Rilke ranks among the world's greatest poets. Each poem in the Book of Images is an elegant snapshot of a beautiful world. Snow's translation is superb, and he is commonly regarded as the preeminent English translator of Rilke's poetry. This text contains the translation and the original German side-by-side so that readers can gain a better appreciation of Rilke. The Snow translatio of the Book of Images is one of the greatest English-language poetic achievements.

Rilke is that poet that you, if you are tormented by memories of high-school poetry lessons past (dactylic metre sound vaguely familiar?), ought try. His imagery is accessible, his meaning clear...and he manages simultaneously a beautiful degree of both spiritual and metaphorical richness.

Snow's translations of Rilke's poetry are superb; he consistently preserves the metric structure and is also conscious of the need to employ every word and consider every nuance of meaning, rather than simply settling for glossing it (a surprisingly common problem in poetry translation). In the challenging world of finding faithful poetry translation, Snow's work is outstanding...and the original material to my sense of literary aesthetics unsurpassed...little of Rilke's beauty is sacrificed in the execution of this translation. Rilke's simultaneous spareness, sensitivity, and richness endure here; rather than imposing himself upon the reader, Snow succeeds admirably at the translator's task, and brings Rilke to the English-speaking audience.

Rilke's poems are simple, describing everything for the reader. He never overpowers with metaphors and deeper meanings.

I was glad to find this volume, which offers different versions of popular fairy tales and shows their cultural variation. Commentary is helpful and to the point, with good bibliographical resources. I needed to find a guide to Cinderella stories and this gave me just what I needed and more. A good antidote to Bettelheim's overly Freudian interpretations of fairy tales.

A good mixture of browsability and serious reading. For the storyteller this book is a godsend - several variants of each story compiled for easy comparison, with an authoritative commentary for background research. And the variants are often not obvious or well-known, so giving real discoveries and delights. The scholarly essays cover a fair range of subjects, but for those just interested in the stories there is plenty in the rest of the book to satisfy. If this book interests you, try 'The Classic Fairy Tales', by Iona and Peter Opie - same title, similar approach, except that variants are only discussed rather than given in full.

An excellent collection which highlights the grislier, taboo aspects of fairy tales that are often sanitised for today's consumption. As well as traditional versions of the most popular fairy stories, editor Maria Tatar has also included feminist re-tellings of "Bluebeard" and "Beauty and the Beast" by Margaret Atwood and Angela Carter. This fascinating anthology helps to deepen our understanding of the cultural implications of the fairy tale form, and includes essays from important contributors to the field such as Vladmir Propp, Bruno Bettelheim and Marina Warner. If you thought that fairy tales were just for children, then you'll find this collection an eye opening experience.

Prof. Dzielska unravels the real life and murder of Hypatia.
Instead of the legendary young virgin martyr for paganism, she sketches a, for the period, remarkable older woman and teacher of neoplatonism and tolerance.
Her murder was instigated by the vicious ploys of a jealous catholic archbishop and executed by his ignorant mob. It was a political murder.

This book should be read because it treats of an age-old conflict that still rages in the world today: the power struggle between the civil (secular) and religious authorities.

This small work is a difficult (based on very few original sources), but very convincing reconstitution of the life of one of the very few known remarkable women of that age. A revealing work.

Socrates was executed by the state of Athens as a scapegoat for its defeat by the Spartans. His crime was being a free thinker in a short age of turmoil. He was however fondly remembered and documented. Hypatia was first brought to my attention by Carl Sagan in his television series Cosmos. She has often been represented as a pillar of wisdom in an age of growing dogma. Unlike with Socrates we know much less about her life and teachings. She is remembered precisely as a martyr who was sacrificed rather than executed by a literalist Christian mob inspired by "St" Cyril, apparently as she was regarded as a threat to Christendom and theology by certain regio-political figures. Enough material on her survived not least owing to the strong memories evoked at the manner of her despatch which turned her into a historical icon.

This excellent short well sourced book is a biographic scenography in the best sense of the word. It does not sadly cover the destruction of the great library or go into great length about the history and politics of 4th century Alexandria but it blows the cobwebs and embelishments that are associated with this enigmatic figure leaving a strong, uncompromising educated presence who would have been of extreme high standing to have obtained the death she received at the hands of bigots.

The importance of Hypatia is that she represents a phase in history where Greek religion was being destroyed by the then politicised Roman state religion. Hypatia represents a tragic victim of this dark phase when a great deal of knowledge was irrevocably lost (e.g.Gandy and Freke, the Jesus Mysteries etc.,).

To know the real Hypatia, and that phase of history, this is one of the best places to begin.

Those who have an interest in the Fourth Century are familiar with the name Hypatia of Alexandria. Unfortunately she has become a figure of legend and myth. Maria Dzielska's small, short book (106 pages, each about 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" ) first examines the various persons that made her a myth, as well as their motivations. It then goes to the source documents, sorts through the credibility of each, and then redraws our picture of Hypatia. (For example, most encyclopedias give Hypatia's date of birth as about 370. Dzielska builds a strong case that she was born about 15 years earlier than that, and was in her 60's when she was murdered). This book excels in distinguishing fact from fiction - in other words it is a work of historical research. Dzielska also points out where her knowledge ends and her inferences begin. This virtue - once known as humility - also contributes to the value of this book. As one would expect, it has an annotated bibliography ("Sources"), is fully footnoted, and includes a good index. Those whose interest in Hypatia involves "her meaning" may be disappointed; those who want the truth about her will find this a useful piece of research and analysis. Maria Dzielska's book could be used as a sourcebook on HOW historical figures are appropriated for the political or religious agendas of persons less interested in "the facts" than "making a point". This alone makes it of wider interest than it might otherwise appear.

My older child received this as a baby gift and listened nightly at bedtime. Ultimately, the tape wore out. When my son was born a few years later, a friend found it. Having not heard it for 2 years, my daughter's head began bobbing as she fell asleep in the car the minute she heard the beginning! Now, 9 years later, we got it again for our 3rd baby and it's still an all time favorite for. The book is cute, but the tape is really the winner for us!

Lullaby River is an enchanting book and cassette for both children and adults. Our son and daughter loved listening to the story and music and enjoyed singing the songs of Tucker the Turtle before naptime. The beautiful illustrations by Maria Danly compliment Linda Danly's lovely voice. Thoughtfully conceived and executed this is an engaging work which is a treasure to experience.

Our family loves Lullaby River! The wonderfully rich sound of Maria & Linda Danly is intoxicating. Tucker the Turtle is so pleasant as he takes you on a trip down Lullaby River. I especially appreciate the way the music and dialogue reinforce the ideas of respecting and caring for the world around us. My neice and nephew were raised on Lullaby River. We are continuing the tradition of love for Lullaby River with our children.

I found this dictionary so good, interesting and fun! Anyone learning spanish should get this book. And anyone who already speaks it fluently should too!

This is a new release by McGraw-Hill and is a very handy resource that offers a wealth of definitions and clarification of usage of everyday colloquialisms, slang, vulgarity and their meaning. When I saw the book in the store I was a bit hesitant to purchase it because of the price but I quickly realized that the price was incomparable to wealth of information offered. It's obvious that there was a considerable amount of time and research spent in order to produce this handy tool and I do believe it would most benefit those who are natives of Spanish, advanced students, professionals, journalists, translators, interpreters and writers. This dictionary would be overwhelming for a beginner as it is written in Spanish and the vocabulary used in the definitions and examples is advanced at times. The only flaw in this reference is does not give the country or countries where a typical expression may be used which I think is very valuable because what may be a friendly word or expression in one country may be totally offensive in another. Here are some examples of expressions detailed in this dictionary:

1.chochete- mujer joven (a young woman). This was new to me. I would say "jovencita" or "doncella".
2.en cuerpo y alma- plenamente, completamente (completely) This is an everyday expression in the Spanish language.
3.mala leche - mala suerte (bad luck) (Everyday expression).
4.curichi- avaro, tacaño (greedy)
5.meter la gamba - equivocarse (to make a mistake) I would say "meter la pata".

These are just some examples I selected at random and #4 , # 5 are new to me. I know the generic expressions but not the slang, which is valuable, and somewhere down the road I may come across these expressions. As mentioned above this resource is priceless and it will broaden your scope and understanding of everyday Spanish and aid you with correct usage.This is money well spent!

I am a journalist living in NY, and I was researching vulgar speak in the Hispanic community. This is simply great. A wonderful tool.

I have passed on Ms. Amber's autography to my colleges. It's extremely inspiring and educational. I know for a fact that there are many doctors out there who's main concern is to get fat in the pockets, but those greedy doctors do not, and I repeat, do not represent the rest of us who do care. I know that we can't bring your sister back, but perhaps by speaking out against that kind of injustice doctors would be more aware of human compassion. When I graduated from Medical School, it was a painful reality for students such as myself whose ideals were somewhat less concerned with finance then helping patients in pain. Going beyond using the stethoscope and comforting and reassuring the patient. It's also tragic that most doctors do become immune after many years. Not everyone has the ability to wonder what kind of treatment would they're loved ones get if the circumstances were different. I think they need a constant reminder of that fact! Ms. Amber's book is definitely an eye opener for those beasts!

I was profoundly moved by Maria Amber's luminous autobiography. She reawakens us to what we may have thought lost: individual heartfelt joy through personal collective awareness. Maria Amber, through great passion and wisdom, shows us how to rebuild our lives through strengthening our interpersonal relationships with our friends and family. Although Ms. Amber had to endure one tragedy after another, it's amazing how the human spirit never gives up the fight.
So, when can I meet Ms. Amber? How does one obtain personal autographed copy?

I was pleasantly surprised to say the least, when I read Ms. Amber's autobiography for the first time. One wouldn't expect to be taken to such heights of intense emotional ride. Although I have read many wonderful books in the past, I believe that Ms. Amber has indeed mesmerized her audience with her humor, intelligence beyond her years and wisdom. Unfortunately we have the tendency to take things for granted in life when things get too comfortable. Unlike some of us, Ms. Amber had to avoid on daily basis from the deadly grips of her father's hands on her neck, living in constant fear throughout her childhood. It's bad enough to live in poverty and also deal with constant fear from your supposedly parent, who is suppose to love you and guard you. It's a wonderfully, vividly written account of the love between mothers and daughters. It illuminates the ways that love fails us and then, as we are about to sink, reaches out and sets us back afloat. A well-woven and beautifully lyrical story. Truly inspirational for all of us.

I've just baked my first biscotti from this book (Double Chocolate Almond Biscotti). I tried to follow the recipe precisely but I didn't have parchment paper so I used greased foil, I didn't have almond extract, I put chocolate chips in the dough instead of almonds, the egg & sugar mixture would not thicken AND the dough was so sticky it would not form into a log as was needed so I wet my hands & shaped it as best I could AND....... oh my god it came out perfect...d elicious.... fabulous!!!
So this recipe is a keeper. Hope the rest are the same but I'm really into chocolate biscotti for now so I'll experiment with that.
P.S, there is no butter in the recipes! This is for the figure conscious eater!

I have tried several of the recipes, with great results.
The US measurements haven't been a problem for this Kiwi cook - if the mix is a bit dry or moist I just add a little more of the wet or dry ingredients.

No need for the food processing equipment mentioned, I have coped without quite happily...

I've made many of the biscotti in this book and they've all turned out wonderfully. I especially like the espresso biscotti. It is easy to substitute ingredients -- I've added jalepano peppers to the sesame biscotti to rave reviews. I haven't purchased all the extracts suggested, but the baking parchment is a must.

Unlike anything I've been able to find and everything I've been looking for. I used it all last year (my first year) and am still using it regularly.

I am currently a student of Dr. Vlahos, and she has told us about this book. It is a great resource for new teachers.

I had to wait two weeks to get it as I had to special order it through the Graduate Group, but it was worth the wait. Informative, easy to read, easy to reference, and written in a humorous tone... I was learning and laughing at the same time. The authors have true talent!

Me gustaria saber el nombre de un buen libro que enseñe como combatir el tema de la eyaculacion precoz. Alguien leyo y tuvo exito?

Hola, la verdad, estoy increiblemente interesado en este tema y me gustaria optener mas informacion sobre este libro, Me ustaria saber de que forma ustedes podrian facilitarme aunque sea un demo de este, aunque sea limitado...

Gracias

ME INTERESA SABER ACERCA DEL TEMA DE EYACULACION PRECOZ

This is the best and most complete document about the life and work of Astor Piazzolla. The authors inter-link Piazzolla's work with the major events of his life and the artistic and political context of the time. If you are really interested in learning about Piazzolla, you should go ahead and buy this book.

Nearly ten years after Astor Piazzolla's death, the debate still rages about whether or not his music is "tango". Well, some of it is, and some of it isn't. But the roots of all his music lie deep in the tango tradition and whether or not a particular piece is or isn't tango is of no real importance. The fact is that Astor Piazzolla composed some of the finest music in any genre and all Argentines can take pride in that. I have been a fan of Astor Piazzolla for nearly 30 years but only knew the music. After having read Le Grand Tango, I now feel as though I know the man. Having "met" him, my understanding and admiration of both the music and the man has increased exponentially. Azzi and Collier have authored an easy to follow, entertaining and informative book about El Maestro. One learns not only about his music but about his forceful personality and the forces which shaped Piazzolla and drove him to be the most dazzling musician of the 20th century. His life, his loves, his triumphs and his failures all spring to life here. Though most readers will likely be hardcore fans of Piazzolla, its flowing style makes it an engaging hagiographical read for anyone who has even a mild interest in music history or in the forces and personalities which have shaped and regenerated tango throughout second half of the 20th century.

Piazzola means tango for many people. The first tango music I ever purchased was Piazzola's music. His music dominated Sally Porter's movie, "Tango Lesson." This is a man that you must know about if you like tango, the dance and the music. Even if your interest is 20th century music, you will be fascinated. The story of Piazzola's life is a story of how cultures, music, and people are interrelated. As a person who was born in Argentina, his music was tango; as a kid named "Lefty" who grew up in Manhattan, he felt the influence of jazz. As a musician known as "El Gato," he built on the tango traditions of Troilo, Sarli, and Pugliese.

He began his musical career as a musician who could not read music. Anibal Troilo hired Piazzola because he had memorized the band's repertoire. He studied music and composition while playing in tango groups, and went on for more formal training in Paris. Piazzola loved everything from the classical music of Rubenstein to the jazz of Gershwin. Although we think of Piazzola in terms of tango, many of his contemporary tango aficionados hated his music because it was nontraditional, evolutionary, and avant gard.

This book was of value to me because it increased my understanding not just of Piazzola, but also of the major twentieth century tango musicians and composers. It may not make me a better dancer, but the increase of knowledge added to my appreciation of the music not just of Piazzola, but also of Pablo Ziegler, Romulo Larrea, and Felix Leclerc. It was a fitting complement to "Tango!" a collaborative book by Simon Collier, Artemis Cooper, Maria Susana Azzi, and Richard Martin. You don't have to be a serious student of music to enjoy either book. It will add to your appreciation of tango.