Book Description
Often considered a prologue to
Dostoevsky’s brilliant novels, the story “Notes from Underground” introduces one of the great anti-heroes in literature: the underground man, who lives on the fringes of society. In an impassioned, manic monologue this character—plagued by shame, guilt, and alienation—argues that reason is merely a flimsy construction built upon humanity’s essentially irrational core. Internal conflict is also explored in “The Double,” a surreal tale of a government clerk who meets a more unpleasant version of himself and is changed as a result.
In addition to these two existential classics, this collection also includes the psychologically probing stories “The Meek One,” “The Dream of a Ridiculous Man,” and “White Nights.”
Customer Reviews:
Good Quality Edition.......2007-01-09
As everyone's said, these are good short stories by Dostoevsky to have read. They're all available for free online, of course, but I prefer to have a book such as this on hand instead, even if it means paying the five dollars.
For one, there is the motivational factor involved. I bought this book largely for the Notes From Underground, but the fact that there are other stories on there, and the fact that I payed for them, led me to read them as well. In this way, I discovered how great a story White Nights is, and I doubt I would have read it without buying this book.
Then there is also the introduction and footnotes that expand on the numerous aspects of the stories that by now are not readily apparent to the reader, especially if he's not Russian. Who, after all, knows what a "white night" is in the first place? I didn't think the introduction too great a piece of writing, and disagreed with in on some issues, but it is still a nice piece of critical writing on the stories to have. Certainly, it is better than what you'd find on Wikipedia.
Lastly, this book's paper has a pulpy feel, but the ink doesn't rub off on your fingers, and so it's quite nice to just sit down with it and read it. I, for one, always found reading books more enjoyable in a living room chair than in front of a computer screen.
A few comments & an interesting medical fact.......2005-12-26
Dostoyevski's underground man character, although conceived in 1864, presages by more than 50 years the alienation and disaffection that became so widespread in the 20th century, especially in the so-called "lost generation" that grew up between the two world wars. As such, it became the pattern for generations of other literary anti-heroes whose existential angst was to reverberate through literature for the next hundred years and beyond. Overall, still a great classic and one whose philosophical and literary influences still resonate today.
An interesting comparison is with Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, regarded by some critics as the first true novel, preceeding the usually proposed Samual Richardson's Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, from several decades later, if I remember right. The Crusoe character is marooned for 17 or 18 years on the island and when some fellow Englishmen finally arrive to save him he's singularly inhospitable and suspicious of them. And overall the Crusoe character isn't especially likeable or social and seems to have a fairly prounounced anti-social streak, if not a deep antipathy, toward his fellow humans. In that way he's not so different from the Underground Man.
Dostoyevsky is of interest for another reason that has only recently come to the attention of medical science. Based on the notes in his diaries, Dostoyevsky may have had the very unusual neurological condition known as temporal-lobe epilepsy. This form of epilepsy produces no motor convulsions or seizures as in the classical Jacksonian epilepsy that is so well known. Rather, the effects are on the person's mental and emotional state.
In his notebooks Dostoyevsky reported experiencing visions and emotional states of such an intense nature, saying that that were so ecstatic that one would be willing give up one's life to experience it one more time, that it seems likely he did indeed have this rare neurological syndrome. It can produce intensely vivid imagery and visions, and ecstatic and euphoric emotional states. However, in some cases, it also produces uncontrollable rage and violence, but it appears that Dostoyevsky had the more pleasant and benign form of this disease.
Having studied the excerpts from his diaries describing these experiences and compared them to contemporary patients who have been diagnosed with the disease, the evidence seems compelling to me too that he did indeed have this condition. How it ultimately affected his writing I don't know, but perhaps this will be something that will enable us to gain further insight into his writings in the future.
Deeply inciteful into the human conscious and a great sampling of this author.......2005-07-14
What makes this a promising edition is the notes and introduction, in addition to the great stories by Russian writer Dosteovsky. Dubbed a writer whose works include the element of socialism and psychology, this handy book is a great sampling of some of his shorter stories and novellas.
Psychological and symbolic in nature, one of the stories, "The Double" is the story of a man who literally believes that he has a double, a man who looks like him and bears the same name of Golyadkin. Therefore, our protagonist becomes Golyadkin senior, and the antagonist, the "malevolent" side of the twin, is Golyadkin junior. Golyadkin becomes aware that this twin of his is methodically ruining his life by scarring his reputation with peers and making his own name become synonymous with shame. The story itself is a study in duality and shame of individuals-Golyadkin senior becomes obsessed with correcting all the wrongs that his lower twin creates and tries to become the highly thought of individual that he once was. His downfall, and lowering place in society, is as much physical to him as it is metaphorical to us the readers. While the story takes a little patience to begin to appreciate and understand, the overall impact is impressive.
Also included within this edition are other stories from Dostoevsky, such as "Notes from Underground", "White Nights", "The Meek One", and "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man." Also included is both a brief introduction to all the stories, as well as a timeline and information about the author.This is recommended, specifically for the reason that you get a great sampling of this author for a relatively cheap price. My only small qualm with the book is the very small print; hence 4 stars instead of 5.
A goldmine for the Dostoyevsky reader.......2003-09-24
This great paperback omnibus collects Fyodor Dostoyevsky's two most famous short novels, Notes From the Underground and The Double, as well as three short stories: White Nights, The Meek One, and The Dream of a Ridiculous Man. All five are essential reads for fans of the great Russian author. This book also serves as a good starting point for the neophyte who is just looking to jump into Dostoyevsky: it contains an array of short works that serve to introduce the unfamiliar reader to the author's writing style. This is very valuable, because, after all, one would not be wise to jump into the author's immense novels unprepared. All of these stories introduce themes that Dostoyevsky would develop more fully in his great novels -- suicide, madness, nihilism, the existence of God. The author always was one to deal with life's Big Things, and he does not hesitate to do so even in his shorter works. All of the stories exhibit the vivid psychological realism that was Dostoyevsky's trademark. Never one for beautiful prose, Dostoyevsky much preferred to get down and dirty with the inner working of the human mind, never afraid to back away from all of the dark and terrible things that he found there.
Notes From the Underground, one of the greatest short novels of all-time, portrays one man in the depths of despair. A vivid depiction of the dark side of human nature, Notes is a great classic that perfectly evokes the feelings of isolation, despair, narcissism, and paranoia that continue to afflict the mass of men. The Double is another interesting story. Though an early work and not as well-crafted, it manages to put a new spin on the doppelganger phenomenon. In it, Dostoyevsky very skillfully portrays one man's lonely descent into madness -- and manages to be screamingly funny while doing so. White Nights is a brilliant short work, beautifully written, a testament to the eternal, if occasionally capricious, nature of love. The Meek One is a very dark story that examines the roots of suicide. The Dream of a Ridiculous Man offers a unique take on the nature of evil.
I should take time out here to note how wonderful these Barnes & Noble Classics Editions are. They offer a wide range of supplementary materials to the readings, of interest to both the general reader and the Dostoyevsky reader, not to mention the literary scholar. These include: a short profile of the author, a timeline of his life, a substantial critical introduction, effective but not overlong notes, an offering of critical opinion and commentary on the text, and even a list of discussion questions. Not least of all, they are extremely affordable. I highly recommend this volume to anyone looking to get into the author, and also to dedicated fans looking to have all of these stories in one place.
Average customer rating:
- Did I read the same book?
- Wonderful witty western romance
- It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!!
- One of my Favorites
- A passionate love story that tickles the funny-bone!
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Surrender a Dream
Jill Barnett
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0671723413 |
Book Description
A marriage of convenience...A clash of wills...An uncompromising love!
Adelaide Amanda Pinkney was glad to bid Chicago farewell. After the bustle and crowds of the growing city, the news that her aunt and uncle had left her their California farm was like a dream come true.
But Addie's idyll was shattered the moment she reached California, and learned there was another claim on her land. Montana Creed was tall, headstrong elemental...as much a part of the rich and rugged California terrain, as the fields and valleys that dotted its majestic landscape. As a boy, Montana had watched his father slaughtered, his land stolen -- and he had vowed that, one day be would fulfill his father's dream.
Addie soon discovered that Montana's stubborn streak ran as deep as her own...and that his seductive smile was almost impossible to resist. As his reluctant bride, she came to cherish Montana's tender, passionate caresses. But she knew that one day he'd have to face the demons of his past -- or lose the bright and loving promise of their future!
Customer Reviews:
Did I read the same book?.......2005-02-21
I think I must have read a different book. I didn't think this was well-written at all. The alpha hero had yellow eyes and long hair---an ewwww from the start. I didn't like how he manhandled Addie and their love scenes were a bit on the rough side, which is a turn off. Their "witty" dialogue and antics came off immature. And where was the romance? This could have been a much better book had the author taken the time to really develop the characters and insert some tenderness from time to time.
Wonderful witty western romance.......2004-07-10
Adelaide Amanda Pinkney (Addie), a 24 year Chicago orphaned librarian is left a Californian farm by her maternal aunt and uncle in a will. Addie is more than happy to leave behind the dirty grimy city of Chicago and its poverty filled streets and armed with books on farming she heads out West to her new future. Upon her arrival at her lawyers office in the town of Bleeding Heart, she finds out that another person has a claim to the farm. This other person being in the form of tall, handsome and rugged but rather lacking in manners, Montana Creed. The dispute is decided by a judge who decrees that the land belongs to Montana but the buildings belong to Addie ie the water belongs to Montana but the pumps would belong to Addie.
Both Addie and Montana move onto the farm, she into the house and he camping outside in the grounds, figuring that possession is 9 points of the law. Both decide that they want to keep the farm and concocts up ideas to annoy and drive away the other. Addie refuses Montana use of her water pumps to water his horse, Jericho. Montana points a gun at her, until she calls his bluff. He then goes onto to frighten her by letting his horse into her bedroom, knowing that she has a fear for horses. Failing to drive her away, he tries to intimidate her through his amourous intentions, only for her to fall into his arms and in love with him as he tries his best not to do the same whilst she feeds him with awful food such as biscuits made part from plaster of paris! After all a way to a man's heart is through his stomach!
Oh, this was a wonderful book, full of so much humour, witty dialogue and funny situations. It was so much fun to watch Montana and Addie wind each other up and then falling deeply in love. The book starts on a serious note and ends in the same fashion but the middle is mainly full of Jill Barnett's trademark humour. I have read nearly all of the novels written by Jill Barnett and have enjoyed every single one of them. I don't even have to read the back cover to know that it's going to great read.
Lealing
It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!!.......2004-03-10
Adelaide Amanda Pinkney was growing tired of her native Chicago's bustling crowds and growing poverty problems. Plus, after the loss of both her parents, she was without family other than her aunt and uncle who own a farm in California. Once she receives news they've perished in an accident and left her the farm, she's only too happy to make the permanent trip out west. Reaching California, she discovers there's another claim on her land in the form of Montana Creed. Tall and rugged, Montana as a child watched his father slaughtered and his land stolen by the railroad. He pledged one day to own his own land to continue his father's dream. When these two lonely, stubborn souls collide in a battle of wills, they just may gain more than a mere piece of land.
Normally, I don't get into historicals set in the old West. But this book has quickly become one of my favorites, and definitely one of Jill Barnett's best. The battle of wills between these two characters leads to some hilarious moments. A funny and touching feel-good book. There is an accident, which occurs toward the end, that changes the overall feel of the story from sweet and funny back to more serious (the very beginning is also serious). But the changes in mood are well done and we still get the ultimate ending we're all looking for.
I've read most of Ms. Barnett's work and have yet to find a novel of hers I didn't like. You just can't go wrong with her!
One of my Favorites.......2001-07-09
Call me biased because Jill Barnett is one of my favorite authors. I adore the way she writes romance. She's funny and sweet, only she's not sickly sweet because she makes her characters seem real and passionate at the same time. In Surrender a Dream, she has to tempermental characters who are at odds because they've both inherited the same plot of land. Given that it's the 1800's, California and both characters are determined that their destinies lie in their inheritance, it's no little wonder that they're at each other's throats.
They both take measures to get the other to abandon his/her dream of getting the land. Their plotting and baiting of each other is very amusing especially when their emotions get invovled in the battle. Somehow Ms. Barnett manages to convey a brave, intellegent heroine that is also funny. I say somehow only because some of her other heroines can easily be described as beginning brainless. Ms Barnett can even take an issue of vulnerablity and make it humorous aka, the heroine's fear of horses, particularly the hero's.
Yet regardless of which book of hers you may decide to pick up, you'll find humor, passion, sweetness and characters full of depth which I know for a fact, touch me at least. Even if the characters are a little bird-brained, or in this case, steller, odds are, even if you don't like her often interesting plots, you'll see how good a writer, or at least a comedian she is.
A passionate love story that tickles the funny-bone!.......2000-02-27
Adelaide Amanda Pinkney owned the equipment and the buildings. Montana Bartholomew Creed owned the land. Each vowed to get rid of the other. Amanda put plaster of paris in the biscuits. Montana set his horse loose in the house, knowing she was afraid of horses. After many futile attempts to discourage the other, in the end the only solution was for the two most stubborn land claimants in history to compromise by becoming husband and wife. But even then, Addie knew her husband wasn't telling her everything. And until he did, she couldn't be completely secure in her marriage.
I always have a rollicking great time when I read one of Jill Barnett's books, and this one is no exception. Just thinking of the scene where Addie runs into a bakery wagon and spills baked goods all over the street or the one where she hooks a wagon up to her bicycle to transport blocks of ice brings a smile to my lips. Watching the relationship blossom as Montana teaches Addie to adapt to farm life and Addie teaches Montana the true meaning of love is a very real pleasure. You can't go wrong with this well-written tale!
Product Description
Dream - Dream Surrender By Mary Wine Book 3 in the Dream series. A moonlit night. Two strangers pulled together by an attraction neither one could resist and an innocent kiss that flares into a scorching blaze. Rourke Campbell would bet every one of his psychic senses the woman in his arms was the woman of his dreams. Problemhe's a psychic tracker, married to the Army. She's married to another man. A stolen kiss is all it can ever be
But fate can be as determined as she is ruthless. When one of Rourke's men comes down with a suspect case of Ebola Tai Forest, a simple kiss has the power to turn deadly and thrusts Rourke and Loren together into a mountain quarantine. While the clock ticks down, Loren finds fighting the temptation of surrendering to Rourke an overwhelming battle. When her estranged husband is murdered, the final blockade is removed. Except the threat of tomorrowa deadly disease or a broken heart. Either way it's doomed to failure. Playing to win, and determined to make her his, Rourke uses every weapon in his considerable psychic and sensual arsenal to seduce her. But fate has one more hand to play
Download Description
Dream Surrender Mary Wine Book 3 in the Dream series. A moonlit night. Two strangers pulled together by an attraction neither one could resist and an innocent kiss that flares into a scorching blaze. Rourke Campbell would bet every one of his psychic senses the woman in his arms was the woman of his dreams. Problem-he's a psychic tracker, married to the Army. She's married to another man. A stolen kiss is all it can ever be. But fate can be as determined as she is ruthless. When one of Rourke's men comes down with a suspect case of Ebola Tai Forest, a simple kiss has the power to turn deadly and thrusts Rourke and Loren together into a mountain quarantine. While the clock ticks down, Loren finds fighting the temptation of surrendering to Rourke an overwhelming battle. When her estranged husband is murdered, the final blockade is removed. Except the threat of tomorrow-a deadly disease or a broken heart. Either way it's doomed to failure. Playing to win, and determined to make her his, Rourke uses every weapon in his considerable psychic and sensual arsenal to seduce her. But fate has one more hand to play.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful Storyline!!!.......2006-04-17
Wonderful novel, beautiful story! The author has written the female character as a strong beautiful character and the male character as a strong intelligent character. The first Debra Dier novel I read and just loved it! Always keep a lookout for her novels when browsing through book stores.
Not worth the read. Big letdown........1999-06-05
The story starts off well enough with good strong characters--an ideal hero material and a tough yet vulnerable lady. Everything is moving nicely along until they get married. Once this happens, it's like both of their brains just shut down! Both of them easily get mad at the other's teasing comments until they can't even communicate with each other anymore. The villen wasn't what I expected either--a wus. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Dier and I shudder to try another!
Average customer rating:
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Surrender the Dream
Debra Dier
Manufacturer: Book Margins, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000OKV9U6 |
Product Description
6 mass market paperbacks. Governess Brides Series - 6 Titles - Rules of Surrender - Rules of Engagement - Rules of Attraction - In My Wildest Dreams - Lost in Your Arms - My Favorite Bride
Customer Reviews:
A great edition of a sci-fi classic.......2001-11-25
(...) I'd classify Nolan's writing style as lean and concise. Pulp sci-fi just doesn't get any better than this. The amazing thing is that Nolan and George Clayton-Johnson wrote the first draft of "Logan's Run" in three weeks!
While there's a special place in my heart for the 1976 movie, the book is so much better (as is often the case). The universe that the authors created is bigger, more challenging. And the ending is very cool (and TOTALLY different from the movie, which really disappoints in this regard).
Also worth searching out is "Impact 20", a collection of Nolan's early short stories. I believe a small publisher is putting out a collection that contains some of these stories in 2002.
GET THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! ESSENTIAL READING!!!!!!!!.......2001-03-29
Ok, confession time. I am a huuuuge fan of this trilogy. I first read the first book back in the mid '70's. Having begun to read sf/f when I was about 8, I was ready at 14 to read more 'adult' stuff. [{This was a couple of years before the movie came out. If I had seen the movie before I read the book, I probably wouldn't have picked up the book. It wasn't that bad a movie, on it's own terms, but, I think they took the concept & ran with it.} {Ok, ok, ok, I'm sorry, alright, but, I just haaaaaad to get THAAAAAT off my chest. Thank you. I have been waiting 25{?!} years to do that!}] I have read the book so many times that I have lost count. It still holds up as fresh as when it was written. Although very '60's in style & atmosphere it is still very timely & thought-provoking in it's narrative. Add to that a bright, tough, brainy, female protagonist (Those who saw the movie &/or telly series will be stunned at Jessica's portrail here, she can more than take care of herself, & she pulls our hero's ass out of the fire a couple of times), an interesting 'love-on-the-run' story, & action than never lets up to the last page. It's a breathless, rollarcoaster/thrillride that & the very interesting chapter pagination helps. I got my hardcover copy about 10 years ago at Minicon, {a science-fiction convention} & I have treasured it ever since! {I have a soft-cover reading copy.} Also, there are gorgeous black & white illistrations by William F. Nolan! This book belongs on EVERY fan's shelf! I can't reccommend it highly enough! More, Mr. Nolan, More!
Worth hunting down.......1998-12-24
The trilogy is out of print, but if you are able to track down a copy, you won't regret the effort. William F. Nolan's style is lean, clean and reminiscent in many ways of Asimov -- and if you enjoy science fiction, I don't have to tell you how good that is. These stories (originally published separately) are a welcome throw-back to the early days of science fiction, when readers didn't need a degree in astrophysics to make sense of a good plot. Many of today's science fiction "masters" could benefit by emulating Nolan's simple but highly-effective style.
Outstanding,a must to read.......1997-10-21
This book is really well written for it's time. A bit confusing trying to place the surroundings but a must to read.
Average customer rating:
- A light and fun read!
- Not a bad start over all.
- A book full of fantasy cliches
- embarassing
- A very nice surprise.
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The Crystal Staff Trilogy: Book One, The Song Of Steel
W. R. Logan
Manufacturer: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1589396359 |
Book Description
In a kingdom where peace has lasted decades, trouble is brewing. A cult in the Kingdom of Tides has awoken an ancient magic held confined in a crystal staff. With it, they control their king and plot to use his army, The Steel Tide, to rid the world of all half-breeds. The seven kingdoms become unwitting pawns in the church's vile plan.
This is a tale of kings, knights, assassins and lords who come together in times of great tragedy and bad omens. Amid the plots and betrayals of this twisted tale, hangs the fate of all the kingdoms. The song of steel plays for the dance of knives to win the veil of victory.
Customer Reviews:
A light and fun read!.......2006-05-05
I don't read much fantasy because I think it is just over done. This one was very honest about what it is. No changing the name of elves to "Elations" and hoping that I wouldn't notice. I found that refreshing. I think more writers should stop trying to think up new names for old races and just write a sound story.
Not a bad start over all........2006-04-18
Though the races are over used in fantasy, I still found this book quite good. It is a quick read with a nice pace. The only two things that bothered me were the cliff hangers at the ends of some chapters and then having to read through so many characters to find out what happened. I prefer to read from one characters point of view, but other than that I am pleased with the story.
A book full of fantasy cliches.......2006-04-15
This book left me distinctly unimpressed and with no interest in reading more of this series. The characters are flat, it's hard to feel a real lot of empathy for them - and most of them seem rooted in fantasy cliches of Brownies, Elves and nasty humans.
This book reads like it was written for young teenagers and not adults, so be warned.
embarassing.......2006-02-03
I have never been so embarassed to read fantasy. No other book has made me feel more like it was written by a pack of 11 year old boys playing dungeons and dragons. The book feels so amateurish and unoriginal. It's main characters are brownies, orcs, elfs, sprites and other queer, used, tired and boring characters. I shy away from fantasy but drift back from time to time and find a gem (such as George RR Martin and Scott Bakker, or Gene Wolfe) but these kind of books is why fantasy has such a bad rap. Then I read the other reviews and see that people felt that the characters were deep and had trouble discerning the good from the bad and I am blown away. Is this the first book they ever read? The characters are so transparent, it seemed like the author began writing this as a fairy tale for his daughters, whom, not coincindentally, and highly annoyingly, are central characters here and they are the worst written characters in any book EVER! They are soooo good, soo tough, just damn perfect and without flaw which equals without substance. This is just pitiful, really. Mr. Logan, please find another career.
A very nice surprise........2005-02-10
I got this book with "The Charnel Prince" by Greg Keys. I wasn't sure if I wanted to risk the extra bucks on a writer I'd never read, but this book was a surprise. It was as good as "The Charnel Prince". Amazon made a nice match with these two books. I will be looking forward to the second book.
Amazon.com
Insight Meditation cofounder Joseph Goldstein ponders the possibility that all Buddhist teachings could be distilled into One Dharma. As Buddhism continues to grow in the West, Goldstein shows us the value of uniting this movement rather than allowing it to become fractured by its subtle differences. He does not advocate a watering down or mixing up of the various traditions. Rather, "We can practice each of them in its own integrity and come to a genuine depth of understanding." Readers who are wary of a scholarly analysis of Buddhist nuances need not worry. Goldstein (The Experience of Insight) relies on personal anecdotes and accessible language to explore the common themes in all Buddhist teachings. Though purists will no doubt quibble, Goldstein believes that following one Dharma is the way the West will be won, weaving together the methods of mindfulness, the motivation of compassion, and the liberating wisdom of nonclinging. "These three pillars--mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom--are not Indian or Burmese, Japanese or Tibetan; they are qualities in our own minds." --Gail Hudson
Book Description
One of America's most respected Buddhist teachers distills a lifetime of practice and teaching in this groundbreaking exploration of the new Buddhist tradition taking root on American soil.
Customer Reviews:
Concise, enlightening; takes one to the core of Buddhism.......2006-08-09
Joseph Goldstein has the ability to explain the essence of Buddhism and it's core teachings in a very understandable and condensed format. If you are confused by the different Buddhist sects and dogmas, or are interested in the basics of Buddhist practice, then this book is for you. Goldstein has the background and insight to be a believable expert and teacher.
I LOVE IT! SHORT AND SWEET..........2006-03-08
This is an excellent book that sheds so much light on life itself and true purpose. Highly recommended.
Beautifully rendered, and often very funny........2004-01-30
I was knocked out by One Dharma. Mostly, as a relatively fledgling Buddhist, I was thankful to have a book that explained, in The-Precisely-Right Language, what the Dharma was and why it might be so important to me - so that this could be explained to my loved ones, and also, reiterated for myself! This quality of the book made the it immensely useful for going deeper into certain concepts with my Buddhist-curious (and very supportive) wife, and it was also a joy to read - beautifully rendered, and often very funny. The book helped my wife to understand key Buddhist concepts, and it helped me too, by putting elements of my practice into terms that made me engage them with a new clarity and focus. It's been my experience that it's rare for a book to speak so clearly to a self-identified Buddhist and also to someone who is not. 'One Dharma' does just that. Also: I have mentioned the book's clarity and humor - I want to mention, too, the writing, which is flows with incredible ease. This is a VERY enjoyable read!
One dharma - not emerging in this book.......2003-09-29
Reading the book one wonders if Joseph Goldstein has read his own introduction. He tells us a very nice story how a Korean Zen monch and a Tibetan Lama misunderstand each other. So obviously there is a problem with buddhists from different traditions understanding each other. More than a thousand years of different development of Zen and Tibetan buddhism have made it difficult to define the one dharma that unites them both. And there are other schools. Now how does western Buddhism comes in? Can it perhaps help to define this one buddha dharma? Or is it perhaps inventing something new? Very interesting questions, but no answer will be found in this book. It reads much more like a traditional introduction into buddhism written by a western teacher with some emphasis on Theravada. Nothing wrong with it, I liked to read the book, but the title just does not fit. The books of Lama Surya Das are clearly superior in approaching the question of an emerging western buddhism. And hard to beat.
At the Heart of Practice.......2003-07-21
To respect and understand this book, one needs to understand something of the author. Since the 1960's Joseph Goldstein has been practicing Buddhist meditation. His goal with the Dharma is alleviate suffering in himself and in others. He does not believe he will write the seminal book on Buddhist theory or the perfect koan or answer everyone's questions about the Dharma. However, if you are a serious seeker and are attempting to understand something about this wonderful phenomenon Buddhism, which is growing so rapidly in the United States, this book will help you a lot. It is a beginner book. Yet, it is also a book which will give long time practioners a chance to reflect about the meaning of their practice and the nature of the Dharma.
Over ten years ago, I, suffering from a deeply painful and debilitating bone disease, came to Joseph to find a way to live with severe physical pain. Joseph helped me with compassion, with joy, and with humility. He will always remain my core teacher.
Reading the other reviews, I can say, you will get what you look for. If you are look for scintillating Zen wit, try Genpo Merzel Roshi (a living zen master), for philosophical wisdom, try Trungpa Rinpoche. If you are looking for a teacher who will give you a framework from which to work while you sit on the pillow, you can not do better than Joseph Goldstein.
Good luck, and, please, persevere. The world needs the merit of your meditation practice.
Books:
- Novels I of Samuel Beckett: Volume I of The Grove Centenary Editions (Works of Samuel Beckett the Grove Centenary Editions)
- Only Revolutions: A Novel
- Paris Trance: A Romance
- Pigeon Feathers and Other Stories
- Rabbit Novels Vol. 2
- River of Darkness: A Novel of Suspense
- Roald Dahl's Even More Revolting Recipes
- Salome of the Tenements (Radical Novel Reconsidered)
- Savage Run
- Schopenhauer's Telescope: A Novel
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Recommended Books
- Phenomenology of Spirit
- George Foreman's Indoor Grilling Made Easy: More Than 100 Simple, Healthy Ways to Feed Family and Fr
- Your Mouth Is Lovely: A Novel
- Agincourt: Henry V and the Battle That Made England
- Cinematography: Third Edition
- Exploring Black Holes: Introduction to General Relativity
- Conservation Directory 2005-2006: The Guide To Worldwide Environmental Organizations
- Business As a Vocation: The Autobiography of Wu Ho-su
- Asia-Pacific Dynamism 1550-2000
- Measuring the Non-Observed Economy: A Handbook
Europe and the Making of Modernity: 1815-1914
Stealing the Mona Lisa: What Art Stops Us From Seeing
Essays on Sex Equality
Songs Of Innocence And Experience
On the Genealogy of Morals and Ecce Homo
