Book Description
Introduction by Otto Boele Afterword by Nicholas Luker
"It evoked almost unprecedented discussions, like those at the time of Turgenev's Fathers and Sons. Some praised the novel far more than it deserved, others complained bitterly that it was a defamation of youth. I may, however, without exaggeration assert that no one in Russia took the trouble to fathom the ideas of the novel. The eulogies and condemnations are equally one-sided."
Thus did Mikhail Artsybashev (1878-1927), whose novels and short stories are suffused with themes of sex, suicide, and murder, describe the reaction to publication in 1907 of Sanin, his second novel. The work provoked heated debates among the Russian reading public, and the journal in which it was published serially was soon closed down by the authorities.
The hero of Artsybashev's novel exhibits a set of new values to be contrasted with the morality of the older Russian intelligentsia. Sanin is an attractive, clever, powerful, life-loving man who is, at the same time, an amoral and carnal animal, bored both by politics and by religion. During the novel he lusts after his own sister, but defends her when she is betrayed by an arrogant officer; he deflowers an innocent-but-willing virgin; and encourages a Jewish friend to end his self-doubts by committing suicide. Sanin's extreme individualism greatly appealed to young people in Russia during the twilight years of the Romanov regime. "Saninism" was marked by sensualism, self-gratification, and self-destruction--and gained in credibility in an atmosphere of moral and spiritual despondency.
Artybashev drew upon a wide range of sources for his inspiration--Sanin owes debts to Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground, Nietzsche's notion of the "superman," and the work of the individualist anarchist philosopher Johann Kaspar Schmidt. Michael R. Katz's translation of this controversial novel is the first into English in almost seventy years.
"Russian pornography is not plain pornography such as the French and Germans produce, but pornography with ideas."--Kornei Chukovsky
"Those who saw in the much discussed novel only suggestive scenes, shocking their morality or titillating their senses, were mistaken; it was, as usual in Russia, a book with a message, and Sanin slept with all his mistresses to prove a thesis rather than to obey a natural urge."--Marc Slonim
Customer Reviews:
Breath of fresh air.......2004-08-30
What an enjoyable read! Although, past indiscretions aside, I could not relate to the amoral ideas, the 'revaluation of values' was refreshing. Despite an early, curious contemptuous barb at Nietzsche in the book, this is his 'Overman' or 'Superman'!
I particularly enjoy the scene where Sanin is visited by his sister's subduer and his comrade. I love how Sanin has the courage to say what is exactly on his mind (this in a time when it was completely improper!) regardless of the consequences. It makes you realize how absurd human behavior is insofar as the truth being the last thing anyone is really interested in!
You may not agree with the philosophy in this book. I did not always. However, the important thing is to not take literature like this as a destructive promulgation of immorality but rather an open mind to a different view!
Real Cool Book.......2004-07-23
I found Sanin, as you probably did, sort of by accident, but have enjoyed it as much as anything I've read for a while. Although the back cover uses the word "pornography" umpteen times, Sanin isn't explicit in the slightest, although it does address sexuality in a refreshingly straightforward way. It's wonderful at capturing the way that young bodies call to each other under the fashionable facades, and how the most elevated of thoughts can be hijacked by lust. Being Russian, it's also a novel of ideas, in this case the titular character's free spirited nihilism, the sort of anarchy of ideas that were released from the pandora's box of oppression, placing it in the tradition of Lermontov's Hero of our Time, or Dostoevsky's The Devils. It's also more ambigious than it might seem, allowing the reader to see exactly how destructive those ideas can become and letting us make our own judgement on the nominal "hero." (I think he's kind of a jerk myself, though there are plenty of teens and twenty year olds who would idolize him.) This is the kind of book that completely shames what passes for literature today. It's vigorous, full of ideas, well written, titilating without being sensationalistic, extremely ambitious and not overwhelmed with having "sympathetic" characters or being commercial or politically correct. Love him or hate him Sanin will blow your mind and there aren't many books of today that can say that!
Book Description
Arthur Pendragon is King! Unchallenged on the battlefield, he melds the country together in a time of promise. But sinister powers plot to destroy Camelot, and when the witch-queen Morgause -- Arthur's own half sister -- ensnares him in an incestuous liaison, a fatal web of love, betrayal, and bloody vengeance is woven.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
Merlin, working through and with Arthur has managed to establish
Camelot, and end the wars for conquest of Britain. He now sits as a
counsellor for Arthur.
He is aging, and his powers leaving him, so he decides to train a
successor. Arthur's relatives in the north have different ambitions to
Arthur and Camelot.
the 3rd of 4.......2007-05-14
Arthur is now firmly on the thrown, but his worries are not over. Treachery is around him and within his own family, with the plotting of his sister Morgause and the bearing of his illegitimate son Mordred, the series continues to entertain.
The Series is completed with the next novel The Wicked Day (The Arthurian Saga, Book 4)
The "Dark Ages" weren't so dark after all . . ........2006-09-12
Compared to the first two volumes of the "Merlin" trilogy, this concluding volume is a bit weak -- but it's still far ahead of most romantic historical novels. Perhaps it's because, by the nature of the narrative, Merlin must now take a back seat to the adult Arthur, the High King and a growing legend to his people. The enchanter is also growing older, the power of the gods is leaving him bit by bit, and he's relegated to undercover espionage work in the north of the country, spying on Arthur's treacherous half-sister, Morgause. Stewart does a good job of re-interpreting the legend of Merlin being shut up alive ("waiting") in his cave in the hollow hill, and, as throughout the 900 pages of the trilogy, the author displays amazing powers of description, both of the characters and of their surroundings. Give it ten years to settle into my unconscious and I shall be re-reading this marvelous epic yet again.
So enchanting I dreaded the end!.......2006-07-17
The Last Enchantment follows Aruthur as England flowers under his glory and leadership. And Merlin, the wizard and counselor, becomes old and seeks an apprentice. Someone to teach in order to provide guidance and hope for King Arthur. Mistakenly, a girl Nimue is taken in as Merlin's apprentice and she in turn become a lot more than an apprentice. Even though Nimue is good, I cannot really like her as a character. But she still adds much to the beautiful tapestry of this series. This is probably the most perfect of the books in the series.
Enchanted, once more.......2005-07-05
A long time ago, I read Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy, which consists of three books: The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, and The Last Enchantment. I had last read the trilogy back in the mid-1980s, back when I was in high school. So, recently I turned back to these old favorites, and found myself enjoying the tale once again.
Here's a brief background of the story, without spoiling it too much for potential readers. England is suffering under fractured leadership following the departure of the Romans, some time before. England is broken up into several small kingdoms, with a High King to hold them all together, and to try to repell the Saxon threat already encamped on the shores. Into this time, Merlin is born, the bastard child of a local princess. The trilogy tells the tale of his life.
In the first book, Merlin is first a small boy in Wales, where he finds his tutor in magic and the gods and medicine, and is touched by the prophecy which will shape his whole life's work. He flees Wales, for his own protection, and his subsequent actions inexorably lead to the conception of a child: Arthur, the future High King.
In the second book, Merlin is charged by both the High King, Uthur, and his god to keep Arthur in his care, and to train him for his coming challenges. The story closes with Arthur assuming the mantle of leadership, following the passing of Uthur.
In the third book, Arthur and Merlin work to end the Saxon threat, found Camelot, and close with Merlin's final destiny, as he had long since foreseen...almost.
The tale is told in the first person: Merlin. In this fashion, the story feels personal in a way that few other Arthurian fantasies ever have. Merlin, the character, is a sympathetic one: he has good in his heart, he looks after his mission in life with care and humility, and he certainly doesn't buy into this "Merlin the Enchanter" crap circulating about England...though he's not above using it to his benefit from time to time. The other characters in the story are also fleshed out with care...and the characters are certainly not one-dimensional or static.
The storyline is clearly grounded in historical "facts", as much as possible. Clearly Mary Stewart put some time into research, before beginning the writing of this tale.
The writing style is very descriptive. In some novels, the description is somewhat threadbare, willing the reader to fill in the look of the setting to some extent with their own imagination. It's a perfectly valid writing style, and I've enjoyed many books written with that style. Here, however, Mary Stewart has sought to ground us, again, in a historical setting, and she puts a lot of attention into describing the setting so as to help with that grounding process. It's very effective.
So, with the close of the tale, I feel somewhat saddened. Merlin became like a friend. So, I encourage other readers to pick up the challenge, and read the Merlin Trilogy, so you can be touched in this way also.
Product Description
Boxed Set of three paperbacks include:THE CRYSTAL CAVE - by Mary Stewart Who was Merlin? Was the famed magician of Camelot and King Arthur's court really a sinister all-powerful being from another world? Was he truly a Price of Darkness? Or was he a man with the passions of other mortals? A man with unique intelligence and unusual gifts? Why was he so feared? How did he come by his occult powers? Why was the crystal cave so important to himStewart's novel brings to vibrant life one of the world's great legends and sheds a fascinating new light on the turbulence and mystery of fifth-century this enthralling work, Mary Stewart once more shows her own great wizardry. Again she reveals those qualities of suspense and romantic adventure that have made her one of the world's widely read novelists.THE HOLLOW HILLS - by Mary Stewart The spellbinding, suspenseful story of how Merlin, the Enchanter, helped Arthur become king of all Britain - a magnificent novel set in a time when no life is safe, no law stable. The prophetic voice of Merlin communicates not only the bristling atmosphere of the story's ancient setting but also its profound relevance to our time. Once again, as she did in her bestselling The Crystal Cave, Mary Stewart provides a glowing re-creation of pre-Camelot England.THE LAST ENCHANTMENT - by Mary Stewart Arthur is King! But while challenged on the battlefield, sinister powers plot to destroy him in his own Camelot. When the rose-gold witch Morgause, Arthur's half-sister, ensnares him into an incestuous liaison - and bears his son, Mordred, to use to her own evil ends - a fatal web of love, betrayal and bloody vengeance is through the eyes of Arthur's prophetic protector, Merlin - whose own mysterious powers are in dire danger - here is a tale rich with the majesty and turbulence of the magnificent legend it tells...resplendent with Mary Stewart's own special magic.
Book Description
This spring, Poul Anderson, winner of the Nebula Grand Master Award for Lifetime Achievement, published Operation Luna, the long-awaited sequel to Operation Chaos. Here, available as a beautifully repackaged trade paperback, is the science fantasy extravaganza that started it all. In a war waged against black magic, the fact that Steve is a werewolf and his wife is a highly skilled witch is not unusual. But their adventures prove very unusual, even for their world, when they are given the task of neutralizing an enemys ultimate weapon, the worlds most powerful demon.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
There are a few stories in this book that are self-contained. The basic premise is of supernatural secret agents.
Steve is a werewolf, his wife Virginia is a witch. She of course has a familiar, so some of the
family get along like literal cats and dogs. This goes from spy story to humour.
The best pure fantasy novel I have ever read. A Classic........2005-01-14
This one is a true classic of the fantasy genre. The premise, however, is straightforward: the novel takes place in an alternate universe much like our own except for one thing: here, magic exists as a practical means of doing things, and various human beings are adepts at various types of magic. The protagonist is a true werewolf, his co-protagonist girlfriend/wife is a witch.
There is a plot and a conflict, and this one is great fun and quite interesting. The prose is also superb, which makes this fantasy novel an enjoyable page-turner, very unlike most fantasy novels, at least in my opinion. Here Anderson proves that he was very capable of writing either "hard" SF (for which he is probably best known) or Grade-A fantasy. Not many authors can do that, and perhaps none as well as Anderson. This one is a true pleasure to read and to recommend.
Science fantasy at its peak. Clever and exciting........2004-01-18
If you've never read anything in the unusual genre of science fantasy that blends science fiction and magic, this is the place to start. It`s one of the classics of the unique genre.
This book consists of four connected novellas published between 1956 and 1969 in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction: "Operation Afreet," "Operation Salamander," "Operation Incubus," and the three-part "Operation Changeling." Anderson added linking material for book publication in the 70s.
Heroes Steve (a werewolf) and Virginia (his witch wife) fight against a demon being used as a superweapon in World War II, stop an elemental college prank gone amok, confront a succubus/incubus on their romantic getaway, and enter the hell dimension to save their daughter. The tone changes between the different segments: the college story is riotously funny and played almost strictly for laughs, while the lengthy final novella emphasizes heavy science, a deadly-serious quest, and thought-provoking satire on religious zeal gone wrong. But ultimately, I'm not complaining: this is top-notch science-fantasy and an example of what an incredible talen the late Poul Anderson was. His logical approach to fantasy makes magic and the supernatural into scientific forces that operate in his fictional universe the same way that modern technology operates in ours. The world of _Operation Chaos_ is recognizable as 20th-century America, except that magic is this world's science, and is treated in the same way that scientific theories and inventions are in our own. Anderson handles this difficult conceit to near perfection, writing fantasy with the techniques of science fiction.
Come on, take the ride into chaos!
A classic of Science Fantasy back in print again!.......1999-11-18
In 1971, Poul Anderson combined a number of his stories of Steve (the werewolf husband) and Virginia (a witch of great strength and beauty) into a novel which is unique in that it is as powerful and relevant today as it was 30 years ago. In fact, isnt there a similar team on Buffy, The Vampire Slayer?
The adventures of this dynamic duo are exciting and fun, while Poul Anderson expounds wonderfully humorous parodies of modern society in the alternate reality in which the novel is set. The Orb edition is a wonderful way to keep this book around and share with your friends. Highly recommended.
Classic!!!.......1999-10-23
There are infinite number of time streams in the universe including one in which a large segment of the earth populace uses magic. In the first century BC, the physical rules governing magic were discovered. Two millenniums later, magic is considered a combination science and religion that centers on spells that harness supernatural energies.
In this modern world reside two individuals who will impact the future of civilization, which is why the Adversary keeps close watch over them. Werewolf Steve Matuchek and witch Ginny Greylock meet just outside Trollsberg, Oregon. They are in a battle with the Saracen Caliphrate, an extremist Morlen sect. The duo must retake the town if they are to drive the sect out of the United States. Ginny and Steve succeed in their endeavor, and fall in love with one another during their encounters. They marry and beget a baby. However, a few years later that infant is kidnapped and taken to Hell. Steve and Ginny follow in hot pursuit of their beloved child.
The reprinting of the 1970's OPERATION CHAOS shows the highly regarded novel passes the time test required of being labeled a classic. Science Fiction giant Poul Anderson paved the way for many of the next two decades' great writers such as Huff, Hamilton, and Lisle with works like this one where an alternate earth seems physically real. The engrossing story line focuses on Steve and Ginny, who appear to be real persona in spite of their supernatural tendencies. Mr. Anderson's novels retain their freshness and that make him a hall of fame level of story teller.
Customer Reviews:
What does the Lord require?.......2004-05-02
Mary Alice Mulligan and Rufus Burrow, Jr. (both professors at my seminary, with whom I have studied in the past few years) collaborated on this book that from the very title presents a challenge to anyone who steps into a pulpit or assumes the role of minister or pastor - who do we think we are, and who are we called to be? To dare to speak in God's name is no small task, but the world calls out for a response to the evil that occurs every day. From the very first chapter, Mulligan and Burrow challenge the church, stating that there is little of what might be considered ethical and prophetic witness in the church today, no real voice and action that takes a stand against great oppression and violence against marginalised and oppressed people. They look at the sociological development and current difficulty both in communal society generally as well as the contemporary church. Part of this comes even from seminaries, where the three-fold call of ministers as pastors, priests and prophets gets squeezed into the practical aspects of pastorate and priesthood, since prophetic witness is both difficult to quantify and (apparently) implement in parish settings.
To this end, this is a practical text. Each chapter ends with a section entitled 'Lessons for Ministry', in which specific ideas and suggestions are given for consideration and work both individual and communal in churches (and ultimately, if anything is to be effective across the church, it must make the jump from being individual to being communal).
The substance of the text is interesting; it will probably not be completely new to any seminary-trained reader (one hopes that the material here was encountered in some form during seminary!), but the hope for the authors is to reinvigorate the call to prophetic ministry in these leaders. For lay leaders and other interested persons, some of the material will likely be new, but it is engaging and accessible - this is no philosophical, systematic theology text, but in many ways a very practical and down-to-earth text (indeed, one of the chapters is even entitled 'A View from Dirt Level').
Burrow has a deep love for Rabbi Heschel, which comes out in his teaching, drawing extensively on his work on the prophets and his interpretation of their meaning for social and ethical action today. Mulligan's interest and passion for the field comes across clearly also, and both Burrow and Mulligan embody elements of the prophetic in their teaching and preaching. They draw on many voices, taking special care to incorporate the voices often overlooked among their sources.
Perhaps the most interesting chapter for me was the fourth chapter, devoted to a special look at the prophet Micah - what does the Lord require? The authors state, 'the words in Micah 6.8 comprise the most profound summary of ethical prophetic ideals in the entire First Testament.' This small verse echoes the same ideals as Isaiah, Amos, Hosea... Micah was writing at a difficult time, and we live in troubled times, keeping the call of Micah ever present and pressing. Micah was no professional theologian or professor, no seminary-trained pastor or even a secular professional - he was a peasant farmer (what we might call today a 'poor dirt farmer') who nonetheless experienced a radical and powerful (and somewhat dangerous) call from God. Being one of the oppressed, he could speak of and for the oppressed in ways that the more privileged and royal castes could not. This is very powerful, and a lesson to take to heart.
The book concludes with an excellent bibliography, a snapshot of available reading in the area of ethical and prophetic ministry, as well as a thorough and useful index. A book to be read by anyone concerned about the church and God's call to them, this would make a great gift for others, and a great gift for oneself, too.
Average customer rating:
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The Winemakers' Essential Phrasebook (Mitchell Beazley Drink)
James March
Manufacturer: Mitchell Beazley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback
 Spirits
| Drinks & Beverages
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Wine & Winemaking
| Wine
| Drinks & Beverages
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Phrasebooks - General
| Instruction
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Agricultural Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1840007826 |
Book Description
This groundbreaking international phrasebook is a thorough, extensive compilation of the most commonly used and practical winemaking terms and phrases in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. It’s divided into five sections: glossary of words, introductory terms, viticulture, vinification, and tasting. Over 2,000 phrases in English cover every process involved in making every type of wine, and icons allow quick reference to the chosen language or section.
Average customer rating:
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Kovels' Yellow Pages, 2nd Edition A Resource Guide for Collectors: A Collector's Directory of Names, Addresses, Telephone and Fax Numbers, E-Mail, and ... Pricing Your Antiques (Kovel's Yellow Pages)
Ralph Kovel , and
Terry Kovel
Manufacturer: Random House Reference
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Antiques & Collectibles
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Antiques & Collectibles
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Directories
| Catalogs & Directories
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List, 38th Edition, 2006 (Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List)
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Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2007 (Antique Trader Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide)
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Kovels' Know Your Collectibles
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How to Make $20,000 a Year in Antiques and Collectibles Without Leaving Your Job
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Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List, 39th Edition, 2007 (Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List)
ASIN: 0609806246
Release Date: 2003-08-26 |
Book Description
The hard-to-find information, sources, and addresses that collectors need for repairing, caring for, and finding buyers for antiques and collectibles are all in this book. To gather the information for this book, Ralph and Terry Kovel contacted more than 3,000 suppliers, clubs, auctions, services, and other industry sources around the country, making this the most up-to-date and complete reference of its kind.
Book Description
Designer and busy mom Katheryn Beiber has learned to work in 15 minute increments. And these 30 projects, made from luscious hand-dyed silk ribbons and vintage jewelry, were devised in much the same way--on the move. With plenty of diagrams to illustrate each stitch, fold, and gather, Beiber presents all the basics, from the tools to use to the embroidery techniques. But it's the exquisite items that will enchant, including a vintage rose or butterfly bookmark; a "sweetheart outfit" for a little girl; and an heirloom hat decorated with crystals, beads, and flower pins.
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Simply Mexican: Painted Furniture Patterns to Pull Out and Trace
Jocasta Innes
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Style
| Interior Design
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Decorative Arts
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Style
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0517587076
Release Date: 1991-12-31 |
Average customer rating:
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Dutch Design 2002-2003: 5 Index/Business Card
Manufacturer: BIS (Holland)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
European
| Regional
| History & Criticism
| Arts & Photography
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| Books
Advertising
| Commercial
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
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| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
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General
| Arts & Photography
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Dutch
| Foreign Language Nonfiction
| Nonfiction
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Dutch
| Foreign Language Books
| Specialty Stores
| Books
ASIN: 9063690045 |
Average customer rating:
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Jeannie Robertson: Emergent Singer, Transformative Voice (Publications of the American Folklore Society New Series)
James Porter , and
Herschel Gower
Manufacturer: University of Tennessee Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Voice
| Instruments & Performers
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Entertainment
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| Books
Folk & Traditional
| Musical Genres
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| Entertainment
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Country & Folk
| Composers & Musicians
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General
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ASIN: 0870499041 |
Books:
- Season of the Snake: A Novel
- Secresy (Darkhorse Series)
- Seven Peaches: The First Seven Desert Peach Episodes
- Spinoza of Market Street and Other Stories
- Stonedial
- Strong for Potatoes: A Novel
- Summerhouse, Later: Stories
- Synners
- The Aftermath: A Novel of Survival
- The Bay of Love and Sorrows
Books Index
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We (Twentieth-Century Classics)
