Eight Dogs, or Hakkenden
Kyokutei Bakin's Nansō Satomi Hakkenden is one of the monuments of Japanese literature. This multigenerational samurai saga was one of the most popular and influential books of the nineteenth century and has been adapted many times into film, television, fiction, and comics.His Master's Blade, the second part of Hakkenden, begins the story of the eight Dog Warriors created from the mystic union between Princess Fuse and the dog Yatsufusa and born into eight different samurai families in fifteenth-century Japan. The first is Inuzuka Shino, orphaned descendent of proud warriors. Left with nothing save a magical sword and the bead that marks him as a Dog Warrior, young Shino escapes his evil aunt and uncle and sets out to restore his family name. Unaware of their karmic bond, Shino and the other Dog Warriors are drawn into a world of vendettas and quests, gallants, and rogues, as each strives to learn his true nature and find his place in the eight-man fraternity.
American Legal Eagle in Singapore and other short stories
American Legal Eagle in SingaporeA light-hearted take on a serious and potentially controversial issue. The courts routinely impose gag orders on victims of sexual offence. Should the courts also grant the same anonymity to persons charged with sex-related crimes until that person is found guilty.-Blue MaidenDuring the days of the British Raj, many women of India - girls, wives, and mothers - were heroines. Ordinary women, yet courageous and resourceful, who were found throughout the Empire. Blue Maiden is a composite of the challenges faced and surmounted by many such forgotten souls.-Veda Vyasa, author of MahabharataVeda Vyasa fathered two sons with the two widows of his dead brother to ensure the continuance of the Kuru patriarchal lineage. His sons fathered the five Pandavas and one hundred Kauravas. Veda Vyasa subsequently chronicled his family saga, the epic Mahabharata.-Ashwatthama the ImmortalAshwatthama, another supporting character in Mahabharata is one of the Eight Immortals. How did he become an immortal? Was it a blessing or a bane?-The MasseurWe often read of women from poor countries forced into abhorrent jobs. Most times, these women have families to support. What if the roles were reversed? The Masseur is a short story of wealthy, powerful women abusing vulnerable young men. A story set in Singapore (yet could also be in any other country). Go behind the glitzy skyline and get a literal taste of the seedier side of life in this global city-state that boasts one of the highest number of millionaires per capita in the world.-Nouveau RicheThe story of one man's idea of success, no matter what other so-called high-flyers might think.-Brown Lives MatterPoignant short story of a silent victim of racism who endured society's judgement and emerged a better person, without the need for rancour or revenge.
The Dawn of the Warrior Age
The war between the Heike and Genji clans in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries is among the most compelling and significant moments in Japan's history, immortalized in The Tale of the Heike. Beyond the events recorded in this canonical text, the conflicts of the surrounding years are crucial to medieval Japanese culture and history. In 1156, power began to slip away from the court nobility in Kyoto. A shogunate was later founded in Kamakura, and in 1221, it won a decisive victory over the court. The three war tales translated in this book tell the story of these critical decades, vividly recording stages in the passage from rule by the imperial court in Kyoto to rule by the warrior government in Kamakura. "The Tale of the Hōgen Years" recounts a deposed emperor's disastrous attempt to regain the throne in 1156. "The Tale of the Heiji Years" narrates a bloody clash between rival courtier factions in 1159. "An Account of the Jōkyū Years" records Kamakura's victory over the imperial attempt to overthrow it in 1221. These works do not simply complete the story of The Tale of the Heike--they are classics of Japanese literature in their own right. Royall Tyler's lively translation masterfully conveys the nature of medieval Japanese warfare, rendering aristocratic power politics and the brutal realities of violence with equal aplomb. The Dawn of the Warrior Age is an essential book for readers interested in premodern Japanese history and literature.
The Dawn of the Warrior Age
The war between the Heike and Genji clans in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries is among the most compelling and significant moments in Japan's history, immortalized in The Tale of the Heike. Beyond the events recorded in this canonical text, the conflicts of the surrounding years are crucial to medieval Japanese culture and history. In 1156, power began to slip away from the court nobility in Kyoto. A shogunate was later founded in Kamakura, and in 1221, it won a decisive victory over the court. The three war tales translated in this book tell the story of these critical decades, vividly recording stages in the passage from rule by the imperial court in Kyoto to rule by the warrior government in Kamakura. "The Tale of the Hōgen Years" recounts a deposed emperor's disastrous attempt to regain the throne in 1156. "The Tale of the Heiji Years" narrates a bloody clash between rival courtier factions in 1159. "An Account of the Jōkyū Years" records Kamakura's victory over the imperial attempt to overthrow it in 1221. These works do not simply complete the story of The Tale of the Heike--they are classics of Japanese literature in their own right. Royall Tyler's lively translation masterfully conveys the nature of medieval Japanese warfare, rendering aristocratic power politics and the brutal realities of violence with equal aplomb. The Dawn of the Warrior Age is an essential book for readers interested in premodern Japanese history and literature.
Writing Violence and Buddhism in Sri Lanka
This book examines the idea of violence in the context of religion and literature. It addresses the question of freedom and peace, and violence, with reference to the Buddhist nationalist discourse in Sri Lanka, against the backdrop of Shyam Selvadurai's novel, The Hungry Ghosts. The book discusses love, compassion, emancipation, ethics and responsibility through the concepts of identity, deconstruction and decolonization to view religion as language or writing. With a blend of philosophical insights from Emmanuel Levinas, Jacques Derrida, Maurice Blanchot, and Mahatma Gandhi on ideas of being and the other, differences, nonviolence and forgiveness, it insists on the ethical exigency of reinventing Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Delving into some the central motifs of Selvadurai's novel, suffering, desire, hate, and vengeance, it questions popular Sinhala Buddhist readings to argue for the promise of inclusive and diverse approaches towards various groups, linguistic communities, women, and homosexuality. This book will be useful for scholars and researchers of literature and languages, South Asian literature, literary criticism and theory, linguistics, cultural studies, philosophy, religion, Buddhist studies, diaspora studies, and Sri Lankan literature and sociology.
The Essence of Reality
A groundbreaking exposition of Islamic mysticism The Essence of Reality was written over the course of just three days in 514/1120, by a scholar who was just twenty-four. The text, like its author ʿAyn al-Quḍāt, is remarkable for many reasons, not least of which that it is in all likelihood the earliest philosophical exposition of mysticism in the Islamic intellectual tradition. This important work would go on to exert significant influence on both classical Islamic philosophy and philosophical mysticism. Written in a terse yet beautiful style, The Essence of Reality consists of one hundred brief chapters interspersed with Qurʾanic verses, prophetic sayings, Sufi maxims, and poetry. In conversation with the work of the philosophers Avicenna and al-Ghazālī, the book takes readers on a philosophical journey, with lucid expositions of questions including the problem of the eternity of the world; the nature of God's essence and attributes; the concepts of "before" and "after"; and the soul's relationship to the body. All these discussions are seamlessly tied into ʿAyn al-Quḍāt's foundational argument--that mystical knowledge lies beyond the realm of the intellect. A bilingual Arabic-English edition.
The Book of Monasteries
A literary tour of Christian monasteries of the medieval Middle East The Book of Monasteries takes readers on an engaging tour of the monastic centers of the medieval Middle East, illustrated with a rich variety of poetry and prose. Starting with monasteries in Baghdad, readers are taken up the Tigris into the mountains of south-eastern Anatolia before moving to Palestine and Syria, along the Euphrates down to the old Christian center of Ḥīrah and onward to Egypt. For the literary anthologist al-Shābushtī, who was Muslim, monasteries were important sites of interactions between Abbasid elites and the Christian communities that made up about half the population of the Abbasid Empire at the time. Each section in this anthology covers a specific monastery, beginning with a discussion of its location and the reason for its name. Al-Shābushtī presents poems, anecdotes, and historical reports related to each site. He selects heroic and spectacular incidents, illustrations of caliphal extravagance, and occasions that gave rise to memorable verse. Important political personalities and events that were indirectly linked with monasteries also appear here, as do scenes of festive court life and gruesome murders. Through these accounts, al-Shābushtī offers readers a meditation on the splendor of Abbasid culture as well as moral and philosophical lessons: the ephemerality of power; the virtues of generosity and tolerance; the effectiveness of eloquence in prose and poetry; and the fleeting nature of pleasure and beauty. Translated into English for the first time, The Book of Monasteries offers an entertaining panorama of religious, political, and literary life during the Abbasid era. A bilingual Arabic-English edition.
A Catalogue of the Telugu Books in the Library of the British Museum, Completed by L. D. Barnett. Printed by Order of the Trustees
This catalogue is a comprehensive list of the Telugu books present in the prestigious British Museum. The catalogue compiled by L D Barnett, provides a detailed description of each book and its significance. This is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the cultural heritage of the Telugu-speaking people.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Transactions of the Literary Society of Bombay; Volume 3
This publication contains a collection of essays, articles, and lectures presented by members of the Literary Society of Bombay during the 19th century. Topics range from literature and history to science and politics, providing a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual life of colonial India.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Primary Sources, Historical Collections
This collection of Chinese prose showcases some of the most beautiful and timeless works of ancient literature. The book provides a fascinating insight into Chinese culture and history, with the added benefit of Herbert A. Giles' expert guidance. Any lover of literature will find much to enjoy and appreciate here.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Primary Sources, Historical Collections
Delve into the history of Armenian literature through this comprehensive catalogue of manuscripts housed in the Bodleian Library. The book provides detailed descriptions and in-depth analysis of each manuscript, shedding light on the richness of Armenian literary culture.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Miscellany of Hebrew Literature; Volume I
This book is a collection of various works of Hebrew literature, ranging from classic texts to modern works. It includes poetry, prose, and drama, as well as critical essays and commentary. Edited by the University of Michigan Society for Hebrew Literature, this book is a valuable resource for scholars of Hebrew literature and culture.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The Royal Crown Indian Reader. A Selection of LIterary Extracts
Designed for Indian students of English, this reader provides a wide range of literary selections from both Indian and Western authors. The extracts include poems, short stories, essays, and speeches, and cover topics such as love, nature, patriotism, and wisdom.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This Scheming World
A Great Classic of Japanese literature and the masterpiece of novelist Ihara Saikaku--now in a completely new and revised edition with introduction by noted scholar David J. Gundry The culmination of Saikaku's perceptive genius, the 20 short stories within This Scheming World recount raucous events and incidents on New Year's Eve as everyone tries to settle their debts for the year, as is the New Year's custom. Crafty money lenders attempt to collect their money from equally crafty debtors, and Saikaku portrays his characters with so lifelike a touch that, even though three centuries have passed since his time, it seems as if they were our contemporaries. The new Introduction by Saikaku expert David J. Gundry explains how and why this entertaining work still resonates with modern readers today. The finely-crafted tales include stories of: Philanderers who slip off to hide in the homes of their mistressesHustlers who leave town suddenly on "very important" business tripsConnivers who become actors for a day to hide-in-plain-sight on stage"The New Year's Eve is more precious than a thousand pieces of gold. It is the Great Divide between winter and spring, which none can pass over without copper and silver." --Ihara Saikaku
Yexian
First recorded in China in the ninth century, Yexian is considered by some to be the earliest version of the familiar Cinderella tale in the world.In this mini-book, you will find the history and background of this charming story as well as a new retelling. This is the first in a series of little-known fairy tales and their histories with summaries, rewrites, and history published for storytellers, researchers, and fairy tale enthusiasts alike.
Primary Sources, Historical Collections
This collection of primary sources on Chinese literature includes translations of classic works like The Analects of Confucius and The Sayings of Mencius, along with scholarly analysis and historical context. With a foreword by T.S. Wentworth, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the rich literary tradition of China.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Primary Sources, Historical Collections
This collection of charming stories captures the rich cultural history and traditions of Japan in the nineteenth century.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Primary Sources, Historical Collections
Zabelle C. Boyajian's collection of Armenian legends and poems offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of this ancient and culturally rich nation. From heroic legends of ancient gods and warriors to lyrical poems of love and loss, this volume is an essential addition to any collection of world literature.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Joginder Paul
This book is a comprehensive volume on the life and works of Joginder Paul, a well-known Urdu fiction writer and thinker. It presents a selection from the writer's oeuvre - a few of his short stories, extracts from his long fiction, samples of his micro-fiction, personal reminiscences, and some of his incisive critical essays written in Urdu as well as in English that lay out his ideas on the role of the writer and the art of writing. The volume also contextualises his work within the Urdu literary tradition and beyond through some critical essays on him from across time and geography. It situates Paul as a notable fiction writer and an essayist who broke convention in his writing and crafted his own individual style. It shows how he was received in Urdu while also placing him as an important creative voice within a larger pan-Indian literary context.The book also focuses on Paul's efforts to effect a change in how fiction should be perceived, particularly by his readers who he considered the most important ally-participant in his effort to create stories. This volume will help to evolve a deeper understanding of the thematic subtleties in his fiction, as well as the critical perspectives he offers in his non-fiction.Part of the Writer in Context series, this book will be indispensable to scholars and researchers in literature, history, sociology, language and creative writing, Partition studies, translation studies, Indian writings, Urdu literature, postcolonial studies, and South Asian Studies.
I will follow Zulfiya
This book "I will follow Zulfiya" is a collection of Poetry and Prose by Oringaliyeva Nurjayna Orazgaliyevna, a Russian student and Author from Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic of Uzbekistan. She is the winner of the school, city and republic stages of the Uzbek language Olympiad as well as got 1st place in the contest 'Young Reader' held by the Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan and the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan.
The Royal Crown Indian Reader. A Selection of LIterary Extracts
Designed for Indian students of English, this reader provides a wide range of literary selections from both Indian and Western authors. The extracts include poems, short stories, essays, and speeches, and cover topics such as love, nature, patriotism, and wisdom.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
True Crime Writings in Colonial India
The emergent culture of crime writings in late 19th century colonial Bengal (India) is an interesting testimony to how literature is shaped by various material forces including the market. This book deals with true crime writings of the late 1800s published by 'lowbrow publishing houses' -- infamous for publishing 'sensational' and the 'vulgar' literature -- which had an avid bhadralok (genteel) readership.The volume focuses on select translations of true crime writings by Bakaullah and Priyanath Mukhopadhyay who worked as darogas (Detective Inspectors) in the police department in mid-late nineteenth century colonised Bengal. These published accounts of cases investigated by them are among the very first manifestations of the crime genre in India. The writings reflect their understandings of criminality and guilt, as well as negotiations with colonial law and policing. Further, through a selection of cases in which women make an appearance either as victims or offenders, (or sometimes as both, ) this book sheds light on the hidden gendered experiences of the time, often missing in mainstream Bangla literature.Combining a love for suspense with critical readings of a cultural phenomenon, this book will be of much interest to scholars and researchers of comparative literature, translation studies, gender studies, literary theory, cultural studies, modern history, and lovers of crime fiction from all disciplines.
A Topsy-Turvy World
Playwriting in many forms flourished during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Shorter theatrical genres in particular offered playwrights opportunities for experimentation with both dramatic form and social critique. Despite their originality and wit, these short plays have been overshadowed by the lengthy masterpieces of the southern drama tradition. A Topsy-Turvy World presents English translations of shorter sixteenth-to-eighteenth-century plays, spotlighting a lesser-known side of Chinese drama. Satirical and often earthy, these mostly one-act plays depict deceit, dissembling, reversed gender roles, and sudden upending of fortunes. With zest and humor, they portray henpecked husbands, supercilious and lustful monks, all-too-human sage kings, disgruntled officials, and overreaching young scholars. These plays provide a glimpse of Chinese daily life and mores even as they question or subvert the boundaries of social, moral, and political order. Each translation is preceded by a short introduction that describes the play's author, context, formal qualities, and textual history. A Topsy-Turvy World offers a new view of a significant period in the development of the Chinese theatrical tradition and provides insight into the role of drama as cultural critique.
Primary Sources, Historical Collections
This collection of Chinese prose showcases some of the most beautiful and timeless works of ancient literature. The book provides a fascinating insight into Chinese culture and history, with the added benefit of Herbert A. Giles' expert guidance. Any lover of literature will find much to enjoy and appreciate here.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Primary Sources, Historical Collections
Delve into the history of Armenian literature through this comprehensive catalogue of manuscripts housed in the Bodleian Library. The book provides detailed descriptions and in-depth analysis of each manuscript, shedding light on the richness of Armenian literary culture.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Yexian
First recorded in China in the ninth century, Yexian is considered by some to be the earliest version of the familiar Cinderella tale in the world.In this mini-book, you will find the history and background of this charming story as well as a new retelling. This is the first in a series of little-known fairy tales and their histories with summaries, rewrites, and history published for storytellers, researchers, and fairy tale enthusiasts alike.
A Catalogue of the Telugu Books in the Library of the British Museum, Completed by L. D. Barnett. Printed by Order of the Trustees
This catalogue is a comprehensive list of the Telugu books present in the prestigious British Museum. The catalogue compiled by L D Barnett, provides a detailed description of each book and its significance. This is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the cultural heritage of the Telugu-speaking people.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The Testament
This publication contains a collection of essays, articles, and lectures presented by members of the Literary Society of Bombay during the 19th century. Topics range from literature and history to science and politics, providing a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual life of colonial India.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese
The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese is a warm, inspiring and thoughtful collection of writings of the Chinese sages and poets together with proverbs, maxims, and sayings of the Chinese.This carefully edited and restored edition features Brian Brown's carefully selected fine works of ancient Chinese wisdom. Drawing on the writings of Confucius, Mencius, Lao Tzu, Yang Chu, Chuang Tzu, and many other Chinese Sages and Poets, the translated writings of this book bring together an understanding of the guidance of these well known sages.
Classic Chinese Love Tales
Classic Chinese Love Storied includes some of the best classics from China. Written in a graceful and beautiful style, each story evokes images of overcoming love's obstacles, passion, and the endurance of tragedy. These stories are exceptional in literary merit. Classic Chinese Love Stories is an intoxicating collection of tales of romance, desire, customs, and erotic virtues from mysterious China! This collection of seventeenth century classic Chinese literature includes beautiful stories such as Tu Shih-Niang-Beautiful Courtesan, The Wedding of Ya-Nei, A Strange Destiny, The Error of The Embroidered Slipper, The Counterfeit Old Woman, The Monastery of the Esteemed-Lotus, and A Complicated Marriage.
In Deadly Embrace
A collection of poems about nature and power To Ibn al-Muʿtazz and his Abbasid contemporaries, the hunt was more than a diversion--it was the theater for their poetic and political endeavors, captured here in fifty-nine Arabic hunting poems, or ṭardiyyāt. The poems of In Deadly Embrace describe hunting expeditions with animals trained to hunt, including saluki hounds and birds of prey. Many were composed after these outings, when the hunting party gathered to enjoy the game they caught. Poetry was central to Abbasid society and served as a method of maintaining networks of patronage and friendship; the poems in this collection reflect these power dynamics and allowed Ibn al-Muʿtazz--prince of the realm and in line for the caliphate--to explore his own relationship to social and political power and to demonstrate his fitness to rule. Ibn al-Muʿtazz was an influential poet and literary theorist of the Modernist school of poetry. In Deadly Embrace merges the Modernists' new techniques and styles with age-old themes: military prowess and wisdom, fitness to rule and comradeship, the camaraderie of the hunt and the cult of heroic masculinity. Groundbreaking and evocative, the poems paint vivid pictures of hunting scenes while posing deep questions about our attentiveness to the natural world and the relationship of the human to the nonhuman. A bilingual Arabic-English edition.
Devrani Jethani Ki Kahani or A Tale of Two Sisters-in Law
Pandit Gauri Datt's Devrani Jethani ki Kahani or A Story of Two Sisters-in-Law (1870) is often considered the first novel in Hindi. This sparsely written story, in deceptively simple but elegant prose, follows the fortunes of an Agarwal merchant family in the north Indian town of Meerut, then under colonial rule. Gauri Datt introduces us to a colourful and carefully calibrated canvas of characters in which the family's two daughters-in-law remain the focus of interest. Following a familiar pattern, only one of them is virtuous, skilled and literate. The novel acknowledges the large extended family's aspirations for social mobility, reform and modernity, while capturing the swiftly transforming everyday and ritual life of merchant communities. The novel will be of interest to scholars and students of South Asian literature and to historians of language, education, modernity, caste and gender.
Aaida
Aujene, regarded as a pillar of the community, is finally free of her stifling and oppressive marriage, but at what price? She is now shunned amongst her peers as the rumourmill goes into overdrive and her reputation lies in tatters. Her only child Aaida, navigating her teens in 90's Sydney, struggles to find meaning in the shift in people's attitude after the divorce, and she in turn snubs the community which would turn its back on one of its own so easily.The two travel to Lebanon, where Aaida starts to peel back the delicate layers of her family history. In doing so, she starts to realise her own fears and the torments that plague her are all born of her own buried past.It becomes a standing tradition that they return to Lebanon each Spring, where Aaida falls more in love with her cousin Khaled, the one thing she swore she'd never do. And in an unexpected turn, Aujene's past comes knocking on her door to invite itself into her future.It's not long before Aaida, unfolding layer upon layer of family secrets, finds herself in the midst of her own tradedy which will shape her future in ways she never considered.
Revisiting Sadeq Hedayat’s Blind Owl
Revisiting Sadeq Hedayat's Blind Owl: Writings on a Modern Persian Novel is a commemorative volume of thirteen scholarly articles on the Persian novel Buf-e-Kur (Blind Owl) by Sadeq Hedayat (1903-51). Scholars of Persian studies have long endeavoured to bring this complex novel, written in a unique form and structure, into a simple narrative for afficionados of modern Persian fiction. Thus, the present volume is a 'literary manifesto', presenting perspectives on the novel and the writer from historical, cultural, psychoanalytical, cinematic, artistic, translational, and poetic viewpoints. Drawing upon continued Indo-Iranian relations when Burzoe translated the Panchatantra into Pahlavi in 570 ad to when Hedayat wrote his masterpiece during his India sojourn in 1937, the chapters presented here explore a number of topics: from critiques of translations of the novel into three Indian languages (Bengali, Hindi, and Malayalam) to discussions regarding the compatibility of the novel with cinema and the interface of the novel with Hedayat's sketches and paintings. The volume also offers an analogical study of the thought processes of Ghalib and Hedayat, demonstratingthe resonance between great minds.
The Essence of Reality
A groundbreaking exposition of Islamic mysticism The Essence of Reality was written over the course of just three days in 514/1120, by a scholar who was just twenty-four. The text, like its author ʿAyn al-Quḍāt, is remarkable for many reasons, not least of which that it is in all likelihood the earliest philosophical exposition of mysticism in the Islamic intellectual tradition. This important work would go on to exert significant influence on both classical Islamic philosophy and philosophical mysticism. Written in a terse yet beautiful style, The Essence of Reality consists of one hundred brief chapters interspersed with Qurʾanic verses, prophetic sayings, Sufi maxims, and poetry. In conversation with the work of the philosophers Avicenna and al-Ghazālī, the book takes readers on a philosophical journey, with lucid expositions of questions including the problem of the eternity of the world; the nature of God's essence and attributes; the concepts of "before" and "after"; and the soul's relationship to the body. All these discussions are seamlessly tied into ʿAyn al-Quḍāt's foundational argument--that mystical knowledge lies beyond the realm of the intellect. An English-only edition.
The Wisdom Of Confucius
The collection of proverbs and lessons attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius is called "The Wisdom of Confucius, With Critical and Biographical," and it was put together and written by Epiphanius Wilson. A selection of Confucius' sayings on each of the book's several subjects, including "filial piety," "friendship," and "governance," are included in each chapter. The book also offers a biographical description of Confucius and a critique of his philosophical views. Confucianism was introduced to Western audiences via Wilson's translation and interpretation of Confucius' teachings, which also had an impact on the evolution of Western philosophy and ethics. The book places a strong emphasis on moral values, individual accountability, and societal harmony, all of which are fundamental concepts in Confucian philosophy. Overall, "The Wisdom of Confucius" is an important contribution to the subject of cross-cultural studies and offers a useful introduction to Confucianism and its philosophy.
Kabir Poems in Transformation
Kabir Poems in Transformation: A Fountain of Creativity explores how images of Kabir, in circulation amongst his Hindi-speaking followers at the start of the twentieth century, were transformed into versions of Kabir more acceptable to global English-speaking audiences in contemporary times. This work investigates how the creation of an image of Kabir as an ideal Indian mystic poet led to the eclipse of Kabir as the voice of the lower castes and marginalized communities in India. The argument is that rather than seeing an idealized version of his persona through the lens of any particular segment of the audience, Kabir should be studied through the multiplicity of images transmitted amongst diverse communities within India and around the world. This book focuses on the networks of contexts in which these verses were transmitted, and where such a significant transformation took place. These include Hindi print editions published 1907 onwards, Bengali anthologies by Kshitimohan Sen in 1910-11, and English translations by Rabindranath Tagore and Evelyn Underhill published as One Hundred Verses of Kabir in 1914.
The Russian Kurosawa
The Russian Kurosawa offers a new historical perspective on the work of the renowned Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa. It uncovers Kurosawa's debt to the intellectual tradition of Japanese-Russian democratic dissent, reflected in the affinity for Kurosawa's worldview expressed by such Russian directors as Grigory Kozintsev and Andrei Tarkovsky. Through a detailed discussion of the Russian subtext of Kurosawa's cinema, most clearly manifested in the director's films based on Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Gorky, and Arseniev, the book shows that Kurosawa used Russian intertexts to deal with the most politically sensitive topics of postwar Japan. Locating the director in the cultural tradition of Russian-inflected Japanese anarchism, the book challenges prevalent views of Akira Kurosawa as an apolitical art house director or a conformist studio filmmaker of muddled ideological alliances by offering a philosophically consistent picture of the director's participation in postwar debates on cultural and political reconstruction.
The Luzumiyat of Abu’l-Ala;Selected from his Luzum ma la Yalzam and Suct us-Zand
The Luzumiyat of Abu'l-Ala;Selected from his Luzum ma la Yalzam and Suct us-Zand by Abu al-Ala al-Maarri has been regarded as significant work throughout human history, and in order to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to ensure its preservation by republishing this book in a contemporary format for both current and future generations. This entire book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not made from scanned copies, the text is readable and clear.
Love, Death, Fame
Poems and tales of a literary forefather of the United Arab Emirates Love, Death, Fame features the poetry of al-Māyidī ibn Ẓāhir, who has been embraced as the earliest poet in what would later become the United Arab Emirates. Although little is known about his life, he is the subject of a sizeable body of folk legend and is thought to have lived in the seventeenth century, in the area now called the Emirates. The tales included in Love, Death, Fame portray him as a witty, resourceful, scruffy poet, at times combative and at times kindhearted. His poetry primarily features verses of wisdom and romance, with scenes of clouds and rain, desert migrations, seafaring, and pearl diving. Like Arabian Romantic and Arabian Satire, this collection is a prime example of Nabaṭī poetry, combining vernacular language of the Arabian Peninsula with archaic vocabulary and images dating to Arabic poetry's very origins. Distinguished by Ibn Ẓāhir's unique voice, Love, Death, Fame offers a glimpse of what life was like four centuries ago in the region that is now the UAE. An English-only edition.
Uncovering Japanese Mythology
Are you interested in discovering the rich world of Japanese myth and folklore? Have you always wanted to know more about the history of Japan, and the gods and goddesses, creatures, and myths that form part of its culture? If you've been looking for a book to expand your comprehension of this mythology while enriching yourself with its wisdom, then keep reading... this is the book for you!Japanese mythology is an affluent culture that encapsulates the Shinto and Buddhist traditions. In addition to some core beliefs that influence society, it also contains spiritual and religious folklore that not only shapes Japanese culture, but also guides the community on how to approach the dynamics of life.Through this comprehensive guide, not only will you travel back to ancient worlds and legendary characters, but you'll also uncover various creatures that encircle this unique world filled with stories about love, and sometimes betrayals, that remind us of our human nature, and even some extraordinary endings that will give you some more hope. By the time you come back to reality, you will be deeply intrigued but, most importantly, fulfilled. So, are you ready to embark on this adventure?Inside Uncovering Japanese Mythology, you'll discover: A comprehensive introduction to Japanese Buddhism, its brief chronology, and its traditional social cultureThe creation of Takamagahara, and an all-inclusive list and history of the gods and goddesses who helped shape the history and reality of this sacred mythologyEmpowering stories of the heroes who interact with gods, spirits, and other extraordinary creaturesThe most important supernatural creatures who live close to you, and who you interact with across various phases of lifeMore than ten 'never heard before' folktales written through the Monogatari art form, highlighting extraordinary stories of ordinary people who've had the most unusual encounters in human historyThe interaction between modernization, important Japanese concepts, and the Japanese reverence for the sun, is everything you've been yearning to understand. Each chapter in this book will bring you a step closer to a fascinating and mysterious world and culture that has been in existence for over 2,000 years!Are you ready to embrace a better understanding of life under the rising sun? Then read Uncovering Japanese Mythology now!
India
This book is a compilation of the Course of Lectures Delivered before the University Of Cambridge. This book also established Thomas Carlyle's reputation as an author. This spectacular historical masterpiece has since been accepted as the standard work on the subject.This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. This has been published with the best technology to reproduce historical work in the same manner it was first published to preserve its original nature.
