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- Amazing
- Astonishing in Detail, Adrift in Fog
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Quincunx
Charles Palliser
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
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The Eight
ASIN: 0345371135
Release Date: 1990-11-27 |
Book Description
An extraordinary modern novel in the Victorian tradition, Charles Palliser has created something extraordinary--a plot within a plot within a plot of family secrets, mysterious clues, low-born birth, high-reaching immorality, and, always, always the fog-enshrouded, enigmatic character of 19th century -- London itself.
"You read the first page and down you wonderfully fall, into a long, large, wide world of fiction."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
Customer Reviews:
Amazing.......2007-09-22
I got this from my father (who, sadly, died 10 years ago.) He read it, and as I (finally) read it, I discovered that my mother had read it as well. She is in her 90's. I was not in a hurry to read it (by a long shot....) and figured that, if they liked it, I wouldn't. I was wrong.
Despite the awesome length, and the fact that it took about 50 pages to get into it, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in about 5 days. Absolutely fascinating. A great mystery, a compelling read, and a victorian novel. I can't stop thinking about it and wish I had more to read. Don't miss this one!
Astonishing in Detail, Adrift in Fog.......2007-02-08
Having just finished reading The Meaning of Night - A Confession, I kept trying to remember what this book reminded me of. Then it dawned on me, I had read Charles Palliser's Quincunx a number of years ago but had failed to review it. Maybe that's because it's such a prodigious piece of literature, that it stops one cold as to where to begin a review.
After several years and numerous other books, many of the finer points and details of Quincunx have escaped me, yet the feeling of the book, the sense of realism and authenticity have been reawakened by Cox's novel, The Meaning Of Night. Few books have remained with me as has The Quincunx and it was wonderful to be reminded of it again by Cox's latest work. Quincunx is a spellbinding story of murder, deceit, love, and revenge in Victorian England.
There are many who won't like Quincunx because it takes a lot out of the reader, one must pay attention and carefully because there are twists, turns, characters, and incidences that you must keep straight in order to fully appreciate the mastermind behind the novel. But, so amazing to me, is the fact that Palliser never loses the thread and even if at times, I felt a bit hoodwinked, the author does an extraordinary job of tying all of the loose ends together by the end of the book.
In fact, just reminiscing about this novel makes me want to go and read it again. I'm certain it will not disappoint. One can go again and again to this wellspring of work and never come away unfed.
It is a bibliophilic, murderous confection straight out of Dicken's period of foggy and dirty old England. It is remarkably entertaining and the ending will not disappoint.
If you enjoy English murder and mayhem, you'll like this book. I'm sorry it took me so long to come back and review it. It's not that there aren't enough reviews of the book, its just that when you're emotionally moved by a novel, you should not let it get away without decrying its amazing ability to entertain.
This book contains a deft plot, many subplots, clever mysteries, and meaty characters and an evocative ending. Though not an easy read, it is truly a wonderful adventure though it traipses through some extraordinarily dark escapades. Kudos to Palliser.
If I had three thumbs...........2007-01-30
I would give this book a three thumbs up review! Quincunx is an incredible writing feat. I can see why it took the author 12 years to complete. He has captured the essence of Dickens-like characters by getting into their skins. One would think he actually lived in the era of the incredible cast of characters. I loved the way Palliser re-capped throughout the book, using the characters to restate major events that had taken place many pages back. It isn't hard to get a bit turned around because of the many turns of events that take place. Just when the reader takes a deep breath of relief for the heroine and her son, something absolutely awful takes place and the roller coast ride is on.
This is a page-turner that transports readers to not-so-jolly England.
A Literary Jigsaw Puzzle .......2006-10-03
Here is a book of over 750 pages that I read almost ten years ago and yet I find myself still haunted by the ending. Absolutely everything in this book is there for a reason and is alternately sitting on the surface in plain sight or buried deeply in the character and plot, indeed, for maximum effect and to keep yourself from immediately re-reading the entire book--TAKE NOTES! For example, the eponymous fives (Quincunxes) are everywhere, even in the character's names (albeit twists on "five" in different languages). Try this one: Charles John Huffam Dickens (none other) was born on February 7, 1812.
The entire book is an homage to Victorian literature, particularly Dickens. With the salient and notable exception that Palliser's descriptions of the underworld are not couched in acceptable Victorian euphemisms. Definitely a book for the grown-ups, if only because it is so relentlessly dark. Just when you think something good will happen, it doesn't. But there is a point; there is a theme of the "sins of the fathers being visited upon the heads of the children." It is the story of the end (or renaissance? who knows) of a great estate.
The Quincunx demands full attention and rewards study, which is far more difficult than it seems because it is a page-turner. Again, a few helpful hints: bookmark the entrance of every new character. When you get a feeling that you are reading a clue--you are--make a note. Do not take the narrator at face value. Draw a timeline. Otherwise, you will reach the end of the book and the central mystery will remain just that. The author has stated that the answers are right there in the book and I'm not going to ruin it by giving anything away. In fact, even if you run and search the internet all you will find are several competing theories.
So get your notepad ready and read this story of a young man in Victorian England as he discovers who he is and what twists and turns of fate lie in store. The plot really is that simple--but the complications pile upon complication until your head is spinning. If you aren't careful you will end up like me, haunted by the ending. Fortunately, I can now reread it with the internet handy to check every fact. TAKE NOTES!
A long and sometimes arduous journey.......2006-09-08
Like the protaginist, the reader will be led on a long and arduous journey that could be shortened with succinct directions and a better map.
John, (think Pip in "Great Expecations"), grows through his experiences as he works his way jobbing various lower trades, illegal and not, in London. His path is made difficult by the greed, envy and vengance of both the upper and lower classes--a deprssing metaphor for mankind.
The central focus involves an estate whose ownership is coveted by a number of people, i.e. unnoble nobles. But really, does the reader care ? The descriptions of personal motives and actions are more compelling, but perhaps Greek tragedies would be a more concise source.
The descriptons of English life, especially the wretchedness of the lower clasess, are vivid. They make you realize how far we have come in America, although many of us would agree not far enough.
John, while he is a sensitive figure, is lacking a number of emotions and attitudes that I experienced as a growing boy and a teenager. It would be difficult to relate him to my children or others in that age group. Whatever dimensions you use, think John and subtract at least one.
The untidy ending, the doubts it leaves, the casual dismissal of what appear to be friends...I gave them five pounds and never saw them again, leave the adventurer hungry, tired and uneasy. Perhaps this is the affect the author is trying to achieve, but I'm not sure why. A sequel ? Prethee not.
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The Quincunx
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000EZL050 |
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Psychodynamics of Inconjunctions: The Semi-Sextile and Quincunx
Alan Epstein
Manufacturer: Red Wheel Weiser
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0877285551 |
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multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
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The Quincunx
Charles Palliser
Manufacturer: Ballantine
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ASIN: 0862412218 |
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Quincunx
Charles Palliser
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O1BKE0 |
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The Quincunx
Manufacturer: Avon
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Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GKPY6O |
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Quincunx
P. H. Colley
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ASIN: 096436851X |
Book Description
In this delightful conclusion to the Heiress trilogy, Julianne MacLean brings us a fresh twist on classic historical romance – London society as seen through the eyes of a lovely, light–hearted young outsider.
Adele Wilson firmly believes life should be calm and entirely without emotional drama. So the first landed gentleman her mother puts in front of her is the one she agrees to marry, and wedding preparations begin as neatly as she hoped. Until, on the way to seal the deal, her carriage is overtaken by ransomers. And then the ransomers are overtaken by someone handsomer, namely Damien Renshaw, Baron Alcester, cousin to her betrothed. Prim, stately Adele finds that she too is being overtaken, by the manliness of this heroic, albeit complicated man. And Damien is not totally unmoved by her challenging nature, which he believes hides a passion and recklessness never before explored. If only he can get her to explore it with him, there is no telling what kind of love – and excitement – the two of them might discover together.
Customer Reviews:
The third Wilson sister's story in MacLean's My Own Private Hero.......2006-08-11
Every now and then, I need to take a break from serious reading and dive right into something romantic and fluffy. Not that romance can't be serious, but I want something that just makes me feel good, and a good historical romance can please both my mind and the spirit. In the last few years, I've discovered that the novels of Julianne MacLean fit quite nicely into the niche that I need.
In My Own Private Hero, the tale of the third of the Wilson girls is told. Adele Wilson is the youngest of the sisters, the 'Good' one, eager to please, muffling her emotions under a mask of docile obedience. And that has lead her into agreeing a marriage with a young English nobleman with rather tight finances. But that is alright, Adele's father has made heaps of money, and is more than happy to grant it to his forthcoming son-in-law.
Harold, Lord Osulton, is nice. He's achingly nice, and sadly for Adele, so dense that he's more interested in his scientific experiments than in courting his lovely bride-to-be. But poor Adele doesn't even get that far -- in a temporary stop to pick up passengers, she's abducted right out of her bed on board ship and finds herself in a remote cottage in the wilds of the north of England. To stifle any hint of scandal, Lord Osulton sends his best friend, Damien, who is the bad, bad boy of the family to get Adele back.
Damien does get her back in the best mold of a dashing hero. But what no one counts on is Damien and Adele falling for each other, and both them struggling to fight what they want -- namely each other, and behave as proper upper crust folk.
It was this rather melodramatic start that nearly turned the book off for me. It was such a contrived setting and so overblown that I had a hard time to keep from laughing and trying to finish the rest of the book. Fortunately, once Adele is returned to the company of her fiancee and family that the story improves dramatically and actually gets to be interesting as our would be lovers grapple with the issue of mutual desire crossed by personal honor.
It's here that the novel gets to be worth it. Damien is a proud man, wanting nothing more than indulge his desire to run his manor and enjoy equestrian sports. Unhappily for him, it's the chronic lack of liquid cash that frustrates him enough to build a reputation as a rake and scoundrel. Too, there's the horrid past of his parents' death that has scarred him psychologically and fueled his own self-destructive impulses. When he runs into Adele, he's certainly attracted, but the fact that she is an innocent girl and Harold is his best friend and cousin that keeps him from letting his urge to toss her into bed run away with him. While he certainly fits in with a moody, angst ridden hero, it's the fact that he works through his issues and decides to change his life to get Adele that makes it interesting to get past the first fifty pages or so.
Adele, happily, proves throughout the book that she's hardly a wallflower either. While at first she does behave a bit helpless, I liked the fact that she did mature throughout the novel, gradually finding out what it was that she needed in her life and realizing that she didn't want to marry her fiancee, despite that he was the 'perfect' man for her. It's far better than most romances where the main characters pretty much just stay as they are throughout and never really change.
Characters from the previous two novels in the series -- To Marry the Duke and An Affair Most Wicked -- do make appearances. There is also Harold, his manipulative sister Violet, and Lady Lily, who gets her own novel in the future. While the minor characters do at times try to take over, MacLean sensibly keeps them in the background. The setting of late Victorian England is one that isn't used too often, and MacLean knows her research, from the manners, clothing to the social codes that were rigidly enforced by the threat of gossip and ostracism. It gives the right sort of 'feel' to the novel, and helps to make the situations believable towards the end.
Julianne MacLean is one of those authors that has talent, but is rather spotty about the quality of her novels. While she does use rather standard plot devices, it's her exploration of the lead characters inner lives and motivations that keep the story flowing. This one was rather satisfying after the clumsy begining, and while her more recent work is a bit overblown, I'll be keeping her on my reading lists. Her next novel is Surrender to a Scoundrel, due out in January 2007.
A nice pleasant surprise.......2005-10-01
The last of three American sisters to wed, Adele Wilson finds herself crossing the Atlantic for her own wedding to an English Lord. When she is kidnapped in the middle of the night from her ship, it is not her dashing fiancé that comes to her rescue...but his cousin Damien, who could ruin her reputation.
Dark and considered unsuitable as a marriage prospect, Damien Renshaw is perfect to perform a daring rescue. It is only the time he spends with Adele, his cousins fiancé, after saving her that leads him to believe she is more suited for him as a wife than his scientific minded cousin.
I have to admit, I was all set to not like MY OWN PRIVATE HERO. Adele always came across as perfect. She always did what she was told and is very agreeable. Wow! Did she ever surprise me! Its not that she doesn't want, or yearn to be adventuresome, its that she has an ingrained, very strong streak of sensibility. When she was returned to her fiancé, she quickly knew he wasn't the man for her. So she was torn between what she had agreed to do (marry Harold), and reaching out and grabbing what she did want. I did so enjoy watching Adele grow as she learned that sometimes the things you want the most you have to fight for, and that IS the sensible decision!
Damien is your standard rake and would have thought nothing of taking advantage of Adele, except he is honor bound to return him to his cousin Harold. It is because of this boundary he sets that he is attracted to Adele as a person rather than just another female. What could she have seen in Harold that would make her agree to marry a man so obsessed with science that he lived in a laboratory? So for me, the romance between Damien and Adele is very heart wrenching and tender. They are perfect for each other and yet fight their attraction for each other because of a man neither wants to hurt.
MY OWN PRIVATE HERO doesn't have your traditional villain; instead we just have Violet, a scheming sister that wants the money she will get when Harold marries Adele. Because of this, the story has a different "feel" to it than your normal/typical novel. I've read stories lacking a villain were it didn't work; however, for me, and in this case, it did. There was enough going on with the story as a whole to keep my interest and I really enjoyed some of the secondary characters...I'm really looking forward to Lily's story.
I recommend Julianne MacLean as an author and MY OWN PRIVATE HERO. Even though this is the conclusion to a trilogy, it can be read alone. Just know that Adele is the third sister to get married.
It was just ok.......2005-06-05
I felt the same as one of the other reviewers that there was something missing. I somewhat skimmed through the book as it never really caught me on fire as the two previous works of this triology had. The chemistry between Adele and Damian was definitely lacking. I am not giving me up on reading Ms. MacLean's novels in fact I will certainly read Lily's story. I have been reading romance novels for several years and this is not the first time that an author will have written one that just did not seem to have the spark that previous works had. I had great expectations about this book but like in the real world sometimes they just doesn't live up to them.
So much better than "To Marry a Duke".......2005-04-17
Awhile back I read about Sara and James in To Marry a Duke and just was not totally taken by their romance. This time I absolutely fell in love with Damien in this story - wow he could have rescued me any day. He was really more honorable than a rake and his cousin was just stupid and totally inept as a fiance or a potential lover - hopefully there will be no book about Harold. Damien proabably had never been fortunate to be so close to a woman of Adelle's depth of wonderful qualities. He recognized all those qualities and saw even more - her passion and zest for life that she had kept hidden for so long. They just really sizzled as a couple and it was exciting watching them come together. I absolutely loved this story - the only reason not 5 stars as I have decided to be a little tougher in my reviews - but this book is a keeper and I highly recommend it!!
so great!.......2005-01-10
wow there have been a few silly things said here.
you do NOT need to have read her other 2 books to understand this one. i never have, and it read just fine! also...the villians are not meant to be scary! i will admit that a few times the dialouge got a little too flowery, but that was it's only fault...
i really really loved this book and i think i found a new favorite author! awesome characters, chemistry, and passion! and a great story too. loved it!!!!!
Book Description
Adele Wilson has said yes to the first British lord who requested her hand. He is kind and honest. Unlike his wilder, more mysterious cousin Damien Renshaw, who seems to be bringing out Adele's passionate side? Could this love nonsense really be worth the trouble?
Adele esperaba ansiosa que la rescataran; pero quien viene en su ayuda no es su prometido, sino el primo de éste, Damien. Ambos han de hacer un gran esfuerzo; pero cuando la fuerza de atracción es tan grande, las convicciones duran poco... Cuando todo vuelve a su lugar, ambos hacen lo imposible por no quedarse de nuevo a solas.
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My Own Private Hero
Julianne MacLean
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000M23TOA |
Product Description
A historical romance by best selling author Julianne MacLean.
Book Description
When explorers on the Moon found a skeleton in a space suit of strange design, a baffling mystery began. The skeleton was undeniably human, but carbon dating showed it was older than the human race itself. The mystery deepened with the discovery of a wrecked ship on a moon of Jupiter, showing that another race had once inhabited the Solar System, originating on the now-shattered planet whose remains form the asteroid belt. Then a ship manned by the humanoid "giants" returned, bringing with it answers to the riddle of humanity's origins. But it brought great danger, as Earth found itself caught in a battle between a benevolent alien empire, and another offshoot of the human race who regarded the Earth as their property and were bent on taking it over. That was in the recent past, and the future now looked bright for Earth, as trade and knowledge flowed back and forth between Earth and Thuria, the world the Giants colonized when they left the Solar System aeons ago. Then Dr. Victor Hunt received a phone call-and the face in the phone's video screen was an older version of himself, calling from a parallel world. That was the first step in bridging the gap between the parallel universes of the "multiverse." Unfortunately, it also meant that the enemies who had been decisively defeated in one universe might still be alive and dangerous in another, and could arrive in force at any time. And the possibility soon became a frightening reality. . . .
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Library Bookwatch, published by Thomson Gale on August 1, 2005. The length of the article is 465 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Baen Books.(The Enchanter Completed)(Mad Maudlin)(A Plague of Demons and Other Stories)(Into The Looking Glass)(Mission to Minerva)(The Way to Glory)(Book Review)
Author: Gale Reference Team
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Library Bookwatch (Newsletter)
Date: August 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: NA
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Air Law Group. Reprint
Minerva S Weil
Manufacturer: s.n
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Missions & Missionary Work
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ASIN: B0007KDTE2 |
Book Description
If Jesus and Buddha were to meet, they would recognize one another as fellow prophets because they were teaching the same truths. This is the spirit conveyed, both in words and images, by this lavishly illustrated gift book.
Readers will cherish both the book's message and presentation. Here are two great spiritual teachers from two very different traditions guiding us - whether talking about love, wisdom, or materialism - along the same path.
Using meditative color photos to complement the universal truths these two charismatic figures proclaimed, this - the first trade paper edition of the illustrated edition - is an important and illuminating oracle of wisdom for all who believe that the spiritual outweighs the material. At the same time, it is a fascinating and appealing anthology of key beliefs within two of the world's great religions.
Customer Reviews:
An accesible revelation.......2007-05-25
I was raised Christian and have long practiced vipassana meditation and follow many of the non-dogmatic principles of Buddhism, so I have had many moments of cross-cultural epiphany, over the years, in which Buddhism and Christianity confirm each other. So I browsed this book with real pleasure. The side-by-side quotes often achieve a greater depth of significance than they tend to on their own, and I feel a growing sense of the universality of the basic tenets of both traditions. Whether Jesus actually came into contact with Buddhism before the age of 30 may be impossible to determine, but, as I see it, he at least had access, through insight, to the fundmantal rightness of compassion as a path, and oneness as the goal. I find the book well-conceived, lucid, approachable, and beautifully designed, too.
It is also interesting to note that this format unexpectedly foregrounds the difference between principles and mere cultural accretions. In this light, ritual practice, questions of authority and lineage, orthodoxies of all kinds, and all the other culturally-determined trappings of religion-as-practiced can be easily shucked off to reveal the "heart of the lotus" [the "plain and simple truths"] within. In this sense, the fundamental priciples of each tradition serve as a sort of Bessamer furnace for the other, ridding it of the unnecessary and increasing its universal appeal at once. Quite a brilliant idea, and well done.
Expresses the Universality of Wisdom and Truth.......2006-07-16
I've often been struck on how similar all the Salvationist religions seem to be. It's unfortunate that most of the world chooses to ignore the similarities and instead wishes to hate each other based on doctrinal differences. Just look at the current Middle Eastern situation. No doubt there are many points of difference but it appears that all the major world religions share many common points as well.
This little book is a nice reminder of how the moral and ethical systems of all major world religions run sort of parallel to each other when compared. For instance, in Buddhism as well as Christianity there are admonishments such as: do unto others as you would want them to do to you, practice compassion, contentment, do not worry about material riches, practice kindness and so forth.
In this book each chapter starts with a short commentary on the material that will follow. These are divided into headings like compassion, wisdom, salvation, etc. Then on opposite sides of the pages sayings of Jesus are put up against sayings of the Buddha. These sayings sit alone on the white page so you can read them slowly and savor them. Many people in America are probably pretty familiar with the messages of Jesus but will be surprised to find many of the Buddha's teaching use parables like we find with Jesus and contain the same messages that we find in Christianity.
Some people have bashed this book for its supposed lack of great scholarship. I believe these people are missing the point. The point of this book is to emphasize the universal element that all experiences of the sacred seem to promote. It doesn't matter if you are studying mystical Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism or Christianity-they all point to the same Truth. That is, the untalkable, unthinkable Beingness that everything comes from and is a part of. Call it Godhead or God but it's the nonduality and Oneness of everything. It makes no difference if these sayings actually came from a real person with the title of Buddha or not. What matters is the path to freedom and liberation that they express. Does not being a work of great scholarship detract from the value people can gain by reading these sayings?
For these reasons I highly recommend the book. Anyone can pick it up and read these little quips and experience a better mood right off. What greater source of inspiration and enlightenment than to read sayings from two of the greatest men that ever lived and their commitment to serve and better humanity all of their lives? Their timeless messages and teachings will continue to live on and change those that embrace them.
Truly Shocking Parallels.......2006-05-28
I was a Christian who has converted to Buddhism, and I was shocked at the parallels not only in sayings but in deeds.I say this before I found this book after reading the new testament and some of the Budhist scriptures. This book is a great summary of the sayings.Here are some of the parrallels in this book:
They both supposedly walked on water.
Their was an earthquake at both of their deaths.
They both taught it was useless to worry.
Both fought a devil before their ministry began.
They both taught to not seek treasure in this world.
They both were homeless wanderers.
They both supposedly walked through walls.
Both had disciples leave because the path was to hard.
Common people thought both of them spoke like no one else ever had.
Both were believed to be celebate.
Both were born princes.(Jesus as heir to the Davidic throne)
Both taught to love your neighbor as yourself.
The book is set up where facing pages have the exact quote of Christian scripture on the left and Buddhist scripture on the right.Some are shocking because of the very close wording used. This book is well worth the money to read and keep as a reference.
Two Cool Ones.......2006-02-20
Jesus is worshipped as Son of God...it is a religion. True nature of Buddhism is not religion...it is a Teacher/Student relationship. There is much misconception in this regard.
Jesus and Buddha are similar in many ways. I believe they ended up on the same path of enlightenment, truth, and understaning and awareness of the truth, the real nature of the universes. Both stressed the law of cause and effect, or karma...just worded it a bit differently...This is how the Universe works..it is the law. Anyways, Both highly esteemed enlightened ones ended up dedicating their lives to teach and for the benifit of others. The big difference between the two...Buddha was born rich, Jesus poor...they both ended up on the same path. Many believe Jesus was the devine Son of God...the only way to truth...but bascially they ended up on the same path...one had a silver spoon, the other some hay and a goat as a kid. Their teachings are very similar except for certain key aspects. Generally both Buddhism and the Teachings of Jesus emphasise thinking outside yourself for the soul purpose of the benefit of others, deny yourself, honesty, anti materialism...happiness comes from withing...the devine original nature..we are just deluded...must clear the mind :-) Ultimately...sacrifice you for others...the ultimate love. Or pray to God for everything...(big difference between Christan and Buddhist practice. YOu can both respect and love thy creator, be a Catholic even, yet practice Buddhism as well. Actually to deny your religion for the sake of practicing Buddhism...this is dishonarable to your master. Good behaviours and deeds will help...never fail..maybe even gain you a big of devine assistance....It is always up to the higher beings...but goodness is essential...all that good stuff...I know from experience...it works. This book was recommended to me by a professor friend of mine affiliated w/ Oregon State University...I will read it as it sound interesting.
One hand claps........2005-11-20
Marcus Borg may be the most reasonable member of the Jesus Seminar. His books on the "historical Jesus," while I think deeply mistaken (as I explain in my book, Why the Jesus Seminar can't find Jesus, and Grandma Marshall Could), do demonstrate intelligence, learning, and often worthwhile insight into one of the traditions he compares in this book. Since he does not claim to be a Buddha scholar, it might seem reasonable to cut him some slack. After all, many of the quotes he gives from Jesus and Buddha do sound similiar. And there is no denying either the charm of Borg's gentle approach, or of many of the quotes themselves.
However, Borg's approach is amateurish and naive, making his conclusions deeply misleading.
To begin with, Borg stacks the deck. He does not compare Buddha's teachings on the evils of making love to one's wife (in the sutra called "Defeat") with similar passages from Jesus, or Jesus' confrontations with political critics with similar problems encountered by Buddha, because such parallels do not exist. Borg only selects points that enhance his argument. But Borg admits that, so perhaps we can let it slide.
More seriously, really Borg does not compare Jesus and Buddha at all. He compares a whittled-down selection of Jesus sayings, written within a few short years of the Master's life, with a vast library of Buddha material written by all kinds of people over several hundred years. At one point he says, "One might even say that becoming a bodhisattva is the goal of the fully developed Christian life." Never mind that this Mahayana concept only appeared half a millennia after Buddha! Such comparisons are worse than meaningless. If I sifted 150 years of Marxist tradition, I could easily find sayings that parallel passages in the Gospels -- but setting them side by side would not mean that the real Marx taught his disciples to turn the other cheek.
Why does Borg not compare the historical Jesus to the historical Buddha? The real reason, aside from the fact that he is admittedly an "amateur" on Buddha, may be that our earliest sources are too remote from Siddhartha to be sure what he was like. In the Dharmapadda, Buddha appears as a kind, gentle thinker like the present Dalai Lama. In other sutras, he is a hippy who leaves home in search of a better commune. Elsewhere he brags like the vain Bagwan Rajneesh: "I am the Tathagata, the teacher of gods and men, omniscient and endowed with all powers." The various Buddha materials do not come from the same century, let alone the same man. Borg is trying to clap pretty solid historical materials (Jesus in the Gospels) against empty air (sutras that do not in fact come from Buddha at all).
The critic who replies that the ministry of Buddha was longer, so more materials would be available for his life, is just missing the point. After a few centuries of oral tradition and free creation of new sutras, in a culture that did not (like the Jews or Chinese) emphasize historicity, it is hard to figure out from the resulting libaries of material what Buddha actually said, or even was. The same is simply not the case with 1st Century writings by Jewish followers of Jesus, written within the natural life-spans of his first disciples, that show strong internal and external markings of basic historical accuracy. (As even the JS often admits.)
Thirdly, some of the parallels here seem to owe more to similarity of wording than intent. While the Gospel may call a Christian to "hate" his family in the sense of putting God first, Jesus' early disciples do not seem to have left spouse or offspring, as Buddha taught his disciples to do. By "salvation" Buddha means freedom from rebirth, while Jesus means a new birth from Heaven.
What is left of these parallels? Probably "compassion" was important both to Jesus and to Buddha. But from the 1st Century, Christians have not only admitted, but insisted, that moral truth, what C. S. Lewis called the "tao" (following Confucius), is universal. Of course Buddha taught kindness; what else would anyone with a conscience teach? But such a beautiful source of Buddhist compassion as the Dharmapadda contains no hint that Buddha did any miracles. There is little historical evidence that he was a "person of the spirit" in that sense.
Several reviewers say this book is not for scholars. Actually, some of the quotes in it may intrigue anyone. But no one with integrity, scholar or layman, should read too much into such forced parallels.
Marcus Borg ought to know better. His arguments about
"people of the spirit" should rest on serious scholarship. In a sense, though, Borg does truth a service, by showing how far afield one needs to go to find parallels to the Gospel story, and how weak those parallels prove, when tested critically.
Books:
- Richard Brautigan's Trout Fishing in America, The Pill versus The Springhill Mine Disaster, and In Watermelon Sugar
- Season In Purgatory, A
- Sputnik Sweetheart
- Suttree
- Taft: A Novel
- Tapestry of Spies
- The 25th Hour
- The Antelope Wife: A Novel
- The Better of McSweeney's, Volume 1
- The Black Flower: A Novel of the Civil War
Books Index
Books Home
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