Shown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Pfinstegg on August 27, 2005, at 13:44:12
"Montaillou". based on transcripts made by the Catholic Church in the process of trying to quell a heretic uprising in Spain in the 13th Century. People in that tiny mountain town were interviewed (inquisitioned) about every aspect of their lives, so you learn how they lived, who they fell in love with- all in their actual words. It's so fascinating (to me) that I've read it three times. They were part of the Cathar Heresy- and you learn at the end that many of them were put to death for that. The contrast between their fates and the intensity with which they lived their lives is so powerful. I don't know of another book where you can read real-life conversations from 700 years ago.
"Poets in a Landscape", by Gilbert Highet. A wonderful look at where Vergil, Horace, Ovid, etc. actually lived, with good photos and excerpts from the best of their poetry. You feel you are there, as it actually was 2000 years ago.
Almost anything by Rainer Maria Rilke. I am just discovering him, and think he must be one of the best few poets of all time. Older translations from the German are sort of heavy, but the newer ones are supple and beautiful.
Posted by Angela2 on August 27, 2005, at 21:06:15
In reply to A few I haven't seen mentioned.., posted by Pfinstegg on August 27, 2005, at 13:44:12
Hi Pfinstegg,
I have not heard of any of the books you've mentioned, but the first one about the spanish heretics sounds very interesting. I took a religion course last semester and although it was very dry, there were parts that were interesting too. We read a book about how the west came to be tolerant. And it told the history of the christian crusades in Europe and the people who stood up to them.
Posted by Damos on August 28, 2005, at 18:05:12
In reply to A few I haven't seen mentioned.., posted by Pfinstegg on August 27, 2005, at 13:44:12
Yeh, I've been reading a little Rilke too and what you say about the newer translations being more sympathetic is so right. There was a beatuiful passage included in "The Time Traveller's Wife".
Just atarted "The Life of Pi"
Posted by ClearSkies on August 29, 2005, at 7:01:54
In reply to Re: A few I haven't seen mentioned.. » Pfinstegg, posted by Damos on August 28, 2005, at 18:05:12
I *loved* that book. I consider it one of those "it changed my life" books.
Even passed it on to my mother, and she and I are far apart in many ways. It brought us a teensy bit closer together. I'd like to discuss it with you when you're finished!
ClearSkies
Posted by Declan on August 29, 2005, at 9:08:05
In reply to A few I haven't seen mentioned.., posted by Pfinstegg on August 27, 2005, at 13:44:12
A while back I read an interesting book that might interest you. I forget the author, but I'm pretty sure it was called 'The World Is Made Of Cheese'. It is a reconstruction from records of the Inquisition in Italy after the catholic Church's response to the reformation, whatever that was. This baker had some unusual ideas, wouldn't keep quiet about them, and came to grief.
declan
Posted by Damos on August 29, 2005, at 18:28:04
In reply to Re: A few I haven't seen mentioned.. » Damos, posted by ClearSkies on August 29, 2005, at 7:01:54
I would absolutely love to discuss it with you. Will let you know when I finish. Sadly work and home stuff is seriously cramping my reading time just now, and it's hard to read on the train when you're squashed in like sardines packed vertically.
Has anyone told you lately that you're just as nice as can be. I'll always be glad I had the chance to meet you here.
Posted by Damos on August 29, 2005, at 18:30:11
In reply to Re: A few I haven't seen mentioned.., posted by Declan on August 29, 2005, at 9:08:05
Hard to imagine the 'Church' not warmly embacing someone with differing views.
Posted by ClearSkies on August 29, 2005, at 21:00:12
In reply to Re: A few I haven't seen mentioned.. » ClearSkies, posted by Damos on August 29, 2005, at 18:28:04
> Has anyone told you lately that you're just as nice as can be. I'll always be glad I had the chance to meet you here.
I would gladly pay you to repeat this to me on a daily basis!
:-)
You don't mind Monopoly money, do you?
Posted by Damos on August 30, 2005, at 1:32:24
In reply to Re: A few I haven't seen mentioned.. » Damos, posted by ClearSkies on August 29, 2005, at 21:00:12
If I thought I could possibly remember to, I'd do it for free :-)
Posted by Damos on September 4, 2005, at 17:06:17
In reply to Re: A few I haven't seen mentioned.. » Damos, posted by ClearSkies on August 29, 2005, at 7:01:54
Feel free to babblemail me about if like. I now into "We Need To Talk About Kevin" and also bought "The Shadow of the Wind" on the weekend. Thought I was so good only getting one.
Hope you're doing well.
This is the end of the thread.
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