The World of Premchand: Selected Short Stories

Book Description

This is a new collection of translations of thirty stories written by Premchand, who virtually created the genre of short story writing in Hindi and Urdu. The selection reveals the wide range of Premchand's genius and the scope of his appeal. While most of the stories are woven against a rural
backdrop, some also demonstrate an urban sensibility.

Book Description

Once again, Diana L. Paxson has beautifully elaborated on Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga with this dramatic new installment, which for the first time reveals the past of the ancestors of Avalon, from their beginnings on the doomed island of Atlantis to their escape to the mist-shrouded isle of Britain. It follows the extraordinary journey of two powerful women whose destinies will shape the fates of their physical and spiritual descendants: Tiriki, a high priestess exiled by the fall of Atlantis, torn between the claims of love and duty, and Damisa, a young acolyte of royal blood, tempted by ambition to forsake her spiritual path.

Hints of this mysterious past have haunted all the novels of Avalon, but until now the full sweep of this rich history has not been revealed. Dramatic, peopled with the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, and set in a world of enchantment that will sweep readers to a richly imagined time and place, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ancestors of Avalon is another spectacular epic that is sure to please Bradley's many ardent readers.

Customer Reviews:

Took a long time to read.......2007-10-04

I had read all of MZB's books and got through them very quickly -- they were all so delightful to read -- books you could not just put down. Then, I read this one. While it was not an "awful" book like some reviewers say, it did take a LONG time to get through.
It was a complicated story and I had to reread some parts several times to understand what was being said or going on.
No, it may not be a true MZB book, but it was a decent read, if you have a lot of time.

Not MZB but a decent read.......2007-07-22

I have read " The Mists" at least twice in the past 20 years, enjoyed as well "The Forest House" and "Lady of Avalon" and the story and characters are imprinted in my heart. Recently I came upon "The Fall of Atlantis" and although the amount of characters in such a small book was rather overwhelming, I managed to love and understand each of them as only MZB can make you do.
"Ancestors of Avalon" connects MZB's Atlantis story to Avalon and makes us believe that both places did actually exist. Diana L Paxson has her own style and takes a little getting used to on the heels of a MZB read. I had to console myself once or twice at her usage of modern vernacular that totally shocked me out of this wonderful world of the ancient past. All in all it was an entertaining visit to places that could have been real and an interesting method of weaving the two stories to each other, and to present day.

SO SO.......2007-01-19

Well, I can tell you that Marion Zimmer Bradley may have started to write this book....or had the idea of writing it, but Diana Paxon is not, and never will match the gift that Marion Zimmer Bradley had with words and story craft.

I couldn't get into it...I may finish it one day. Then again, maybe not.

I'm glad I read it but..........2006-08-09

As other reviewers have said this book does not do MZB justice. however I have read other books where MZB was not the only writer and felt I new what to expect.
For me I loved the book. It is true for several other books that I have read that once I get into a series I want to read everything in it, no matter how good it really was I still find myself enjoying the book.
It is true MZB is greatly missed and while I have read others In search of her likeness and still cannot find one. Of course I do not have as much time as I would like to read. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm reading MZB's Sword and Sorceress novels now in hopes of finding new authors.

Worth reading but disappointing too.......2006-07-18

Tiriki and Micail are married to each other and are highly ranked priests on an island of Atlantis when their world is swallowed by the ocean in a volcanic eruption. Separated they make their way on separate ships north to the the island of Britain. Neither knows if the other is alive, and they must survive in radically different situations that will not only challenge their marriage vows, but also their view of their life's purpose.

In "Ancestors of Avalon" Diana Paxson weaves the story of the founding of the order of priestesses on the Isle of Avalon and the building of Stonehenge in with the fall of Atlantis. This is a moderately interesting book that tells a big story, spans about a decade of time, and answers a lot of questions raised by Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series. A good novel not only draws you into a cleverly conceived situation, but it makes you care for the people in the situation. Although I rooted for the good guys I was not emotionally involved. Paxson could have done a better job on character development. However, the book was fun to read during that hour before I go to sleep at night.

Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ancestors Of Avalon

Average customer rating:

A Grave Disappointment
neat take on history

Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ancestors Of Avalon
Diana L. Paxson
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Priestess Of Avalon
Lady of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon #3)
The Fall of Atlantis
The Forest House (The Mists of Avalon: Prequel)
The Mists of Avalon

ASIN: B000BNPG96

Customer Reviews:

A Grave Disappointment.......2007-08-26

This book accomplishes the seemingly impossible: it breaks continuity with both The Fall of Atlantis (which it follows) and The Mists of Avalon (which it prequels), and it completes both of these feats while being a complete and utter bore.

The chief failure of this book may lie in how plot-driven it is. It seems as though the writer was so intent on getting through her plot that she forgot to devote any page-space to characterization at all, and was obliged to add bits and pieces of character moments at a later date. The fall of Atlantis is rushed through on the way to the actual plot, and has no emotional resonance. The emotional core of the novel rests instead with the separation of the main characters, Tiriki & Micail, and their desire to reunite. Unfortunately I found their love for one another hard to buy: readers are informed that this is a great love affair, but we aren't shown much evidence of it. Tiriki at least is a somewhat likable character, unlike Micail, who spends much of the novel whingeing.

The continuity problems are major: the book cannot exist in the same universe as Mists of Avalon. Paxton excuses this in the Afterword by pointing out that Marion Zimmer Bradley wasn't a stickler for continuity; She should have thought of her readers, instead.

I loved The Mists of Avalon, The Forest House, and most of The Fall of Atlantis. I stuck with the series through the diminishing quality of Lady of Avalon and Priestess of Avalon. Someone- the publishers, Paxton, Bradley's estate- seems intent on milking the franchise for all it's worth; But I'm done.

neat take on history.......2006-07-09

Ancestors of Avalon picks up where "The Fall of Atlantis" leaves off. This is the book that gives more insight to the lives of the ancients in Atlantis, and the actual devestation and destruction of their lands. The story then moves to the Atlantic Ocean, upon the ships of the fleeing Atlanteans (and other Sea Kingdom peoples).

Following different groups of refugees, you find yourself immersed in ancient Cornwall, Glastonbury (Avalon), and Stonehenge (before it was built) from 4,000 years ago. The natives that are encountered are very interesting, and as much as possible the anthropological/archeological evidences as we know them are held in check with the story. The raising of Stonehenge is very enchanting, along with the building of the spiral path around the Tor. This book is a fun read into an ancient and magical past.

This is book #2 in "The Mists of Avalon" series, to be followed with "The Forest House."

Average customer rating:

Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ancestors of Avalon
Diana L. Paxson
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Priestess Of Avalon
The Forest House (The Mists of Avalon: Prequel)
Lady of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon #3)
The Fall of Atlantis
The Mists of Avalon

ASIN: 0451461142

Book Description

Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga continues with the dramatic story of the ancestors of Avalon, from their life on the doomed island of Atlantis to their escape to the mist-shrouded isle of Britain. Woven into this extraordinary tale are the journeys of two powerful women whose destinies will shape the fate of the new line of descendants.

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ANCESTORS OF AVALON
MARION ZIMMER PAXSON, DIANA BRADLEY
Manufacturer: Voyager
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Ancestors of Avalon
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Manufacturer: Voyager
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Avalon SET of 6 Books: The Mists of Avalon + Lady of Avalon + Forest House + Priestess of Avalon + Ancestors of Avalon + Out of Avalon

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Avalon SET of 6 Books: The Mists of Avalon + Lady of Avalon + Forest House + Priestess of Avalon + Ancestors of Avalon + Out of Avalon
Marion Zimmer Bradley , Diana Paxson , and Jennifer Roberson
Manufacturer: ROC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

It is the Universal Century year 0079 and the One Year War is nearing its end. The Federation is at the edge of collapse at the hands of the mighty Zeon MS army, but the tides are about to turn with a new battalion of Federation Mobile Suits based on the Gundam. This ground assault force, led by the heroic young Shiro, is about to take on the armies of Zeon in hotspots around the world. Featuring some of the best stories and technical designs in the entire Gundam series, the Gundam Technical Manual gives the play-by-play breakdown on the characters, mechanics and story of the hit animated series seen on Cartoon Network.

Customer Reviews:

An Endless Dance in Three-Four Time.......2007-07-23

Adapted from the movie sequel to the Gundam Wing TV series, TOKYOPOP's now-defunct manga version of Endless Waltz was written and illustrated by Koichi Tokita. For those that don't know, or don't remember, the year is After Colony 196: after almost a year of bloody war, the Gundam pilots-five young but highly-trained soldiers-have brought forth peace between planet Earth and her many space colonies. And assuming that they're no longer needed, the powerful Gundam mobile suits are sent to the sun to be destroyed. But trouble brews in the new X-18999 colony. Relena Darlian, vice foreign minister of the new Earth government, is kidnapped by a new army-led by a little girl-that plots to revolt against the Earth. And if that's not enough, a Gundam pilot joins the club and brings his mobile suit with him. Now the remaining pilots must recover their weapons and fight to prevent the great tragedies of the past.

Those unfamiliar with Gundam Wing won't be able to make heads or tails out of the story; in that case, you should read the original manga first. Those up to speed won't find much of a difference between this and the Endless Waltz movie. Some new scenes are added, some are taken out, and some are switched around at the cost of the story's momentum. That and the dialogue's a little muddy. Aside from a few twists, you won't find anything particularly new in the manga, and you can probably finish it in 1 or 2 sit-downs. But for the most devoted Gundam fans, it's time well spent.

This comic is rated Y for Youth: Violence.

an amazing book.......2005-08-26

this book is very good and handy.

this book tells you everything from how big each suit is, weapons, start and planning of the counter attack, and even the metals of the suits

this book brings everything of the movie and a little bit more down to the very last detail

i reccomend this book to any true gundam fan

kickassgundam.......2004-07-11

Endless Waltz is super good the frist chapter is however boring but its the best gundam manga i have. (13) it takes place one year ofter operation meteor with this basturd trying to take over and to do that he and she will need Relena. so it's search and save for Heero and Dou + Quatre. wheres Wufei and Trowa find out in this kick ass gundam manga.

Fighting for Peace.......2003-09-22

Gundam Wing ---- Endless Waltz is one of the Gundam series, which written by two famous Japanese science fiction writer, Hajime Yadate and Yoshiyuki Tomino. They have written a lots of the Gundam series. All the Gundam series are show a grandiose history of the war in human.

The five Gundam pilots are the main character in this story. From the beginning the five youths searched for peace in themselves way. Four of them send Gundams to the sun in order to keep peace. They thought if they destroyed all weapons, the war would never happen again.

Oppositely, Wufei did not send his Gundam to the sun, because he thought peace was never became of the world. When the war broke out, Wufei joined the Mariemeia Army; he wanted to find the right just. When he did everything he asked himself ¡°Am I doing the right thing?¡± While Wufei battled with Heero, he asked Heero ¡°Are you right? Is your cause just? I am asking you if you are doing the right thing!¡± At the end, Wufei came out from the mind lost, he asked people who were eager for peace to battle with the Mariemeia Army. Finally Wufei found out his peace and joined Prevent as a Preventer, waiting for fighting for peace¡¡

For other Gundam pilots, Trowa pretended to join the Mariemeia Army, for stopping the colony from dropping on Earth; Duo went to save Relena and fought with the Mariemeia Army; Quatre tried his best to get the lost Gundams from their way to the sun, for this he almost got near to the hell ---- dead in the space.

Heero is the main character of the five Gundam pilots. It may show from the title ---- Gundam Wing, because the Gundam of Heero named Wing Zero. Heero was always silence, usually he did not say anything, but when he said something that meant he would do it in his own way, until he got the goal. While Heero battled with Wufei, he just said one sentence ¡°Wufei, self-detonation!¡± and then did move at all, because he believe Wufei would stop. While they battled the next time on Earth, he asked Wufei how many people did they have killed? And how many people they would still kill for the peace! He then dropped himself to the bottom of the ocean in order to let Wufei woke up to find the real peace! At the end, Heero confirmed that the shield was unable to destroy. After three blasts from Wing Zero, he was able to destroy the shield, but Wing Zero was also destroyed. Heero was a soldier like this, a soldier fought for peace at all costs! I give my best respect to him!

The story named Gundam Wing----Endless Waltz. It means the war likes endless waltz, human battle for any reason from human history, from the beginning but no end. Peace likes wing, sometimes near to us but sometimes far away from us. How can we do? To keep the wing holding on palm of your hand, or always waiting for the coming wind and stopping the wind blow away the wing? I will choice the last way to protect the only wing for us all.

Everyone considers that war is the ugliest cruelest thing in the word, in our deep heart. Everyone is eager for peace, they hate war hate battle. But from this science fiction book, it tells us, peace is something you have to fight for. The book really shows that the meaning of the true peace!

mobile suit gundamwing.......2003-06-13

i think it is a vary good book i like to read it all the time i wood just like to get some book gundam wing 1,2,3, and the endless waltz if i cound that wood be graet

The Gourmet's Vinaigrettes and Salads Cookbook: Superb Nouvelle Salads and Vinaigrettes for Lunch and Dinner
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The Gourmet's Vinaigrettes and Salads Cookbook: Superb Nouvelle Salads and Vinaigrettes for Lunch and Dinner
Keith A. Huffman
Manufacturer: Writer's Showcase Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Reference | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Healthy | Special Diet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Salads | Vegetables & Vegetarian | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0595288243

Book Description

The Gourmet's Vinaigrettes and Salads Cookbook

Over 180 exquisite new salads and vinaigrettes created by Chef Keith A. Huffman, offer quick, easy, and delicious ways to experiment with new flavors!

Chef Huffman began his career in St. Paul, Minnesota, after graduating from the extensive Saint Paul Technical College culinary program. While perfecting his natural ability, Chef Huffman placed in two national cooking competitions and in 1996, he was awarded the coveted Â“Silver Toque Award.Â”

Reviews

Â“The recipes in The Gourmet's Vinaigrettes and Salads Cookbook are easy to follow and you can almost taste the finished product as you read through the recipes! The Gourmet's Vinaigrettes and Salads Cookbook is a must for all professional and home cooks.Â”
Â—Chef Frankie Jedneak, Certified Executive Chef, President of the American Culinary Federation Minneapolis Chapter.

Â“The Gourmet's Vinaigrettes and Salads Cookbook contains easy to follow recipes and wonderful explanations for each. Chef Huffman uses fresh and creative ingredients to tantalize the taste buds.Â”
Â—Christopher J. Dwyer, Certified Executive Chef, Chef Instructor at Minneapolis College, Vice President of the American Culinary Federation Minneapolis Chapter.

The Gourmet's Vinaigrettes and Salads Cookbook: Superb Nouvelle Salads and Vinaigrettes for Lunch and Dinner

Average customer rating:

The Gourmet's Vinaigrettes and Salads Cookbook: Superb Nouvelle Salads and Vinaigrettes for Lunch and Dinner
Keith A. A Huffman
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7KGAY

Fishing tackle antiques and collectables: Reference and evaluation of pre-1960 tackle
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Fishing tackle antiques and collectables: Reference and evaluation of pre-1960 tackle
Karl T White
Manufacturer: Holli Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006OWW06

Fishing Tackle Antiques & Collectibles: Reference & Evaluation
Average customer rating:

FORGET USING THE PRICES IN THESE BOOKS

NEW FISHING TACKLE ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES

YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!

One of the Best Guides on the Market

Fishing Tackle Antiques & Collectibles: Reference & Evaluation
Karl T. White
Manufacturer: Holli Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Old Fishing Lures & Tackle: Identification and Value Guide (Old Fishing Lures and Tackle)

ASIN: 0963451553

Customer Reviews:

FORGET USING THE PRICES IN THESE BOOKS.......2005-05-17

The prices in the new series of books are GREATLY INFLATED and NO WHERE NEAR the real thing. The books are nice for Identification but again, should be used for that purpose only

NEW FISHING TACKLE ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES.......2003-03-07

This book was the best book on antique fishing tackle. It has been expanded into 3 volumes and so is an even better book now. The 1st Volume , Plugs (ISBN# 09634515-6-1)is 352 color pages of Plugs. The 2nd (Volume Reel, Spoons & Spinners (ISBN# 09634515-7-X) is 352 color pages of Reels and metal lures. The 3rd Volume, Flyrod Baits, Rods, Misc. (ISBN# 09634515-8-8) is 368 color pages of Rods, Flyrod Baits, boats, motors, tackleboxes etc, etc, of everything related to fishing tackle. All books are hard cover.

YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!.......2001-08-20

This is a great book for fishing lures I love it.... You can get the right prices in it that they are worth... not like the others! The other ones stink because you think that you are getting the right prices, but you are getting jipped...

One of the Best Guides on the Market.......2000-05-19

Since Mr. White's first edition of this book back in the late 80's , I have gotten each of his additional printings.......simply because it has been the best source of information on fishing tackle I have been able to find on the market. He has the most comprehensive guide for a wide range of lures, reels and rods. Thanks Karl! Keep up the good work!

Fabulous Ideas for Flea Market Finds (Memories in the Making Series)
Average customer rating:

Fun Projects

Creative & Crafty & Wonderful Ideas!!

An Arizona Quilter ~ I Love this book

Fabulous

Elegant yet practical items made from a variety of "finds".

Fabulous Ideas for Flea Market Finds (Memories in the Making Series)
Leisure Arts , and Oxmoor House
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Crafting with flea market fabrics

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ASIN: 0942237773

Customer Reviews:

Fun Projects.......2007-03-21

You will love this book. It contains a variety of projects with easy to understand instructions. Highly recommended for anyone who loves doing crafts.

Creative & Crafty & Wonderful Ideas!!.......2006-10-29

Let me start by saying I am NOT a "crafty person." BUT, the pictures, illustrations & directions seem simple to follow! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this book!!!!!!! When I looked through it, I immediatedly thought about different friends I wanted to get one for. If you like crafts & flea markets, buy this book! You won't be disappointed!!!!!!

An Arizona Quilter ~ I Love this book.......2001-10-04

This is the most fun.. creative book I have seen in awhile. I love this book! Wonderful ideas..great pictures.. absolutely..beautiful ! Fun~ Delightful book! If you like art, quilting, sewing, crafts, home decorating.. and Mary Engelbreit to Martha Stewart Livng and Laura Ashley decorating.. you will like this book! Totally cool!

Fabulous.......2000-05-12

This is a great book for anyone who wants creative ways to use and display their antiques, family heirlooms, and flea market finds. The photos are inspirational and the instructions are easy to understand. I've bought two additional copies for relatives who saw my book and loved it.

Elegant yet practical items made from a variety of "finds"........1999-06-01

This very personable book offers a novice or an accomplished crafter wonderfully interesting ideas to make with very practical items found at garage sales, flea markets, antique shops. I am now ordering books for other members of my family who have seen my book. The instructions are very easily to follow. I have already begun 3 different projects one of which is a teacup wreath that is breathtaking especially for a teapot and cup collector like myself. There so many ideas for the reasonable price of this book. It is beautifully photographed, and the authors are shown as real as the rest of us who haunt flea markets, etc.

Average customer rating:

Fabulous Ideas for Flea Market Finds
Leisure Arts
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QX1WNA

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Fabulous Ideas for Flea Market Finds
Unknown
Manufacturer: Oxmoor House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WBF322

Charming Guest Rooms: Decorating Secrets from Country Inns
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Charming Guest Rooms: Decorating Secrets from Country Inns
Mickey Baskett , and Phyllis Mueller
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Creating Great Guest Rooms

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ASIN: 0806968834

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Two successful innkeepers offer pages of grace-over-space ideas for furnishing and decorating many types of guest areas, all photographed to display magic hospitality details. Best of all: hundreds of tips for pampering guests, including seating, lighting, and privacy, along with welcoming gifts, including flowers, snacks, and gift baskets.

Amazon.com

Born Issur Danielovich to a poor family in Amsterdam, New York, Kirk Douglas changed his name and identity, rocketing to fame as one of Hollywood's great macho actors. But in the 1990s, the eighth decade of his life, Douglas was transformed by a number of tragic incidents that forced him to heed the voice of little Issur that still resided within him. This frank, smoothly written autobiography, which somehow manages to be warmhearted, pompous, and moving all at the same time, picks up where The Ragman's Son, Douglas's earlier memoir, left off. In Climbing the Mountain the actor turned philosopher talks about the helicopter accident that killed two younger men while leaving him alive, the death of his friend Burt Lancaster, and the debilitating effects of a minor stroke. All of these incidents caused him to reevaluate his life, to acknowledge the voice and integrity of the Issur Danielovich he left behind, and to return to the Jewish faith. Climbing the Mountain is the book of a real survivor, a man walking the path of old age with dignity, thoughtfulness, and humor.

Book Description

With the simple power and astonishing candor that made his 1988 autobiography, The Ragman's Son, a number one international bestseller, Kirk Douglas now shares his quest for spirituality and Jewish identity -- and his heroic fight to overcome crippling injuries and a devastating stroke. On February 13, 1991, at the age of seventy-four, Kirk Douglas, star of such major motion-picture classics as Champion, Spartacus, and Paths of Glory, was in a helicopter crash, in which two people died and he himself sustained severe back injuries. As he lay in the hospital recovering, he kept wondering: Why had two younger men died while he, who had already lived his life fully, survived? The question drove this son of a Russian-Jewish ragman to a search for his roots and on a long journey of self-discovery -- a quest not only for the meaning of life and his own relationship with God, but for his own identity as a Jew. Through the study of the Bible, Kirk Douglas found a new spirituality and purpose. His newfound faith deeply enriched his relationship with his own children and taught him -- a man who had always been famously demanding and impatient -- to listen to others and, above all, to hear his own inner voice. Told with warmth, wit, much humor, and deep passion, Climbing the Mountain is inspirational in the very best sense of the word.

Download Description

When, in 1991, Kirk Douglas survived a helicopter crash in which one man in his forties and a boy of eighteen were killed, the world-famous actor, then in his mid-seventies, lay recovering from severe injuries wondering why he had lived while two young men had died. Douglas's ensuing search for the meaning of life forms the basis of this truly moving and astonishingly candid memoir.

While seeking to understand his Jewish roots and establish a new spiritual identity -- a quest that would eventually lead to a reconciliation with his son Michael -- Douglas was again faced with tragedy that shook his faith. A crippling stroke left him paralyzed on one side of his body, unable to speak. His ultimately triumphant journey to both spiritual and physical recovery -- a dramatic story of faith and courage -- is told here with a passion and simplicity that can't help but astonish and inspire.

Customer Reviews:

The finding of new meaning in life through 'return'.......2005-02-08

After the helicopter accident in which he nearly lost his life, and two younger men who had not fully lived theirs did, Kirk Douglas came to reflect more deeply on his past and its meaning. This led him to begin learning and studying about the Jewish religion that he had been born into. Through this return he found a deeper and renewed meaning to his life.
This work is the sequel and continuation of his first autobiographical work 'Ragman's Son'. It is not as event-filled but makes up for this with its sincere reflectiveness. Douglas is a person of many talents, one of the great screen actors of America, and a person of great courage and determination.
He provides in this work a vivid example of how new meaning in life can be found by 'return' to the religious tradition in which one has been born.

Great book, but repeats most of Ragman's Son.......2004-01-19

After reading Ragman's Son, I enthusiastically bought this book. The first few chapters are mind blowing. Then Douglas starts undergoing what psychologists call "Life Review" in his attempt to assess his life and find greater spiritual meaning.
It was great, but if you've read Ragman's Son, hardly any of it was new. I felt as if I was reading 80% of the first book. Still, its a good read, and Douglas writes of his quest to find his spiritual self in a manner that I think will appeal to people who do not have religion in their lives. I definetly reccomend this book if you consider religion or spirituality overrated, but also want to find a bigger meaning to your own life.
Don't let the word "spiritual" scare you away. Douglas doesn't get preachy, "holier than thou" or dogmatic. Most of his own life was spent without an attempt to understand his own religion or a spiritual understanding of the world around him, and he still has a practical outlook.
I chose to give this book 4 stars, but if you read Ragman's Son, the reptition could be a disappointment.

Wonderful book.......2001-09-17

I really enjoyed reading this autobiography. Kirk Douglas has had enough life and experience for his two autobiographies, and at the rate he is going, he'll have enough for a third!

Kirk is unafraid to let us into his weaknesses, his fears and desires. He doesn't let anything stop him. No stroke could steal his love of life away. His spirituality sustains him, and his sharing of it sustains us.

May he have long life.

INSPIRATIONAL!.......1999-04-01

Kirk Douglas has become a member of my family by the sensitivity of his writing. I feel as if I have known him the entire 46 years I have been on earth. I recommend this book to all those that are downcast and feel that life has not been fair to them. Mr. Douglas invites you into his heart and bears his soul. If you feel you are down in the valley, you surely will climb the mountain to victory as you read every word he has to share. Reading this book brought a smile to my face, a tear in my eye and a song in my heart!!

Douglas inspires us to look again at the religion we left........1999-02-20

When he was fourteen, Kirk Douglas left the religion of his childhood. Or did he? In his later years he came to realize that his view of the religion of his childhood was childish. Paul's famous lines to the Corinthians comes to mind: "When I was a child I thought like a child, I spoke like a child, I reasoned like a child."

Many of us dismissed our religious roots without really understanding or appreciating them. Douglas moved through the decades without looking back on that adolescent's decision to 'throw the baby out with the bathwater.' Serious encounters with his health and a near-death experience forced him to look again, which he did.

He learned, as we all must, that one's true religion, after all, is a function of experience. Early in life we think religion is a set of beliefs which are handed to us and either accepted or rejected, with little or no middle ground.

With encouragement from a rabbi, Douglas looked again at the old stories and to his surprise they had taken on new meaning and depth since his earlier reading. As Joseph Campbell would say, he found himself in those old stories; he came to realize that the stories are not about other people who lived 'way back when,' but about him, or you and me when we see ourselves in the stories.

The story he tells is like a myth in which we can see ourselves--an adolescent who leaves his religion, a man who works at his career, only to end up where he started, but to 'know the place for the first time,' as T. S. Eliot said.

Climbing the Mountain (My Search for Meaning, Large Print Edition)
Average customer rating:
Climbing the Mountain (My Search for Meaning, Large Print Edition)
Kirk Douglas
Manufacturer: G K Hall-Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JZCO0U

Climbing the Mountain : My Search for Meaning
Average customer rating:
Climbing the Mountain : My Search for Meaning
Kirk Douglas
Manufacturer: New York, NY, U.S.A.: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZQNW6

Climbing The Mountain: My Search for Meaning
Average customer rating:
Climbing The Mountain: My Search for Meaning
Kirk Douglas
Manufacturer: Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000IN32WC

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