by Abolghassem Khamneipur ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 21, 2015
An indispensable introduction to the history of Zoroastrianism.
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A comprehensive introduction to the ancient philosopher Zarathustra.
It’s likely that Western readers are familiar with the ancient philosophical and religious figure Zoroaster (aka Zarathustra) through Friedrich Nietzsche’s 1893 work Also Sprach Zarathustra but that few have ever encountered Zoroaster’s own writings. Khamneipur, in this remarkably readable, assured nonfiction debut, acknowledges this fact and aims to pull together the history and scholarship of Zoroaster for a broad, nonspecialist audience. The author opens his examination with a detailed overview of Zoroastrianism itself, derived from sacred scriptures, beginning with the eternal struggle between the benevolent creator-god Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, who represents “darkness, lies, and falsehood.” He grounds his readers in a fast-paced but substantial history of ancient Iran, then offers a well-researched biography of Zoroaster himself. The book’s strongest overview, though, is not of the man but of his faith, from its obscure beginnings to its great flowering under the Sassanian dynasty, which ruled the Persian Empire from 224 to 651 (“the last great Iranian empire before the Muslim conquest”). It follows the religion through various revivals and rebellions, such as the revolt of Babak Khorramdin and his followers against the Abassid Caliphate in the early ninth century. Khamneipur details the many threats to the ancient faith, represented by ideological rivals such as Mazdak, Mani, and Mohammed, and rounds out his account with a brief but authoritative look at Zoroastrianism in the present world, set against a broader discussion of humanity’s long history with theism and deism of all kinds. Readers of such popular religious history writers as Karen Armstrong will find a great deal in these pages to interest them. Overall, Khamneipur has written a thoughtful, entirely accessible examination of one of the world’s oldest religions.
An indispensable introduction to the history of Zoroastrianism.Pub Date: Oct. 21, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4602-6881-0
Page Count: 504
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: Dec. 18, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2016
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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