bookshelf

SECRETS OF THE PRIMAVERSE

Name: SECRETS OF THE PRIMAVERSE
Author: Joel H. Posner
ISBN: 978-1936940240

WHY GOD CANNOT EXIST & NOTHING CAN EXIST WITHOUT HIM

by Joel H. Posner ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 22, 2012

Complex and alienating, but a bold effort.

bookshelf

A slim, textually dense attempt to change the conversation between believers and atheists.

Posner explores ancient and modern questions about God’s existence and power from the point of view of philosophical arguments regarding being, ontology and more. Along the way, he coins a variety of new or unusual terms, including “tranjects,” (transcendental objects) “obvents,” (object-events) and “primaverse,” which is seemingly a complement to multiverse (multiple universe). The book’s primaverse theory suggests that God resides (as far as such a statement is possible) in a place of essential being, a place that has always existed, as compared with an emergent being, or coming into being moment to moment. This is the author’s foundation for undermining underlying assumptions about the necessity of God’s existence and statements about God’s nature. While obviously conversant in the philosophers and theologians key to his argument, Posner provides little groundwork to set up his position, with the exception of briefly referencing important past thinkers. In contrast to the heavy prose, the book occasionally assumes a light tone, e.g., one section is called “Let’s Get Metaphysical,” and each chapter begins with a short play in the style of a Socratic dialogue. These tonal shifts give the book something of an identity crisis. His argument is difficult to enter into and engage with, potentially undermining its effectiveness. Posner’s work is likely to overwhelm lay readers, and his lack of citations may put off academics. Posner is clearly widely read and knowledgeable about the topic, but he could go further in helping readers along. Those willing to do their own heavy lifting regarding the history of philosophy and theology may be able to grapple with Posner’s book; readers not interested in doing so may be left in the dust.

Complex and alienating, but a bold effort.

Pub Date: March 22, 2012

ISBN: 978-1936940240

Page Count: 140

Publisher: Metafisica

Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2013

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

bookshelf

NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

bookshelf

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

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

bookshelf

TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

bookshelf

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.