JERUSALEM, SHINING STILL

by Karla Kuskin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1987

Three thousand years have passed and still Jerusalem shines,"" ends this fine, dispassionate history of one of the world's most fought-over cities. The whole of history--from David's victory over Goliath and his resolve to build a city, to the present tenuous peace since the Six Day War--is seen as waves of people washing over the city with their beliefs, then being overwhelmed in turn. No right or wrong is discussed; no religion is singled out as the true faith. Events occur; the city changes but endures. A marvelously stoic chorus is reiterated: ""When times are good they will get worse; when times are bad they will get better."" Thus, ""When men go to war very few of them win,"" and the walls are ""lifted and shifted"" or battered and broken. The rhythmic text dances out of prose into poetry, echoed and reinforced by Frampton's remarkable woodcuts, which incorporate archaic styles, modernisms, a sense of humor, the sweeping waves of history, and the glittering beauty of Jerusalem. His vigorous design and bold, black line are enhanced by the addition of a subtle array of earth tones and muted primary colors. A fine conception, beautifully realized.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S