth. I expected more development and complexity from the plot, but it fell short. The humor felt forced, and overall, the book failed to captivate me. I would not recommend it to others.
- Jane Smith - 1 star - I couldn't even finish reading "Piers Anthony: The Source of Magic." The writing style was dry and unengaging, and the dialogue was stilted. The world-building was confusing, and I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. The story seemed to drag on with no clear direction. It was a complete letdown, and I regret wasting my time with it.
- Sarah Johnson - 2 stars - "Piers Anthony: The Source of Magic" was a frustrating read. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of dullness interrupted by sudden bursts of action that felt out of place. The characters had little depth or motivation, and their actions often felt contrived. The humor was juvenile and repetitive, and overall, the book lacked substance. I was hoping for an engaging fantasy read, but unfortunately, this wasn't it.
- Michael Thompson - 1 star - I found "Piers Anthony: The Source of Magic" to be an incredibly tedious read. The writing was verbose and self-indulgent, with unnecessary details that bogged down the story. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, who felt flat and one-dimensional. The humor fell flat, and I didn't find anything particularly entertaining or engaging about this book. I gave up on it halfway through and don't plan on picking it up again.