After reading this text I came to the conclusion that Song of Songs is *the* most missiological book in the Old Testament. Pope translates the text directly, free of the normal curtailing of language that occurs in English translations in order to protect pseudo-Puritan American sensibilities. As such it is a much more moving, poetic, and graphic collection of poems. "My lover thrust his "hand" through the "hole", and my inwards seethed for him." The description of part of the man is not "slabs of ivory", but "an ivory tusk". In this focus on being more true to the original text Pope reveals some key aspects of the Hebrew mindset which we could all learn from. Far from the traditional Christian perspective of these latter days of downplaying sexuality, of thinking it as somehow unclean though never saying so outright, God's desire is for us to revel in it and celebrate it. He created us as holistic beings, the only true amphibians, being both spiritual and physical, and thus capable of enjoying what he created to a much greater degree. The author of Song of Songs revealed years before contemporary psychology that sexuality is an integral part of (eros) love, not to be denied, but celebrated.

Throughout the translation one also gets the distinct impression of the empowerment of the woman. While this is certianly present in other translations, it comes through all the more clearly in Pope.

"Our sister is young/And breasts she has none./What will we do for our sister/On the day she is bespoken?/ If she be a wall,/We will build on her a silver buttress./If she be a door,/We will close her with a cedar board."

"I am a wall,/And my breasts are like towers./Thus have I become in his eyes/As one producing peace."

While the woman's brothers would seak to constrain and control her, she speaks out and states that she has the control, turning the wall metaphor on it's head. While they would belittle her physical manifestations of womanhood, she proclaims to all the world that she is all woman, and beautiful, betraying a clear confidence in herself and her body.

Repeatedly the man and woman within these poems show their care for eachother- not just for their bodies, and not just for their souls, but for the entire being, as one. In Pope one sees clearly here an image, a foretaste, of true gender reconcilation, as existed once before the fall, and was not to be fully realized until Christ came and sat down at a well in the desert. The both encourage each other to grow, and love each other fully as beautiful in entirety. Since Song of Songs is a collection of poems, it tells not a story so much of what is, but like all great poetry, of what might be. It does not seem to describe the reality of gender interaction at the time it was written, but what was yearned for, for what might be. This it does beautifully, such that one thirsts for this reality as one reads it. And I believe this is what makes it missiological- it preaches a reality that one day could be, will be, should be, though the author can have no awareness at that time of what Jesus will come to offer.

One would wish that Pope's translation was available without the commentary as well, that it would be read more often by the layman who might be stymied by the length of the work. But the commentary is indeed excellent as well. After the translation, Pope goes on to present alternative scenarios for understanding Song of Songs, and then an exhaustive and impressive line by line analysis of the entire book. His analysis adds greatly to a thorough appreciation of this inspired work.

I have been working on a research paper on the Song of Songs and feel extremely fortunate to have found Pope's reference. It is exhaustive, interesting and helpful. The most amazing section is his bibliography and list of translations of publications on the Song of Songs, dating back to ancient manuscripts. Excellent.

Pope's work is the standard by which all commentaries on the Song of Songs are judged. While the work is huge, bulky and a bit intimidating, its extensive discussion is the best reference one can find on every (and I do mean EVERY) aspect of the Song.

Solomon Volkov is a sorcerer. He will have you chuckling out loud one minute & weeping the next! In the pages of this book, you will come to know the people of St. Petersburg; their glory, their sorrow, their passion, their genius. Volkov has brought this immortal city across the ocean and planted it firmly in my heart. It has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the talents of those who, in some cases, forfeited theirs lives for the sake of creative freedom.

Not only is the author obviously erudite about his subject matter, he is in love with it, making this book more than just an outsider's account of a city's cultural history. Exploring the 'mythos' of St. Petersburg through the work and lives of many of the creative spirits who either lived here or reflected the city in their works -- Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoyevski, Akhmatova among the better-known -- Volkov brings to life the very streets, houses, and canals of a great city on the border of Russia and Europe. But even more, his reader has the great pleasure of being accompanies on this journey by the very Russian-intellectual thoughtfulness and erudition, 'intelligentnost', of the author. Warmly recommended indeed.

Solomon Volkov has prepared for Western readers a breathtaking history of St. Petersburg's cultural treasures. Anyone who has seen "The Nutcracker Ballet" should read this book. Volkov brings forth the great ballet artists, classical music composers, painters, and writers who were centered in St. Petersburg, Russia's "window on Europe". Most of these great artists are as familiar to western readers as Tchaikovsky. But we are also introduced to equally great artists, poets, and writers we didn't know before. The introduction is invaluable. Underlying the "stars" of center stage, and running throughout the 300 years of cultural history is a constant reference to the "mythos of St. Petersburg" which Russian emigres worldwide will recognize with longing and affection. It is important to learn of the deeply-felt magical aura this city imposed on the artists and writers who lived there, including on Solomon Volkov himself.

The premise of THAT TAKES OVARIES is excellent: an email is sent out by Rivka Solomon to women friends and acquaintances asking them to recount instances where they boldly crossed the barriers of gender conventions of how a 'proper' woman should act and behave. Surprisingly this same email was forwarded to other woman around the country. Responses flooded her in-box and Rikva had enough material to publish a book. The short stories included in this collection are remarkable. I was pleasantly surprised on the varied topics covered from women of all ages. Not only was I entertained but I was also enlightened by many of these women's contributions. No story stands out as being my favorite as there are simply too many to choose from! I enjoy reading short story compilations and it's rare that quality is dispersed throughout the book as in THAT TAKES OVARIES. Simply put, this book is one of the best short story compilations I have read in a long time. But more importantly, after reading this book I am filled with a renewed urge to fight against the gender conventions that limit me every day. I celebrate my unique women-ness and strength to fight for the causes I believe in. Kudos to Rivka for publishing this book!!

Rivka's book is a wonderful collection of stories of women and grrls who aren't afraid of: taking control, overcoming adversity and self empowerment. The raw emotion is heartfelt, moving and playful. I hope there is a place for this book in women's studies across the country as it shows the true spirit of women at their very best.

Five cheers!!!!!

We're always hearing about the importance of women and girls speaking out, taking action, and otherwise getting empowered, but how, realistically, in our world of ingrained traditions and unwritten rules about being female, is that done? This excellent book answers that question in spades. The women activating the power of their ovaries are incredibly inspiring, and some of them make you raise your eyebrows and go, 'wow, what guts!' I was especially intrigued by the stories of women who not only made their point, but did it in a way that brought about some positive new awareness. For example, the woman who challenged a group of catcallers was able to start a dialog with them. The woman confronting a burglar was able to possibly help redirect his burgling career while also preventing the crime.

The women and girls featured in this book are paving the way for the rest of us to be whomever we want to be. And if by chance you think you should have been in the book too, it's not too late, because Rivka and others (you, if you're interested) are organizing open-mike events to buoy the message and include ALL women and girls who want to share their brave and empowering tales. It's not just a book, it's an adventure.

Women's activist and support groups, women's studies departments, and regular folks of all genders, ethnic backgrounds, ages, and orientations are likely to scarf up this book the first chance they get. I hope the publisher is planning a second print run so we can all get a copy!

These 14 stories, first published in Yiddish in 1942, link us to a vanished world, reviving the Jewish folklore of the fools of Helm, a mythic town set deep in the forests of Poland. There Jews had long beards and black coats that reached their ankles--but were not quite like other Jews.

In the spring after a very hard winter, they built a wall around their town to keep the cold out. Later, they invited an organist to play for the town--although there was not a single organ in Helm.

The world came to regard them as fools. An angel had been flying over Helm en route to heaven with a sack full of fools in need of repair when the bottom caught on a treetop and all the fools fell into the valley town of Helm, where they remained. The Helmites insisted that they were not the fools. "It's just that foolish things are always happening to us," explained Mottel.

For example, since thieves always steal at night, the Helm shopkeepers kept their stores open at night and slept by day. When no one came to their stores, they decided instead to hire a night watchman--who wore an inside out fur coat to be recognized, sat on a horse and guarded the shops.

But one fine morning, the watchman woke the townspeople. Their shops were emptied in the night. Furious, they dragged him to the Rabbi. He said, "I admit I saw the thieves break the locks. With my own eyes I watched them carrying the wares out of the shops. But I could do nothing." Why? Because his horse was tied to the post near town hall, far away from the shops, and untying it was too risky. The horse might gallop off and kill him.

With thieves in town, the Helmites decided there was no justice, and sent two messengers to buy some and bring it back to Helm, for rich and poor alike. The Helmites rode all the way to Warsaw, searching all the stores.

"Look no further," two rogues told them, "We'll sell you as much justice as you want." For 2,000 pieces of gold, the rogues a few hours later delivered a full barrel of justice, nailed tight and sealed all around, warning the Helmites, "More sure not to jostle it on your way. You know how hard it is to get justice these days."

When they got back to Helm, however, and reverently lifted the cover on the barrel, they smelled bad fish. "Justice of the world smells bad," they cried. "Woe! What shall we do?"
Whereupon Gimpel exclaimed, "That is the kind of justice you have in the rest of the world!"

After a great fire in Helm, the Rabbi consoled the people with the news that they could now expand their Synagogue, making it as large as Gimpel's potato patch. The Warsaw Jews gave money to their Helm brothers to fund the construction. But, carrying a great fortune, and convinced by scoundrels that they would be robbed on the road, the Helmites decided to buy feathers--which are light. And feathers, if stolen, could unlike money not be concealed by the thieves. Once back in Helm, they would sell the feathers and use the money to rebuild their Synagogue.

They set out back to Helm, and when a favorable wind arose, they reasoned that by releasing the feathers they could save themselves the trouble of carrying them. They let the feathers fly. Once back in Helm, the people cheered their heroes' return. And what of the feathers? "When you grow up," Gimpel told a saucy lad, "you'll understand that if a man can sometimes be late, surely feathers can also be late."

When after weeks the feathers had still not arrived, the Helmites decided to seek them in the larger world. And that is how the fools came to live among us.

If you think you might be one of them, read the book to verify their traits. Alyssa A. Lappen

I was originally lent this book and after the rave reviews of my 10 year old boy, I bought our own copy. The stories are well-translated from the Yiddish and represent a small review of the better stories of the "wise men and women of Chelm". From the search for the wisest youth in Chelm (Q. "Why is herring salty" -- A. "Because it comes from the sea!") to the construction of the magnificent water mill on a mountaintop these stories gently, wisely and humorously look at humans in all their foolish charm.

My father introduced this book to me by reading me stories from it. The stories are clever (unlike the wise men!) and well worth reading again and again. These stories have a gentle type of humor all too seldom seen. I love this book!

I bought this book on a whim because it was very cheap, and then, although I wasn't very excited about it, I thought I should read it so as not to waste my money. I'm glad I did because it turned out to be one of the most fascinating books on the craft, one could even say the art, of diplomacy that I've ever read. Eban was at the center of most of the events that led to the creation of the state of Israel and participated in its early years as a Jewish state and homeland. Eban gives an exciting picture of those times. He shows that diplomacy is a game of give and take with high stakes, the negotiations of which depend as much on the personalities of the leaders and their diplomats as the political events themselves. After reading this book, I have a much greater appreciation for the courage of diplomats who have to know when to issue an ultimatum, when to stand firm, when to compromise, and when to leave the table altogether. The work of these individuals can literally make the difference between war and peace and affects the security of us all. The book is extremely well-written and reads almost like an adventure story. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the history of Israel or the workings of government and diplomacy.

Abba Eban is a fascinating person and his autobiography is the most enjoyable autobiography I've ever read. Although the book may seem rather long and Abba Eban may seem like not the most prominent 20th century figure, I can propose three reasons to read this book:

First, this book is about much more than just the life of Abba Eban. Abba Eban embodies a significant portion of Israeli history. In his autobiography he relates this history in first person. The book is less abstractly intellectual than his book _My People: The Story of the Jews_. Instead, Eban's autobiography focusses largely on the personalities who helped create Israel as Mr. Eban knew them. This means that one of the most sweeping and dramatic events of the 20th century comes alive through the eyes of one of its central figures.

Second, aside from being at the heart of the establishment and nurturing of Israeli statehood, Mr. Eban is one of this centuries foremost diplomats. Anyone with an interest in diplomacy or international relations will be thrilled with the inside view and personal analysis Mr. Eban gives. Eban discusses how he dealt with the down to earth Harry Truman, the volatile David Ben Gurion, the stubborn Golda Meir, and many more.

Third, Abba Eban writes in an engaging and insightful manner. Eban is a great story teller, using stunning descriptive writing, clever analogies, and plenty of dry wit. This may sound like an excessively strong endorsement, but I think the point is that Mr. Eban's command of language makes the stories he relates, fascinating in their own right, all the more powerful.

In conclusion, if you would enjoy a well written book with unique insights into the establishment and development of the State of Israel from the perspective of Israel's foremost statesman, then I believe you won't be dissapointed by Mr. Eban's splendid autobiography.

This is truly an incredible book. I took almost a year to go through it thoroughly and extract the principles of wisdom it teaches. Definitely a must buy for anyone that seeks to truly build character the way God expects us to.

I found this to be an excellent devotional, based on the Book of Proverbs, but cast in the light of modern times. Very helpful to the new as well as the veteran Christian.

I don't understand why this book never got "big". It is so comprehensive, with all its references to history and cultures and even mythology, and so balanced and insightful. I read this book over ten years ago and just recently pulled it out to reread the many parts I had highlighted. That's a rare thing. I wish more people knew about it. For anyone who is fascinated in analyzing and thinking about what love is, it's a very important piece of work that really makes you think and see things differently. Though the author is not offering his insights as facts, just the fact that they are offered opens up new doors from which to view love in your life and in general. One of my favorite works of non-fiction.

About Love is a welcome burst of genius on the topic most in need and deserving of it. "Relationship" books are a category where sloppy reasoning abounds and where simple selfishness is often offered as a legitimate approach to meaningful intimacy. This book however, is a genuine masterpiece. More than any other writer on this topic, and more than most writers on any topic, Mr. Solomon enters the big issues and emerges with, in my opinion, the Truth. About Love is about, as it must be, people, history, intimacy, respect, loyalty and fulfillment. In short, it is about the things which matter most and the things which form the raw materials of romantic love and meaningful relationships. This is not a book which can be properly digested in one pass. Rather, it offers the more intense satisfaction of new and interesting insights from repeated readings. It is best digested a little at a time and held up as a lens through which to view one's personal landscape. A degree of dedication is required (just like love itself) as early portions of the book review the history of romantic love in a rather scholastic and philosophical light. Little by little however, the insights build upon each other and become more personal, leading to compelling insights and philosophies on all the big issues of love including love at first sight, romantic tension, loyalty, and making love last. Sprinkled throughout is also a series of inspired quotations: Lauren Bacall's observation on the importance of fidelity is worth the price of admission in itself. In the years since I was fortunate enought to stumble upon this book, I have not read or heard reasoning on the topic of romantic love or human relations which equals that found in its pages. Overall, it is the finest book I have ever read, and for the motivated reader, I highly recommend it.

Its a must have for the resident of orthopaedics and a good mate to senior orthopaedist, I think that the way the autor writtes and the squema makes this a unique book in the vast fiel of the orthopaedics, i wish i had one 25 years ago, when i was in the residency, well any way i enjoy it now and a lot...it makes me easy any fast consultation i hope you will enjoy this book.

A friend of mine have one and it's simple a wonder, it is made by arnold publishers and has 752 pp, its format is excellent. Iam going to buy mine for reading while fishing or traveling, is a clasic from the england orthopaedics.

This is a great book for ALL levels of experience.
If you're just starting your career as an account executive this wonderfully outlines many things you can do to instantly improve your client relations. And if you've been working with clients for a long time this will serve as an invaluable reference. You shouldn't just read it once, but over and over again!
It's a quick read that can make a huge impact on your career and clients.

DON'T BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU ALREADY OWN "BRAIN SURGERY FOR SUITS." This book is excellent, but it is almost the exact same book as "Brain Surgery for Suits," another book by Robert Solomon. When I saw that he'd come out with a new title, I was very excited to purchase his new book. But when it arrived, and I saw that it was the same thing as the old book, I felt robbed. I can't be the only person this has happened to.

I have Martin's class this semester. Great guy and teacher, he is very good at explaining typography in a vivid, easy to absorb way. He is very open to new things unlike the other old school typographer. He can give one simple piece of advice and make your design stronger.I read this book briefly before this semester, I could not stop until I had to leave my friend's house. Most typography books I have come across are very arrogant and trying to be sophisticated. Martin's book is very down to earth and inspiring. There are some assignments at the end of the book. They are simply fun to do... A must have for beginners(I wished this was my first typography book) to advance typographers. The only thing is that this book is in black and white... some colors would be nice

Lot of good material here on all aspects of design, focused in on the broad subject of typographic design. A must for any dedicated typographer or designer.