MOVED from MAIN - "sequels" to the classics

[dumbledore11214]

> a_svirn:
> Yeah, but Darcy and Elisabeth had each of them some of both, 
whereas 
> in this case all prejudice seems to be on Draco's side and all 
pride 
> on Harry's ...
> 
> As for fanfics, they not only write them, but even publish and sell 
> them openly in the bookstores. I saw with my own disbelieving 
> eyes: "Mr Darcy Takes a Wife" (with a rather suggestive picture on 
> the front cover) and another one, something about Mr Darcy's 
> daughters. 
> 
> a_svirn
>

Alla:

Hmmm, I am moving this from main to talk about the multitude of 
sequels to the classics that I had seen in the bookstores as well.

My guess will be that some of those sequels are in the bookstores 
because either book is in public domain now if that is the correct 
way to state things (no estate to continue renewing copyright) or the 
estate approved the sequel. 

I believe and I can be wrong that the first sequel so to speak 
to "Gone with the wind" called Scarlett by Alexandra Rippley was 
approved by the estate of Margaret Mitchell.

Coincidentally I happen to own this book and couple others as well. 
The reason I am writing this is not to ask any copyright questions, 
but to ask whether anybody who read them was really impressed by 
their literary merits.

I mean, they are in essence printed fanfics, but supposedly they 
could be really good.

I bought Scarlett because I was DYING to see happy ending between her 
and Rett and I got it. I do not know if I can say the book was great, 
but I thought it was not bad either, well enough written, etc.

I also bought Mr. Darcy's daughters, but was so unimpressed that I 
gave the book away.

I skimmed through Mr. Darcy takes a wife, but really was not that 
interested.

Is that a relatively recent phenomenon ?