A truly beautiful work that looks behind the illusions we find comfort behind. Simple observations on what we should really be aware of are presented A truly beautiful work that looks behind the illusions we find comfort behind. Simple observations on what we should really be aware of are presented in a way that adds depth to our individual and collective search for meaning. This is definitely a 'centering' book that I will return to when I am feeling overwhelmed by life....more
The heartbreaking story of Chief Joseph is told in this striking poem. The choices he had to make; wanting to fight, yet realizing that the children oThe heartbreaking story of Chief Joseph is told in this striking poem. The choices he had to make; wanting to fight, yet realizing that the children of the Nez Perce were dying as a result of continued aggression, tells you where his heart was. This book deserves a much broader readership - in my opinion a 'forgotten' classic of American literature. ...more
Revelatory and at times feverish; communication with the divine is often confusing, words able to convey only an impression of what is being experiencRevelatory and at times feverish; communication with the divine is often confusing, words able to convey only an impression of what is being experienced. Rilke is trying to translate such an impression on two levels: understanding and transmission. Numinous and esoteric, Sonnets to Orpheus is a complex examination of the limits of semiotic expression. ...more
It always draws my attention when the classics are presented in new ways. This lavishly illustrated GN by the Brizzi brothers is a fine example of howIt always draws my attention when the classics are presented in new ways. This lavishly illustrated GN by the Brizzi brothers is a fine example of how new eyes can allow us all to see deeper into a great work of literature. It is time for me to revisit the Divine Comedy again; I will be sure to 'skim' this book to help better frame the 'fearful symmetry' of this place when I do....more
This retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale Der Gevatter Tod (Godfather Death) is a chilling tale of greed in the midst of plenty. When a fisherman asksThis retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale Der Gevatter Tod (Godfather Death) is a chilling tale of greed in the midst of plenty. When a fisherman asks Death to be his sons godfather he is give a gift: the ability to see if a person will live or die. The fisherman becomes very wealthy; but he decides to try to 'trick' Death - a very poor choice. The illustrations by Júlia Sardà are magnificent! ...more
As horrifying as anything Edgar Allen Poe ever wrote – Akutagawa is a master of ‘existential horror’ (my term). Cogwheels is the story of a man who seAs horrifying as anything Edgar Allen Poe ever wrote – Akutagawa is a master of ‘existential horror’ (my term). Cogwheels is the story of a man who sees what is behind the curtain of sanity – a sanity that is being taken away from him. Hell Screen is about an artist trying to paint the torments of damnation; but he is only able to finish with a ‘model’ to inspire him. The Spider's Thread is a tale of redemption after damnation; yet even that can be lost due to selfishness. There are some spelling errors here, but nothing you will not be able to ‘fill’ with the right word. Highest recommendation....more
Ok...lots of the cartoons here would not be politically correct today. Two cultural groups get 'hammered' here - the English (E) and the French (F) - Ok...lots of the cartoons here would not be politically correct today. Two cultural groups get 'hammered' here - the English (E) and the French (F) - especially the upper-class. Extremely stereotypical portrayals of E&F social constructs; some of it very cruel. The Chinese are also showcased in a very negative way - I understand one has to take time/place into consideration. ...more
Before it all fades away there are times when Dharma horizon can be glimpsed in reflection against last darkness and which even now is far following usBefore it all fades away there are times when Dharma horizon can be glimpsed in reflection against last darkness and which even now is far following us all the shadow that we all must fall into even as we tell ourselves that the next day is ours by proxy of existential lying.
I saw this book at the library and picked it up. So sorry that he has passed away. His voice still 'echoes' in my mind; I can remember the first time I saw this book at the library and picked it up. So sorry that he has passed away. His voice still 'echoes' in my mind; I can remember the first time I saw Darth Vader and heard that chilling voice. This book would be fantastic for a small child who is stuttering (or who is shy). Through love of literature and poetry (and the support of a caring teacher) he overcame his challenges and became the voice of so many iconic characters. R.I.P. James Earl Jones....more
Motivation, greed, ethics and loyalty all crash together in a play that looks at survival. The way we find ways to justify our actions has always fascMotivation, greed, ethics and loyalty all crash together in a play that looks at survival. The way we find ways to justify our actions has always fascinated me. In this play we see men that remind me of T.S. Eliot's poem The Hollow Men; men who have sacrificed all their morals and who now face alienation as their only commonality. I think Karl Marx would have enjoyed this play very much....more
How the Jackal ate the Elephant/The Jackal and the War Drum/The Brahmin and the Goat are included in this issue (each reviewed individually). One of tHow the Jackal ate the Elephant/The Jackal and the War Drum/The Brahmin and the Goat are included in this issue (each reviewed individually). One of the most enjoyable series of comics I have read in a long time. The art is simple but meshes well with the stories. Very much a worthwhile series of comics for grade school aged children to read....more
More tales that are reminiscent of the ones Aesop is credited with. Greed, deceit, vanity and fear are addressed in stories that warn the reader how bMore tales that are reminiscent of the ones Aesop is credited with. Greed, deceit, vanity and fear are addressed in stories that warn the reader how bad choices can lead to harm or death. A jackel wants to eat a dead elephant he has found, but is unable to penetrate it's thick hide. How can he trick a tiger to rend the hide while not giving all the meat up? Thought provoking and engaging....more
Collects Deadpool Killustrated #1-4 (each reviewed separately). Deadpool (DP) discovers that his existence (and everyone he knows) is a work of fictioCollects Deadpool Killustrated #1-4 (each reviewed separately). Deadpool (DP) discovers that his existence (and everyone he knows) is a work of fiction. In a ennui attack that tries to separate essence from existence he launches a 'meticidal' attack which is 'progenatorial' in nature. He enters the 'ideaverse' to kill all characters who have iterated a character in the MU. This leads to a solipsistic quest to kill all the characters in classical literature. Very fun and very bizarre! ...more
Deadpool (DP) vs Sherlock Holmes! DP vs The Three Musketeers! DP vs Beowulf! DP vs Mulan! DP vs Natty Bumppo! With special guest appearances of DorianDeadpool (DP) vs Sherlock Holmes! DP vs The Three Musketeers! DP vs Beowulf! DP vs Mulan! DP vs Natty Bumppo! With special guest appearances of Dorian Gray and Gregor Samsa! If you like classical literature then this is sure to make you smile! A very demented (and distinctly Pirandellian) look at characters and audience....more
Deadpool (DP) continues to carve his way through the classics! His goal is to destroy all the characters in what is called the 'ideaverse' to retro-kiDeadpool (DP) continues to carve his way through the classics! His goal is to destroy all the characters in what is called the 'ideaverse' to retro-kill everyone in the MU! For example: Mowgli = Ka-Zar (or Tarzan for that matter). Kill Mowgli and Ka-Zar never exists! Very demented concept that only makes sense because DP is at the center of it! ...more
Poor Tom Sawyer...one minute you are painting a fence white and the next minute...your blood is all over it! Really like the high octane insanity of tPoor Tom Sawyer...one minute you are painting a fence white and the next minute...your blood is all over it! Really like the high octane insanity of this series! Just when you think things could not get any worse you have to take a step back and see the bigger picture - in a universe where essence and existence are confused there is no exit!...more
Not even going to try to explain this...all you need to do is go with it... Deadpool (DP) is killing all the characters of classic literature! Don QuiNot even going to try to explain this...all you need to do is go with it... Deadpool (DP) is killing all the characters of classic literature! Don Quixote and Moby Dick are the first two to fall to DP 'metacide' - but they will not be the last! Extremely violent - but that kind of goes without saying when you have DP involved!...more
Very original take on Dracula (D) that really focuses on the relationship he has with Renfield (R). As D starts to spread his wings shadows falls acroVery original take on Dracula (D) that really focuses on the relationship he has with Renfield (R). As D starts to spread his wings shadows falls across a group of people who are not aware that they are being hunted; only R is aware that his 'master' is coming, and while everyone is trying to determine what is wrong with R they fail to heed his warning. D is coming - and very soon everyone will understand that R was the only one who tried to warn them. ...more
Tales that center around birds highlighting human attributes. Loyalty is stressed along with cooperation; building a community that helps you in timesTales that center around birds highlighting human attributes. Loyalty is stressed along with cooperation; building a community that helps you in times of need is looked at. These Aesopian type tales deserve a much wider readership. Still have quite a few of these comics to read, looking forward to diving in!...more
This 5-In-1 hardcover includes the following comics: The Mouse Merchant, The Giant and the Dwarf, The Magic Chant, The Priceless Gem and Tales of MiseThis 5-In-1 hardcover includes the following comics: The Mouse Merchant, The Giant and the Dwarf, The Magic Chant, The Priceless Gem and Tales of Misers. Each of these books have been reviewed individually by me. A wonderful introduction to tales that can hold up to anything Aesop ever wrote - should have a much wider readership!...more
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