Davis' book takes the reader through Levinas' major works clarifying some of the ideas that have puzzled readers for some time. His discussions on "Totality and Infinity" include expositions of the central ideas and, more importantly, thoughts regarding Levinas' writing style. Davis describes the "Levinas effect" which is often the product of reading his difficult prose. This effect is the tendency of interpreters to use Levinas in order to forward their own ideas. Davis argues that this effect shows us how Levinas has the ability to take the reader beyond Being since the text is constantly questioning and often frustrating the reader. This ability to question the reader is a reflection of the relationship that exists between the "Same" and the "Other," the relationship with which Levinas spent his life writing about. Most importantly, Davis' book takes the reader through other works by showing their relationship to "Totality and Infinity," Levinas' magnum opus. In summary, an essential aid in understanding the thinker because of its chronological discussions of Levinas' major works, from essays on Heidegger and Husserl to the writings on Rabbinic Judaism.

just wanted to confirm the sense described in the previous review (and add an additional star) -- this is a very helpful and interesting introduction to Levinas (which is, i think, pretty unusual for intros to french thinkers). it's short and easy to read while also pointing to the complexity in both the thought and reception of Levinas. also, even if you've already read some Levinas, this book can still help orient you within his work by discussing some of the conceptual stakes with which he is engaged.

I have enjoyed my copy of Cooper's monograph, "The Life & Work of Henry Scott Tuke." Tuke captured the beauty of his subjects--most often, handsome young men--without exploitation or eroticism. Anyone who enjoys the male form should give Tuke's work a look.

A good collection of paintings by a british master. Most paintings are of naked teenage boys by the sea in Cornwall, UK. This book provides a good collection of Tuke's paintings and the biography is interesting. However, if you can get a copy of the "Under Canvas" book about Tuke it's even better. A bit of trivia for the curious ... many Tuke originals are now owned by Elton John.

This book takes a look at the stagnant life of a Quebec family. A family who, due to the deaths of so many children, no longer care about each other. In this book, the main character, Jean, is an imaginative little boy who is dying from scarlet fever(I believe). His genius is strongly ignored by his family and, not untill he dies, do any of them realize his intelligence and worth. Jean, however, is not the whole topic of this book. It also looks at the inability to escape from this horrible situation, whereas all the characters are trapped in this stagnant world.

This is one of the darkest tales I've ever read--a sort of "Angela's Ashes" times ten. It is chilling to think that, although this is fiction, people really lived this way, in such a dark world cut off from most all human emotions, in poverty so brutal even Charles Dickens could not have imagined it. Yet in the middle of all of this blossoms Jean Le Maigre, a sort of John Keats destined to be cut down by tuberculosis in his prime. A large portion of the book is Jean Le Maigre's biography, but it is also filled with other rich characters--tough Grand-Mère, mystical Héloïse, and delightfully wicked Le Septième.

I have read this book in both its original French and Derek Coltman's translation. The translation is quite good in keeping the flavor of the original French, although at times there are words chosen in English which are stronger than they were in French.

A very difficult and interesting work. Levinas' prose is complex and often seemingly contradictory. Why is this so? Levinas struggles with a language that very often glosses over the radical alterity of the other. Traditionally, western philosophy has relegated all beings to Being, the stuff from which all things, or beings, spring. Levinas wants to suggest that in doing so, western philosophy has ignored the complex and often difficult relationships that exist between individuals. Specifically, Levinas addresses the ontology of Martin Heidegger which reduces the other's importance by giving priority to Being, or Totality. The other, however, points beyond Being and towards infinity. The idea of the infinite is drawn from Descartes' third meditation in which he describes this fundamental idea that we all have. Levinas carries on this line of thought by emphasizing the other that shatters the supposed totality of Being and consequently creates an necessarily ethical relationship. Wonderfully, Levinas' work acts as an other that continually challenges the reader as do the relationships in everyday life.

This books demands the attention of us all, at every moment, and is a quiet masterpiece in recent continental thought. A work which Derrida has commented on, and built on so much in his earlier and later (affirmative) deconstrucion. This book is not simply a treatise on ethics, but one on metaphysics, logic, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, aesthetics, epistemology and indeed every thinkable area of ontological, onto-theological work that one can imagine. A treatise that makes us dramtically rethink everyone of these areas and so much more. Levinas will, in time, no doubt become regarded as one of the greats in the history of philosophy.

this book means so much to me. vastly intriguing, this book is like a black hole: i was immediately sucked in! incredible!

This is one of the most extraordinary books ever produced. It is so extraordinary that one must remember it is a book. Single-hair-brush architectural renderings commissioned by tsars done in brilliantine watercolor, faithfully and art-fully reproduced with beyond-perfect accomplishment. Lovely to hold and get lost in. It takes one very far away.

Perhaps it's not fair to compare a first novel like this with a later, more acclaimed novel from the same author some years later. But as I had just finished "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" before starting "The war of Don Emmanuel's nether parts", I cannot help relating the two. 'Don Emmanuel' is a dazzling patchwork, seemingly encompassing all aspects of every Latin-American country you can think of. De Bernieres makes it abundantly clear he comes prepared for the topics he wants to tackle; there is evidence of meticulous research throughout the book. As such, each chapter is brilliant in its own right, though there seems to be a certain desire to show off, perhaps understandably so in a debut novel. Some of the threads are overdone, and some are inflated to the point of becoming ridiculous. Personally I could have done without the many scenes of excessive violence and torture. "Corelli" also has its grim share of atrocities, but these are not being exaggerated, and they are a logical and even inevitable part of the story. Besides restraint, what "Don Emmanuel" lacks is coherence. The wild and woolly sequence of brilliant chapters somehow does not quite add up to a story. At least I could not figure out where the book was trying to go to. This is not being helped by the insufficient development of the main characters. Whereas in "Corelli" one can readily identify with Pelagia, the doctor, and the captain, it's not quite clear who are the main persons here. Having said all this, "Don Emmanuel" is still a hugely enjoyable book, sharp, funny, educating and thought-provoking. Though not for the faint-hearted or those with a romantic disposition.

I'm not a fan of Marquez, so I was hesitant to read this book; the comparison is apt, as both write tales of South America with a fantastical edge. De Bernieres, however, posesses a fine wit and a skill for story-telling that is reminiscent of Dickens and John Irving. Following the exploits of the fine cast of characters in a phantom banana republic inspired in me a frenzy of page-turning that is usually reserved for the best of thrillers. Yes, it's a cliche, but I couldn't put this one down; I needed to see what each quirk of fate would bring, and more importantly, I needed to howl at the great gags buried in every page. If you love to laugh and relish a fine, eccentric plot-line, De Bernieres is certainly for you.

The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts is one of the most original books I have ever read. It is, in turns, witty and horrific but always engaging. Having travelled throughout South America myself, I found myself nodding and laughing at his cultural refrences such as the Ford Falcons. De Bernieres writing style evokes Garcia Marquez but with edgier prose. This book left me smiling and wanting more.

For what it's worth I have spent most of my life looking for spiritual understanding and experience. And this is one of the best books I have found. I picked it up and was captured by it's wisdom, beauty and Love. For me it was like a letter from home... a very dear home where those who love me, watch and wait for my eventual return.

This book touched my heart and brightened my life. I write this in hopes that it will do the same for you.

I love you, and look forward to our reunion. --FCB

All the Emmanuel books are gentle, sweet reminders of who we really are. They will set you free. Just read one...try it and see.

All three of these books have helped me in my life. The choice of love is the one that hit hard in my heart. Emmanual's Books are the only(that I have read) spiritual religious type books that don't contridict with the truth of it all.Any person or spirit talking against these books are just evil and have a blackend heart.I would recommend Emmanual to any troubled soul looking for some truth.

There can be no more tragic story than a man who leads a double life, swindles his family members out of their life savings, kills his elderly parents, his wife and two children, attempts to kill his mistress, and then, finally, tries to kill himself.

French author Emmanuel Carrere's telling of the twisted life of Jean-Claude Romand could have been this decade's IN COLD BLOOD. Instead, it's more expose than excellence. I read the book in one sitting, not so much because I was compelled but because I wanted to find out why Romand turned out the way he did. There are a few clues: he was overweight (the author uses the word 'flabby' a lot to describe the murderer); he sweated profusely; he wasn't very successful with women, though he married a lovely woman and had an affair with another; he was bright enough to get into medical school, but he missed an exam...rather than facing the consequences and repeating the course, he chose to begin a life of total deception; he lied about his work at the World Health Organization (WHO); he took his parents' and his mother-in-law's life savings and spent it on expensive trips and gifts for his mistress.

The author never explains why Romand turned out the way he did other than to discuss how lonely his real life must have been while he was traveling back and forth to his 'office' at the WHO. He also never really gives any explanation why Romand's friends and family never suspected anything was askew...even though his wife never had a phone number to reach him....even though they never socialized with any of Romand's colleagues.

What kept running through my mind was HOW WAS HE ABLE TO SUSTAIN A COMFORTABLE, MIDDLE-CLASS LIFESTYLE WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE SOURCE OF INCOME?

This story would have been a classic in the hands of Truman Capote or Vincent Bugliosi, but it falls so short under the direction of Carrere. Whatever the reason, a potential classic is mangled into a so-so real-life murder mystery.

What a pity.

I became a fan of Emmanuel Carrere's work when The Mustache was first published in English. I was impressed by the growth in Carrere's skill in The Class Trip. Unfortunately, The Adversary struck me as simply a pleasant summer read. I must admit, however, that true crime is not my favorite genre.

The problem with The Adversary is inherent in its subject - the criminal himself has lived so many lies that he has no idea of who he really is. Carrere in depicting Romand as honestly as possible depicts a "generic lie" person ... a person who "exists" only to the extent that other individuals substantiate ... even if Romand, himself, does not remember. In this context, Carrere is forced to insert himself into the story, explaining both how he came to write the story and some of the difficulties in doing so.

The result is an excellent semi-journalistic account of Romand's life and trial - probably an excellent book for those with an interest in true crime stories. For those whose enjoyment is in Carrere's ability to depict human fear, confusion, horror this book is ultimately unsuccessful. Romand is so far from the norm that insight into his plight sheds little light on the human plight.

I finished this book late last night and it still haunts me. It has a genuine chance to be recognized as a cult classic, at least. It's the story of a man whose entire life was a lie, who hadn't drawn an honest breath since his university days. When his world threatened to collapse he murdered his wife, his two small children, his elderly parents, and tried to kill his mistress (and probably murdered his father-in-law several years before.) The book is less than 200 pages long, but it has the depth and impact of a much larger work. Carrere's style is both elegant and clear, and he teases the most subtle and difficult implications out of the material, both philosophical and religious ("adversary" is, of course, a Biblical name for Satan.) As Romand claims to get religion while incarcerated, and as he is aided by some saintly (or naive?) prison volunteers, the book moves from consideration of one horribly ugly case to a meditation on radical evil and the possible circumstances of repentance. The author shows great psychological insight, and one of the most chilling things about the book is how Carrere makes you empathize with Jean-Claude Romand, crook and damned murderer of five. (I now absolutely have to read his other books. And will someone in the U.S. publish his biography of Philip K. Dick? It's got to be a doozy, given the virtuosity and subject matter of this one.) The final paragraphs of this book are terrifying and will stay with you; the reader is forced to consider the palpable presence of "the adversary.". Not just a true-crime book, but a genuine work of literature.

I was attracted to this book because of it's placement in the 1300s. I am not a student of this era, but I'm generally interested in a wide variety of cultural subjects, so the intro appealed to me. This book is for the serious reader only. It is not a breeze to read. This is a book with footnotes, and lots of 'em. I found it very interesting. It reminds me of a book that it read last year "A Midwife's Tale", not to be confused with Oprah's book "Midwife's Tale". "A Midwife's Tale" is also an ethnographic study, of a time in early American history. It too has lots of footnotes. It was made into a PBS program by the same name which really brought the book to life. "Montaillou" would benefit from such a treatment. The general public will not read "Montaillou". It's "footnote" format would be daunting for all but more serious readers, but the book could reach many more people if it were done in film format with professional commentary. I give this book 3 stars. Information is 5 stars. Readability is 3 stars. Interest for the general reader in this format is 2 stars. A film would be wonderful, and would probably reach a much wider audience.

Having read many of the reviews of 'Montaillou' at Amazon.com, I feel compelled to put fingers to keyboard in defence of this marvellous book. I have read both the original French version AND this most recent translation, and feel that the flavour, color, atsmosphere and historical accuracy lose NOTHING in translation. As to the footnotes, etc - 'Montaillou' is, first and foremost, an ACADEMIC book. It is not a 'light read', and if Le Roy Ladurie is sometimes a little pedantic with his footnotes and cross-references, it is because he is an academic whose chief aim is to adhere as closly as possible to the historical data he is working with. I think that potential readers might be a little 'put off' by some of the critisisms of the Amazon reviewers, yet if they approach 'Montaillou' with the knowledge that it IS an academic work and not a 'novel', then they won't be disappointed. In saying this, 'Montaillou' would work WONDERFULLY as a novel - all the elements are already in place for a beautifully rich and romantic tale of the Middle Ages - but until 'Montaillou - The Novel' is written, we must content ourselves with this sound, insightful and ultimately fulfilling ACADEMIC book.

Emmanuel LeRoy Ladurie's book, Montaillou is an informative look at a medieval village in Southern France. Its writing style is similar to Bibbey in its ability to place the reader inside a historical period and see it from the perspective of the people involved. It is an objective, though intimate look at the hypocrisy of clergy and the excesses to which they were involved. Stake-burning and the debauching of virgins were an ever-present threat, as well as cuckholded husbands terrified to reveal the priests responsible. A smooth, flowing narrative, it is a must-read for anyone interested in medieval European society, and captures the attention of the reader from start to finish.

I found these two novellas to be disturbingly warped (but I liked that). Carrere imaginatively explores the dark side of the human mind, what our mind can do to us, in an interesting way. These stories are short, but they pack an emotional punch that you won't soon forget. Class Trip is about a young, hyperimaginative, lonely boy on a class skiing trip when something goes horribly wrong and the real world unfortunately catches up with the horrible world of his imagination. The Mustache is about a man who shaves off his mustache, only to have everyone he knows, including his wife, deny that it ever existed. Other bits of his world start vanishing without a trace and there is a clever ending. Both of these works are intriguing, eerie and fascinating. I would recommend them to anyone who wants a little sophisticated horror.

the Class Trip is silly. however The Moustache is absolutely fascinating, disturbing and beautiful!

Frist off, I've only read "Class Trip" so I can't comment on "The Mustache," sorry!

This slim novel vividly explores the psychological terror of Nicholas, a sheltered adolescent who is sent to a two-week ski-camp. He is obviously the wimpy outsider, and every encounter with classmates or adults becomes an intense mental test, in which the wrong word could prove fatal. Carerre's understated prose masterfully depicts the terror experienced by an over-imaginative child on his own for the first time, but the suspense really develops when a child from the village near the ski-camp goes missing and is found brutally murdered. While astute readers will easily foresee the conclusion from earlier hints, the inevitable endgame is both gripping and crushing. Someone else compared the book's tone to that of the excellent Dutch film "Spoorloss" (aka "The Vanishing"--not the American remake). That's an apt comparison, although this book has also been made into a movie as "La Classe de neige."