Book Description
These quatrains and odes reveal a most human and accessible side of the great poet and mystic. They are the personal records of one man's encounter with the Divine.
Customer Reviews:
Ya Azim/ Ya Majid.......2006-11-05
Here is Mevlana. In his words he lives with us, harmonizing our souls, hearts, and minds. Taking us beyond our ordinary lives into a world of transcendent knowledge filled with light and love. I have never found anyone else who comes close. Yeats, Hafiz, e.e., T.S., Kabir, Whitman, Ginsburg all wonderful but none have the level of transcendent awareness that pours through Mevlana. Thanks to Coleman's enlightened translations the words seize us with their power.
Great Rumi.......2005-09-23
This text with versions of Rumi is wonderful for its contemporary language and revelation of Rumi's insights which read as if they came out of a psychologically astute book of modern poetry. My partner and I used Quatrains # 388 and #158 in our wedding ceremony. In this thirteenth century visionary writing I once again am reminded of the ageless quality of human insight and wisdom with its imperative that we remain alert to revelation about to burst upon us. The introduction Moyne and Bark have written for it is a sweet gift as well.
"Open Secret" is a keeper!
An Open Secret but How Few Know.......2005-01-14
A lovely collection of versions of Rumi translated by the great linguistic scholar John Moyne and Coleman Barks. They are quatrains and odes and they attest to the divine. My absolute favourite has to be Ode 388:
I would love to kiss you.
The price of kissing is your life.
Now my love is running toward my life shouting,
What a bargain, let's buy it.
but for poets, Ode 1315 has to run a close second:
We've given up making a living.
It's all this crazy love poetry now.
It's everywhere. Our eyes and our feelings
focus together, with our words.
Don't pass this one by!
Beautiful poetry.......2002-12-17
This is an amazing book of poetry, the words just dance off the page. this is a good place to start if you're interested in the poetry of Rumi.
The translations are well done and don't sacrifice the emotional content of the poetry to fit the words. Give yourself or someone else a wonderful experience and read this book. You'll be very happy that you did.
A must in all collections & a beatiful introduction to Rumi........2001-07-20
The open secret, available to all but few listen. That is the feeling you get when you let these wonderful writings flow over and through you.
Some short, some longer, each writing is a treasure. The more you read (or listen if you've been fortunate to get the audio condensed version from this work) the deeper each verse becomes. I've owned the printed copy for years and every read brings new wonders and old friends.
The cream of Rumi is brought to this work and Coleman Barks does wonderful interpretations. The work as a whole weaves a tapestry that, in the end, leaves you feeling part weaver and part thread. The possibility of the "Beloved" as "Lover" becomes manifest. The drunk, intoxicated by the bliss of the presence of God, overflows with sacred wine and wants to dance. The sharing of a deep spiritual presence at dawn with those nearest you becomes a yearning that you want each and every day.
This book is a cornerstone in the rediscovery of Rumi and Islam for that matter. It provides a glimpse, from the lovers' point of view, into a world traditionally dominated by the warrior spirit.
After reading you yearn for the association of others who have similar thoughts. You realize that "the pot drips what's in it" and you yearn to associate with gentle people who enjoy this book as much as you.
Certainly "Open Secret" is a must read and a must own. It is every bit worth the price and a classic in the genre.
Customer Reviews:
A great translation of a great work.......2001-11-19
Juvenal, is by far one of the greatest writers of the Roman era. His biting style and keen insight is a pleasure to read, and has not lost its appeal after the long years since it was written. Many of the subjects that Juvenal lashes at with his sharp wit are still apply today (government corruption and decadence among others).
However, Juvenal clearly wrote his satires for the era of the roman empire, not the 21st century, and his refferences often fly over the reader's head. The translator has done a fabulous job in explaining these details in the copious notes at the back of the book. It is highly suggested that one reads sections of the notes before reading those sections in the satires to gain the greatest understanding.
Cynical, pessimistic, ugly, haunting, bawdy, and oh so true.......1999-07-11
Juvenal was a misanthrope who looked around at the people he saw in ancient Rome and decided that most people were dishonest, corrupt, obsessed with sex, stupid, cheaters, etc. It's an ugly picture but hard to argue with as people are pretty much the same now. There are some masterly depictions here and some very good common sense, too. Not a pick me up. More like a "pull you down". Still worth reading to confirm your worst suspicions and also as an antidote to much positive thinking nonsense.
Average customer rating:
- a great overview of Classical Greece
- Humour and Greek History combined
- An excellent balanced overview of classical Greek ethos.
- excellent over view of ancient greek culture
|
Greek as a Treat: An Introduction to the Classics (BBC)
Peter France
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0140238220 |
Customer Reviews:
a great overview of Classical Greece.......2005-06-09
I totally agree with all the reviews below. What a pity this book is dropping out of print. It is an excellent general introduction to the Greeks that is funny, lively, and never takes itself too seriously. My one issue with Mr. France is that the translations of Homer, Sophocles, and Aeschylus he recommends are good (Hammond, Rieu, Vellacott, Watling), but what about Fagles? Maybe it is a British thing; but after Fagles' translations, those others simply won't do.
Humour and Greek History combined.......2004-05-05
I started to read this book expecting a dry and labourious list of past events in ancient Greece and such like. From the first line of the introduction it was clearly not going to be like any other book on the classics I had ever read.
It is funny, factual - I loved the bit about Parson's Pleasure -,engaging, thoroughly entertaining and very informative. You've just got to buy this book.....
An excellent balanced overview of classical Greek ethos........1999-12-22
As a retired computer industry executive, I have spent seventeen serious years both formally a la carte at Oxford and elsewhere as well as informally studying classical Greek culture, have amassed a library of over four thousand books on this subject, and I only regret that I didn't have Peter France's book as my course outline before I started. The respect that Sir Kenneth Dover and other eminent scholars (and in Dover's case, formerly Oxford) lent Mr. France certainly attests with more authority than I to its value. Its thoroughness, breadth and accuracy of representation of a very complex culture is truly admirable and would have saved me from many lower priority lower yield "roads less traveled".
excellent over view of ancient greek culture.......1999-01-08
I read this book to get a general feel for ancient greece after reading the Odyssey in the summer. The book was an excellent walk though of ancient greek culture and philosophy, though in places it can be difficult without an academic background of sorts. I particularly liked how straight forward the authors analogies were, and how the information was portrayed in section, in particular the snippits from actual greek plays give a taste of some of the greats that is certain to leave one wanting for more. An Excellent book.
Book Description
These selections from Rumi's Mathnawi - a classic of Sufi spiritual literature - express the "lion's roar" of courage, discipline, clarity, and integrity. The lion represents the fierce intensity that recognizes no authority except the highest truth. At the same time, Rumi's lion is full of heart and devotion. Through these poems the reader will explore the qualities that are vital to the spiritual aspirant who seeks to overcome the imprisonment of ego.
Book Description
The Classical Dutch is a flexible opening that often gives Black dynamic attacking chances. In this book, one of its most enthusiastic adherents explains the workings of his favorite opening, and provides Black with a complete repertoire against 1 d4.
Few opponents will be ready to take on the Classical Dutch, since it has received little attention in chess literature in recent decades. For an opening that has been played by all-time greats such as Korchnoi, Tal and Larsen, the Classical Dutch's current lack of popularity is puzzling. In this book, Simon Williams shows how Black can obtain counterchances against each of White's main options. He also provides recommendations against all of White's alternative approaches against the Dutch, including a variety of sharp possibilities after 1 d4 f5.
Customer Reviews:
I liked this book.......2006-03-30
Short but concise with good information about the Classical Dutch in it. I would play the Classical Dutch combined with the Stonewall Dutch. Depending on what white does. If white develops his Queen Bishop quickly to f4 let's say. Than play a Nimzo Classical Dutch and don't play the Stonewall. If white plays g3, Nf3 stuff and does not touch the Queen Bishop till later. Than I like the Stonewall.
Don't Play the Classical, Play the Leningrad.......2006-03-16
Let me say that the Dutch is an excellent, but risky, system that should appeal to people who like to "burn their pants" early. In the dutch, there is no such thing as as a loss that is based on one static factor. All losses are SLAUGHTERS. It doesn't matter if your on the white side or the black side. The reason I give this book 1 star is because the Classical Dutch is not the best system to play. When you play the dutch, you want the full point. The Classical dutch doesn't do that. It usually leads to quiet positions where you have good chances in the endgame. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. That leaves to other systems. The Stonewall Dutch and The Leningrad Dutch. The Stonewall is OK. Black is extremely solid and his defense is hard to break down. But the one major problem with it is that there are gaping holes in blacks position, so white usually has the better chances. Now we have the Leningrad. This it it! This system is the most riskiest, newest, and most blood thirstiest system in the dutch. Both sides have to play on there toes , as one slip could cost the game for either side. Endgames are hardly never reached in this sytem for game usually last 30 moves. You have to be on your top at tactics. I wouldn't recommend weak players to play the dutch and especially the leningrad. However, if you are tacticaly good and accurate with your moves and love blood thirsty battles and hate endgames. Then I seriously recommend you get the book "The Dutch for the Attacking Player" by Steffen Pedersen. It provides you with a full repertoire against any thing that white can throw at you using the Leningrad system. All of whites major replies and sidelines are covered in detail with complete games and provides the logic behind the moves. But let me remind you.... The Leningrad is extremely risky. I hope this review has aided you in which system to play. Keep in mind that this is my opinian. If you like a rock-solid wall of pawns then play the Stonewall. If you like endgames and quiet play, then play the Classical dutch by all means. If you decide to play the Stonewall, please keep in mind the gaping holes you are letting white have.
Play the Classical Dutch Delivers.......2004-04-01
This work by Simon Williams is one of the better opening manuals I've seen. The buyers of most opening books are class players who do not have either the time or the need to go through a book jammed packed with variation analysis trees. Williams seems to understand this, and while his book does of course have variation analysis, it is not very cumbersome and is quite easy to go through. Most importantly, in each variation, Williams often explains the key ideas and moves clearly. That said, if you ARE looking for a very detailed book full of analysis trees, this is not the book for you.
For the curious folk, here are the chapters of this book:
1. The Ilyin-Zhenevsky System with 7...a5
2. The Ilyin-Zhenevsky System with 7...Qe8
3. The Ilyin-Zhenevsky System with 7...Ne4!
4. Ilyin-Zhenevsky System: Deviations for White
5. Classical Dutch with ...Bb4(+): White Avoids Fianchettoing
6. Classical Dutch with ...Bb4(+): White Fianchettoes
7. Alekhine's Variation: 6...Ne4!?
8. The Staunton and Other Gambits after 1. d4 f5
9. Early Deviations for White after 1. d4 f5
10. White Avoids d4 - the English Set-Up
11. 1. Nf3 Without c4 or d4, Including the Lisitsyn Gambit
12. Other Lines
Followed by an index of variations
Basically, this book is a short but informative read at 128 pages, and it should leave you prepared to begin playing the Classical Dutch with confidence.
Good work!.......2004-03-17
The author begins this book with a discussion of the strategic ideas associated with the Dutch defense then shows a mix of older games and more recent games. Each strategic idea is supported by several games with annotations discussing that key strategic idea. One nice aspect of this book is that Simon Williams shows what can happen when Black goes wrong - some from his own games.
The author discusses typical ideas that both sides are likely to want to execute in clear language: perhaps this is one of the benefits of the Dutch defense, it lends itself to clear strategic themes.
One draw back so far is that many of the games are abbreviated. While this is ok for me, I know some people like having complete games to review. This is not to say the author doesn't include full games, but they are fewer in number than other titles offer.
For folks that include the French in your opening repertoire this is an excellent book. The author shows numerous games beginning with 1...e6 to avoid anti-Dutch lines. For those that play the Nimzo Indian, you will recognize many of the themes discussed as well.
Book Description
The Classical Dutch is an ambitious and underrated defence to queen¿s pawn openings. With his first few moves Black creates an asymmetrical pawn structure which unbalances the position from a very early stage, allowing both white and black players to fight for the initiative. Now, for the first time in recent history, International Master Jan Pinski delves into the secrets of the Classical Dutch, studying both the positional motives and tactical nuances for both sides. He deals with the theoretical main lines as well as the crafty side variations, updating the reader on all the new important wrinkles.
*Written by an openings expert
*Up-to-date coverage of a dynamic opening
*Full explanations on all the crucial tactical and positional themes
Customer Reviews:
Good Classical and anit-Dutch.......2005-07-16
The book is a collection of well-annotated games organized by variation. As with several other books by Pinski, the material is thorough and the author adds some original analysis. He is not afraid to express his own views about the merits of different lines.
The format may be too technical for less experienced players, but this is easily a top-notch book on the classical Dutch. Anti-Dutch lines are also examined.
Don't Play The Classical Dutch...Play the Leningrad.......2004-10-17
Let me say that the Dutch is an excellent, but risky, system that should appeal to people who like to "burn their pants" early. In the dutch, there is no such thing as as a loss that is based on one static factor. All losses are SLAUGHTERS. It doesn't matter if your on the white side or the black side. The reason I give this book 1 star is because the Classical Dutch is not the best system to play. When you play the dutch, you want the full point. The Classical dutch doesn't do that. It usually leads to quiet positions where you have good chances in the endgame. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. That leaves to other systems. The Stonewall Dutch and The Leningrad Dutch. The Stonewall is OK. Black is extremely solid and his defense is hard to break down. But the one major problem with it is that there are gaping holes in blacks position, so white usually has the better chances. Now we have the Leningrad. This it it! This system is the most riskiest, newest, and most blood thirstiest system in the dutch. Both sides have to play on there toes , as one slip could cost the game for either side. Endgames are hardly never reached in this sytem for game usually last 30 moves. You have to be on your top at tactics. I wouldn't recommend weak players to play the dutch and especially the leningrad. However, if you are tacticaly good and accurate with your moves and love blood thirsty battles and hate endgames. Then I seriously recommend you get the book "The Dutch for the Attacking Player" by Steffen Pedersen. It provides you with a full repertoire against any thing that white can throw at you using the Leningrad system. All of whites major replies and sidelines are covered in detail with complete games and provides the logic behind the moves. But let me remind you.... The Leningrad is extremely risky. I hope this review has aided you in which system to play. Keep in mind that this is my opinian. If you like a rock-solid wall of pawns then play the Stonewall. If you like endgames and quiet play, then play the Classical dutch by all means. If you decide to play the Stonewall, please keep in mind the gaping holes you are letting white have.
Average customer rating:
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The Art of the Book: Its Place in Medieval Worship (Exeter Mediaeval Texts & Studies)
Manufacturer: University of Exeter Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0859895661 |
Book Description
'This handsomely produced and illustrated book consists of ten essays on aspects of the various types of medieval prayer books used in both public and private Christian worship from the eighth through the fifteenth century . . . One of the beauties of the book is that it encompasses a variety of approaches to the subject, each illuminated by means of specific examples . . . the reader will derive an understanding of the diversity underlying all aspects of the production of these objects . . . It expands rather than limits our view of the place of the book in the cultural life of this period and provides a splendid introduction to this richly complex subject. Furthermore, the complementarity of pictorial image and text emerges as a major theme throughout. Although nearly all of the essays are by art historians, this book will appeal to a much wider audience. Anyone who is concerned with the life of the educated classes, both secular and religious, of the late ! Middle Ages will want this anthology.'
- Church History, Vol 69, No. 4 December 2000
'. . . the oldest manuscripts dealt with are of the early fourteenth century, the latest of the early sixteenth, and the geographical spread is from Italy to the Netherlands . . . all are interesting, and the book, edited by Margaret M. Manion and Bernard J. Muir, is well presented and handsomely illustrated.'
- TLS February 26 1999
'The authors have been well served by the publishers, who have produced an attractively presented text with a generous selection of illustrations.'
- The Library, 2I.3, September 1999
'...of serious value to all concerned with the arts as inspiration and servant of religion, especially in the late Middle Ages.'
- Theology March/April 1999
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The Arthur of the Germans: The Arthurian Legend in Medieval German and Dutch Literature
Manufacturer: University Of Wales Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 070831595X |
Book Description
The book provides the most inclusive and up-to-date survey of Arthurian works and themes in medieval German and Dutch literature and also treats representations of Arthurian topics, the impact of Arthurian motifs on real life, the revival and adaptation of Arthurian legends in literature, music, drama, and film in the German speaking world from the eighteenth century to the present day.
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Arthurian Literature XVII: Originality and Tradition in the Middle Dutch Roman van Walewein (Arthurian Literature)
Manufacturer: D.S.Brewer
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ASIN: 0859915468 |
Book Description
This new volume of Arthurian Literature, the first under its new editor Keith Busby, is devoted to the Roman van Walewein(The Romance of Walewein (Gawain)) by Penninc and Pieter Vostaert, an undisputed gem of Middle Dutch literature which has recently become accessible to an English-speaking audience through translation. Essentially a fairy-tale written into Arthurian romance, it presents a Gawain quite different to the man found in the English Sir Gawain and the Green Knightor the French Gauvain. Expert readings of the Walewein, especially commissioned and collected by I>BART BESAMUSCA and ERIK KOOPERof the University of Utrecht are provided by a group of renowned scholars, contributing to the on-going critical appraisal of the Walewein.KEITH BUSBY is George Lynn Cross Research Professor at the Center for Medieval and Renaissane Studies, University of Oklahoma. Contributors: BART BESAMUSCA, ERIK KOOPER, WALTER HAUG, DOUGLAS KELLY, NORRIS J. LACY, MATHIAS MEYER, AD PUTTER, FELICITY RIDDY, THEA SUMMERFIELD, JANE H.M. TAYLOR, BART VELDHOEN, NORBERT VOORWINDEN, LORI WALTERS
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The Book of Lancelot: The Middle Dutch `Lancelot' Compilation and the Medieval Tradition of Narrative Cycles (Arthurian Studies)
Bart Besamusca
Manufacturer: D.S.Brewer
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 085991769X |
Book Description
The highly intriguing Middle Dutch 'Lancelot' Compilation is a collection of ten Arthurian verse romances dating from around 1320. The compiler adapted already existing texts and brought them together in an ordered sequence. Although the compilation is one of the most important Middle Dutch works that have come down to us, it is hardly known outside the Low Countries. In this monograph, the first full-length English study of the compilation, the Middle Dutch work is analysed and compared with French narrative cycles (MS BN fr. 1450, Chantilly MS 472, MS BN 112), Thomas Malory's 'Morte Darthur', and Ulrich Füetrer's 'Buch der Abenteuer'. The book consists of five chapters. The introductory chapter deals with the study of cyclicity, the literary context of the 'Lancelot' Compilation, and the manuscript tradition. In the following three chapters the ten romances are studied one by one. Each analysis consists of two parts: a description of the compiler's source and a survey of his interventions. In the fifth and last chapter the 'Lancelot' Compilation is characterized as a narrative cycle and compared with French, English and German cycles. The monograph is concluded with an attempt to describe the essence of the compilation. BART BESAMUSCA is Associate Professor at Utrecht University.
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