Some of the most bizarre and surrealistic work's ever written, and incorporateing symbolism, anarchy, nihilism, and even a bit of hyper-exestentialism, these play's ,with their manic energy and intense insanity, manage to confuse the reader into a state of dream-like confusion. They portray wildly exaggerated character's, often vile and deranged, who move about in a meaningless world ; one where senseless behaivor, demented humor, and unexpected associations are the norm. It's nihilism taken to it's extreme with a perfect blend of fantasy, comedy, and absurdity. These plays take us on a journey where rules are nearly non-existent. All limits, rationality, and logic are pushed to the breaking point until destroyed completely and we're liberated from the chains of reason. Any fan of the strange or unusual should get this book and check their sanity at the door.

This is a good book to rummage around in and to pick through, depending on your interests. The book has a strange kind of ebb and flow to it, alternating between straightforward biographical information, entertaining and easily comprehensible, and some very difficult philosophical sections on what these four disparate people were trying to achieve in their work. The book is very good but in some ways doesn't quite hold together because of the alternating style. And, quite honestly, in some of the analytical sections I sometimes wasn't sure what Mr. Shattuck was saying! If you want something that is entertaining but also very thoughtful without lapsing into the obscure you might want to try David Sweetman's "Explosive Acts" instead. That book seems to me to be more comprehensive and to give you a better feel for the times. Shattuck's book is more narrow in focus. A big drawback for me is that I have never heard the music of Erik Satie. As far as I know it is unavailable. This makes it a little tough to follow Mr. Shattuck's analysis of the music. So, "The Banquet Years" has got a lot of rich, dense prose but you'll need to beware if you are watching your intellectual weight!

Since encountering this wonderful and fascinating book during my first year in college, I have felt its influence in many parts of my life. My nickname shows the influence of Alfred Jarry and his Dr. Faustroll, even though I often identify more with the character Panmuphle. Just for introducing and explaining Jarry, Roger Shattuck's book is worth a good look. Yet another phenomenon that is more complex than its surface first suggests -- the painting of Henri Rousseau -- becomes better understood and more deeply appreciated through Shattuck's chapters on art in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. He certainly educated and influenced my own artistic preferences. And there is more, on poetry and music, but enough said. This is a book of enduring value.

I first came across this book when assigned it in college, and I return to it every few years. I found this a bracing book when I first read it and still to this day. Anyone who thinks Andy Kaufman was the first person to cross the line of performance art into life should read the section on Alfred Jarry. Indeed at a certain point Jarry became irretrievably blurred with his creation Pere Ubu (whom he took to "impersonating" in real life to an extent that must have been quite a trial to his friends). Yet there is something very moving and affirming about the often tragic story presented here. Jarry lived in a half sized room and became a chronic drunk yet he retained an impeccable dignity despite feeling trapped in a savage and absurd world. His last words were for a request for a toothpick. Jarry returned the insult of life with perfect poise.

The other portraits are equally incisive, the Satie portrait particulary haunting (its hard to listen to his music without thinking of the tiny room he lived in and never let another sole visit during his lifetime).

Shattuck gives the historical background that gives you fascinating insight into the social/cultural conditions behind the emergence of what have to be considered highly idiosyncratic artists.

For anyone with bohemian inclinations or posturings this book is essential, perhaps making your own little room shine with a little solidarity for those who have trod before you...

Ibn Ishaq is one of the earliest Islamic historians. This book deals in detail with genealogy of Muhammad and events relating his life and death. The emphasis is on the events regarding Muhammad's childhood and manhood. It elaborates on the policies of Muhammad and the way he managed the infant Islamic state. I think this book should be used as a paradigm for the making for a true Islamic state. Many of Muhammad's practices described in this book are unknown to majority of Muslims. As Muslims I believe that it is the responsibility of them to read this book and further investigate their governments and their policies. I believe Islam is very much perceived as a totalitarian religion, which has nothing to do with the reality. The true Islamic beliefs and administration of the government can only be explored by reading materials such as this where we can see how Muhammad himself conducted the state and then relate it to modern times. Therefore it is imperative for Muslims and non-Muslims to launch their own enquiry and investigate the true meaning and purpose of Islam in the light of Koran, Traditions of Muhammad and early historical events documented by either Ibn Isahq, al-Tabari, Ibn Saad or al-Bladhuri (these the earliest sources).

Ibn Ishaq is one of the earliest Islamic historians. This book deals in detail with genealogy of Muhammad and events relating his life and death. The emphasis is on the events regarding Muhammad's childhood and manhood. It elaborates on the policies of Muhammad and the way he managed the infant Islamic state. I think this book should be used as a paradigm for the making for a true Islamic state. Many of Muhammad's practices described in this book are unknown to majority of Muslims. As Muslims I believe that it is the responsibility of them to read this book and further investigate their governments and their policies. I believe Islam is very much perceived as a totalitarian religion, which has nothing to do with the reality. The true Islamic beliefs and administration of the government can only be explored by reading materials such as this where we can see how Muhammad himself conducted the state and then relate it to modern times. Therefore it is imperative for Muslims and non-Muslims to launch their own enquiry and investigate the true meaning and purpose of Islam in the light of Koran, Traditions of Muhammad and early historical events documented by either Ibn Isahq, al-Tabari, Ibn Saad or al-Bladhuri (these the earliest sources).

One of the most influential and interesting books I have ever read, beautifully translated in the opinion of one who knows some Arabic. Not only a precious source on the life of Muhammand but also on Arabic literature and culture and Islam. This is a book which deserves to known by people outside of the field of Arabic and Islamic studies; it is one of the great biographies of all time.

Alfred Guilaume has done well to write a relatively short book on Islam which is easy to read yet covers all major areas.
However, the book would have been of greater value had it been referenced thoroughly. For example a lot of readers really would want to know the actual source of the satanic verses rather than take Guillaumes word that the people who transmitted the tradition 'were good muslims' and they had no reason to lie.

Although published in the late 1950s, there probably is no more excellent book for the person who would like to know anything or everything about Islam and the Arabic world today. It covers the subject sympatheticaly and completely: it could be a one-book reference for understanding today's Islamic and Arabic peoples. Men and women in our government should read this book to understand dealing with Arabian and other Islamic peoples. Covers from A to Z and seems strangely "modern" for a book published quite a few years ago ... includes the beginnings and development of Islam, origins of the multitude of sects, the nature of the Arabic people, and other considerations. An excellent, well-written background book.