Book Description
The famous opening line of Monsieur Teste -- "Stupidity is not my strong suit" -- is typical of Monsieur Teste, and of Valery as well. Although not autobiographical in any usual sense, the book is profoundly personal. Valery said he could not imagine the existence of the novel, vet he could not resist the character living in his mind. On the one hand. Monsieur Teste reflects Valery's preoccupation with the phenomenon of a mind detached from sensibility; on the other, he is an ordinary fictional character seen from many viewpoints. This volume also includes '"The Snapshots of Monsieur Teste, " excerpts from Valery's Notebooks.
Customer Reviews:
High modernism and source of theater of the absurd.......2003-08-22
According to the introduction of Jackson Mathews, translator, Valery saw everything from the point of view of intellect. He was preoccupied with the pursuit of consciousness. The conscious mind was his obsessive center. Valery reports he had a reckless desire to understand. He says that writing requires a sacrifice of the intellect.
In the novel MONSIEUR TESTE it is stated that a superior man is a man who has deceived himself. The character tries to seek out inner masterpieces amid the brilliance of published discoveries.
My introduction to this work occurred years ago when I was a college student. I half understood the French in which the class was conducted. I struggled. I surmised the work was brilliant through the lecturer's description. I now ratify that judgment.
The work MONSIEUR TESTE is filled with arresting ideas. The narrator in the story seeks to know Monsieur Teste, to copy him. He is careful not to classify him among the mad.
Monsieur Teste says that he is at home in himself. In his room there is not a book in sight. There is a strong impression of the ordinary. Valery portrays a great refusal similar to my mind of that undertaken by Marcel Duchamp who in the latter years of his life refused to practice his art and only played chess. In fact there is a reference to chess in this work. Valery's work dates from 1896, predating, of course, the shape of the artistic career pursued by Marcel Duchamp.
Madame Teste describes her husband's moods as uncertain. She reports that their priest has compassion for Monsieur Teste, for a man so isolated. He says the Monsieur Teste's faces are innumerable. He believes that Monsieur Teste is cut off from both good and evil.
In his log book Monsieur Teste notes that he is not made for novels or plays. His goal seems to be an individual regulated by his own powers of thought. It is observed that in Paris the French have stored all of their ideas in one enclosure. In Paris there is a great concentration of literature, the sciences, the arts and politics. The chaos of a multitude of minds is tiring. "[S]uperiority is merely a solitude situated at the present limit of a species." Monsieur Teste is the man who thinks continually.
Up until a rather mature age Monsieur Teste is not aware of the singularity of his mind. He states he is not turned toward the world. His face is to the wall. An intellectual's end is a funeral march of thought. A snap shot from the notebooks yields the notion that admiration for genius is due to attributing to it the power of working miracles without fatigue. Another thought set out is that of trying to describe a man camped in his life. It is asserted that there is no perfect correspondence between feelings and the verbal-conceptual system.
Monsieur Teste thinks his mind is partly instinctive, partly scientific. His quickness of thought is in accord with absention from action he observes. Intelligence is the power of substitution. The mind moves by images. Images and change are inseparable. Education leads to including ones self with others. The most agonizing punishment to be imposed on anyone is to treat him with rigorous objectivity. The brain, too much occupied internally, deals brutally with external things. Monsieur Teste is a mystic and a physicist of self-awareness. The statement that the isolated eye amuses itself gives a flavor of the book. Notes are found at the back of the book.
Ancient Truth surfaces again.......1998-05-01
This book gives us what paul Valery thinks, and what he thinks is the forgotten basis of many thoughts
Average customer rating:
|
Etude de la Prose de Paul Valery dans "la Soiree avec Monsieur Teste"
Maurice Lecuyer
Manufacturer: French & European Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Criticism & Theory
| History & Criticism
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
French
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
French
| Foreign Language Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
All French Books
| French
| Foreign Language Books
| Specialty Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0320061248 |
Average customer rating:
|
Monsieur Teste
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Book Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GS9T80 |
Average customer rating:
|
Monsieur Teste
Paul Valery
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VFJIZ2 |
Average customer rating:
|
Monsieur Teste in America
Andrei Codrescu
Manufacturer: Coffee House Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Satire, General
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| 18th Century
| 19th Century
| 20th Century
| African American
| Asian American
| Classics
| Collections & Readers
| Drama
| General
| Hispanic
| History & Criticism
| Humor
| Jewish American
| Letters & Correspondence
| Native American
| Poetry
| Short Stories
| Women Writers
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0918273323 |
Average customer rating:
|
Monsieur Teste,
Paul Valéry
Manufacturer: A.A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000V04WRG |
Customer Reviews:
As usual, the romance was too rushed.......2007-09-12
From the back cover:
The hunter of the Hinterland...
As powerful and untamed as the majestic Mississippi, Yellow Thunder hated the white men who were selling his people into bondage. Determined to keep the notorious slaver Calvin Wyatt from destroying his tribe, the Osage brave travelled to New Orleans, and there he fell under the spell of the only woman who would ever master him--Wyatt's stepsister.
Young and beautiful, Ashley Bradley knew nothing of her stepbrother's slave trading or of his lust for her. Fleeing his seduction, she was captured by his vicious cohorts and threatened with a life in chains. Rescued by Yellow Thunder, Ashley soon yearned to forsake civilized society for the warrior's tender loving and wild spirit. But both knew that until their enemy was stopped they would never be free to enjoy the glory of another savage sunrise.
And my review:
I'm only continuing to read Cassie Edwards because I made the mistake of stocking up on her books when they were recommended to me. I've yet to read one that I could even finish.
The writing is just plain bad. Full of head-hopping, an overuse of exclamation points (at least 3 on every page is overkill), and lots of rhetoric about the plight of the Native Americans. (I agree that what was done to them was wrong, but I don't like being preached at.) The character development is minimal, and the "falling in love" part of the story is always over so fast you'll miss it if you blink. It's almost always the same plot over and over in each of her novels: Native man meets white woman. They spend two seconds together and BAM! they're in love. Seriously, that's it. Somehow, the Native character can speak perfect English, or the white character can fluently speak the Native language. I often feel as if I'm reading a young adult novel with some sex scenes thrown in. That's how low the level of writing is in Edward's books.
Cassie Edwards' writing fails to engage my emotions. I read romance to see a couple on their bumpy road to love. This "love at first sight" theme so prevalent in her novels comes across as laziness. It's no struggle to write about a couple who's eyes meet and they are in love in an instant. A truly good romance novel has the couple feeling attraction, questioning their feelings, getting to know one another, and overcoming obstacles before they realize that they are meant to be together forever. Obviously, with this author's big following, not everyone feels this way, but I do.
If you're already a fan of this author, then you will probably like SAVAGE SUNRISE. If you're not, I suggest you borrow one of her books from the library first to get a sample of her writing--you might want to just pass this author by altogether.
Savage Sunrise.......2003-03-13
I would have to say that I really like this book. The reason this book caught my eye was the main character, Yellow Thunder. In fact, my family's last name is Yellow Thunder!!:) Like me, I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Cassie Edwards. I absolutly love her Indian series!! And since I am also a Native American, I can probable relate to the book's theme.
Savage Sunrise.......2003-03-13
I would have to say that I really like this book. The reason this book caught my eye was the main character, Yellow Thunder. In fact, my family's last name is Yellow Thunder!!:) Like me, I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Cassie Edwards. I absolutly love her Indian series!! And since I am also a Native American, I can probable relate to the book's theme.
Average customer rating:
- Well . . . it had promise . . .
|
Savage Sunrise
E. Murray
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 082171807X |
Customer Reviews:
Well . . . it had promise . . ........2001-02-06
it even seemed like it might possibly be a decent story. But I just couldn't get into it. I had no feeling for the characters. Whisper on the Water was a proud Indian woman and Jim Ayers was a wild trapper who saved her. She probably saves him too, but I barely managed to force my way half through it. I did have other things to read that were much better. But it really should have been the sort of romance I love. I just couldn't get into it. Maybe someone else will have better luck, me . . . I'd like my 12 1/2 cents back.
Average customer rating:
|
Savage Sunrise
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GSGV4A |
Average customer rating:
- A Great, Classic Series!
- Five Stars is Not Enough
- Excellent 5 Book Series
- Happy, technical, exciting
- A most fun read, Good characters and plot twists.
|
Lord Conrad's Lady (Adventures of Conrad Stargard/Leo Frankowski, Book 5)
Leo A. Frankowski
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Frankowski, Leo
| ( F )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Flying Warlord (Adventures of Conrad Stargard, Book 4)
-
The High-Tech Knight (Adventures of Conrad Stargard, Book 2)
-
The Radiant Warrior (Adventures of Conrad Stargard, Bk 3)
-
Lord Conrad's Crusade
-
Conrad Stargard: The Radiant Warrior
ASIN: 0345368495
Release Date: 1990-08-13 |
Book Description
VACATION IN PEACEFUL MEDIEVAL POLAND
See the ancient city of Cracow burn!
Wallow in the frightful murder of noblewomen and children at the invincible castle of East Gate!
Enjoy the attack of the crazy old ladies at Sir Miesko's manor!
Watch the regretful demise of the remaining Mongols as they drown in the cesspool at Three Walls!
Consider various offers made to Conrad Stargard by eager blondes of just-barely-marriageable age!
Notice his wife, the formidable Lady Francine, getting annoyed!
¸ Superlative lodging provided by the Pink Dragon Inns
¸ Excellent duty-free values on cloth, coal, and Mongol arms & armor
¸ One-way packages
¸ Call your intertemporal travel agency for details
Customer Reviews:
A Great, Classic Series!.......2005-08-15
This series is a real favorite of mine. Great story line, great characters, and unique ideas. Now (as of Summer 2005) the latest Conrad book, "Conrad's Crusade" is now available from Leo Frankowski, on line! It is solid action on par with the best in the series. An e-copy is available at (...) and I recommend it highly.
Five Stars is Not Enough.......2000-09-27
This is the best time travel series in a realistic timeline ever written. Before these books, L. Sprague De Camp had held that title for decades with his "Lest Darkness Fall", but it was too short. Mark Twain may be the most famous with his "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court", but that is more light hearted than serious, and disappointing at the end. The Conrad series delivers on all the promise, and even after 5 books, it still leaves you wanting more. (There is a sixth book now, but Conrad is a minor character, and I've reviewed it separately.)
I say realistic timeline, because Conrad isn't really from our timeline. I was a little suspicious right from the start, but it wasn't until Conrad reminisced about the Mongols invading France that I thought "Hey, wait a minute". It turns out that it didn't happen to us (even without Conrad). But the historians I read agree that it would have, except the great Khan died and the Mongols had a war of succession which they never recovered from. This is often used as an example of the actions of one person changing history. I never even heard the story, until Conrad got me to look it up. Go figure.
This is an action story, with fighting and sex, where Conrad overcomes insurmountable obstacles, and usually has a good time along the way. The author doesn't just ignore the time travel though. He writes a science fiction sub-plot about that too. In fact, the author is obviously an engineer, not just because it takes an engineer for Conrad to build the things he does, but also from the way the books were planned out and crafted. Obviously the author planned the Mongol invasion and built the series around it, but he also foreshadows romantic sub-plots 3 books in advance.
I love these books, and share other reviewers disbelief that they haven't been reprinted since 1993. If you've already read them, and love them too, you might want to try "The Misplaced Legion (Videssos Cycle, Book 1)" by Harry Turtledove, about elements of one of Caesar's legions travelling into Rome's future of the Byzantine Empire. Only it's not the real Byzantine Empire, it's a parallel universe where magic works. Aside from that, it's Byzantium during the 1100's written by a Byzantine historian. And of course you'll want to read the "Island in the Sea of Time" series by S. M. Stirling, about modern day Nantucket going back in time to the Trojan War. These works are different, but also 5 stars.
Excellent 5 Book Series.......2000-09-13
This is the best time travel series in a realistic timeline ever written. Before these books, L. Sprague De Camp had held that title for decades with his "Lest Darkness Fall", but it was too short. Mark Twain may be the most famous with his "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court", but that is more light hearted than serious, and disappointing at the end. The Conrad series delivers on all the promise, and even after 5 books, it still leaves you wanting more. (There is a sixth book now, but Conrad is a minor character, and I've reviewed it separately.)
I say realistic timeline, because Conrad isn't really from our timeline. I was a little suspicious right from the start, but it wasn't until Conrad reminisced about the Mongols invading France that I thought "Hey, wait a minute". It turns out that it didn't happen to us (even without Conrad). But the historians I read agree that it would have, except the great Khan died and the Mongols had a war of succession which they never recovered from. This is often used as an example of the actions of one person changing history. I never even heard the story, until Conrad got me to look it up. Go figure.
This is an action story, with fighting and sex, where Conrad overcomes insurmountable obstacles, and usually has a good time along the way. The author doesn't just ignore the time travel though. He writes a science fiction sub-plot about that too. In fact, the author is obviously an engineer, not just because it takes an engineer for Conrad to build the things he does, but also from the way the books were planned out and crafted. Obviously the author planned the Mongol invasion and built the series around it, but he also foreshadows romantic sub-plots 3 books in advance.
I love these books, and share other reviewers disbelief that they haven't been reprinted since 1993. If you've already read them, and love them too, you might want to try "The Misplaced Legion (Videssos Cycle, Book 1)" by Harry Turtledove, about elements of one of Caesar's legions travelling into Rome's future of the Byzantine Empire. Only it's not the real Byzantine Empire, it's a parallel universe where magic works. Aside from that, it's Byzantium during the 1100's written by a Byzantine historian. And of course you'll want to read the "Island in the Sea of Time" series by S. M. Stirling, about modern day Nantucket going back in time to the Trojan War. These works are different, but also 5 stars.
Happy, technical, exciting.......1998-08-01
What a thrilling conclusion to an absolutely magnetizing series. I read the series at least three times a year. Conrad is the thoughtful, generous, thrilling, competent, and manly guy that all men want to be. Don't we all wish we could have the heroism that he has? Not to mention Francine, Cilicia and aaaallll the others! What a wonderful series!!!!!! (By the way, is the rumor true that another book is coming out?)
A most fun read, Good characters and plot twists........1998-04-13
I have read all of the books in the series four times so far. Each time I find something new to enjoy. I would like to see more books in this series if the Author could be persuaded.
Average customer rating:
|
Lord Conrad's Lady
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HW0KGU |
Customer Reviews:
Quotes from the Course.......2002-08-03
This book is a compilation of quotes from A COURSE IN MIRACLES. The "Course" is a three volume set of books that comprise a curriculum of self-study psychotherapy.
Interspersed with the beautiful quotes from the Course are equally beautiful black-and-white photographs of inspiring nature scenes. This book also includes a forward by Marianne Williamson, author of A RETURN TO LOVE.
The reason I give this book only four stars is because I have a personal "qualm" about taking quotes from the Course out of context. My opinion is that the Course is a completely integrated thought system, and it is a thought system that often says things that we do not want to hear (for example, the teaching that God did not make the world, but that the world was made by the ego "as an attack on God" [Workbook, p. 403]). What often results from taking passages from the Course out of context is that the true meaning is lost and the Course can be turned into a "dual" thought system, whereas it is truly a non-dual thought system.
WATCH IT!.......2000-12-05
Better watch out right here. I have read a whole bunch of books in my life, and this one can Change Your Life! Read it, mark the particular lines that speak to you, type those out and MEMORIZE them. Then repeat your list aloud every day until they become part of who you are. Then, my friend, you will be well on the way to becoming who your were designed to be. Overstated? Exaggerated? You just try it and see...
This book can change your life........1999-07-16
Almost fifteen years ago I read and reread this book several times. When a particular line jumped off the page at me, I put a little check by that thought. Later I listed these extra special thoughts on paper and memorized them. I repeat them out loud every day, sometimes more than once. I learned that these particular truths enter my mind when life-events occur, and my decisions are based on the new ideas rather than the ego-centered old stuff that confused me for so many years. Yes indeed, this book can change the life of any willing, persistent person who genuinely wants to change.
Book Description
Within the Great Book category, there are The Books, the great spiritual resource materials, which contains the words that reveal the highest truths. They are The Bible, The Koran, The Talmud, the I Ching, and others. For many of us, A Course In Miracles is one of these. It opens the heart to healing and hope and enlightenment and love. Great books don't just inform us; they change us. They address not only what we think, but how we think. They spark explosions within our brains and miracles in our hearts. - Marianne Williamson, bestselling author of A Return To LoveMarianne Williamson on Accept This Gift:Accept This Gift is a compilation of some of the Course's greatest gems, its most precious moments. It is for me a book to read in quiet solitude, when I most need help, and a sense that I am loved. Marianne Williamson on A Gift Of Peace:A Gift Of Peace is what I call a quiet book, a serious friend. I read books like this in the middle of the night, or on hilltops, or at the beach. I carry it around with me, as a reminder and a teacher. It is a privilege to add my personal bravo to its continued presence in our lives. I know what this book has given me; I smile at the thougth of what it can give to you.
Customer Reviews:
Truely restful.......2006-08-06
I originally got this from the local library and enjoyed it so much I wanted to own it. It is taken from 'The Course' and is very relaxing and peaceful. I listen to these tapes when I'm stressed or anxious. It calms me and helps put my life in perspective Immediately! I particularly like to drift off to sleep listening if I'm having a hard time getting proper rest. I'm glad I have these 3 tapes.
Amazon mailed duplicate CD'S.......2005-08-28
I ordered a 4 CD set. I received 4 cd's, however the 3rd and 4th cd were identical to the 1st and 2nd cd! I have duplicate cd's and I do not know how to correct their mistake!
Three of the best tapes on spiritual wisdom I've ever heard........1999-12-13
Words can't describe how beautifully and eloquently the message of the book 'A Course in Miracles' is conveyed through the heart-warming and spellbinding voice of Richard Thomas.
I have heard these tapes, and especially the 1st one of the set, countless of times...
Books:
- Mouchette (New York Review Books Classics)
- Mrs. Pringle of Fairacre
- My Life and Ethiopia's Progress: The Autobiography of Emperor Haile Sellassie I (Volume 1) (My Life and Ethiopia's Progress)
- My Sister's Bones
- Never Again Once More
- New Stories from the South 2004: The Year's Best (New Stories from the South)
- Nights in White Satin: A Laura Principal Novel
- Operation Shylock : A Confession (Vintage International)
- Oscar and Lucinda: movie tie-in edition
- Panther in the Basement
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Straight from the Heart II: More True Stories of Remarkable Encounters with Once-in-a-Lifetime Horse
- Extreme Lo-Carb Meals On The Go: Fast And Fabulous Solutions To Get You Through The Day
- Abide with Me: A Novel
- Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
- Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell: Adventurer, Adviser to Kings, Ally of Lawrenc
- Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography
- Coral Reef Coloring Book
- Federal Taxation of Computer Software
- Careercycles : A Guidebook to Success in the Passages and Challenge of Your Work Life
- Progress Report on the Implementation of Portfolio Management: Next Steps---A Program of Actions
Selected Writings of Paul Valery
Paul Valery: An Anthology
The Art of Poetry
Poetry, Language, Thought (Perennial Classics)
Manifestoes of Surrealism (Ann Arbor Paperbacks)
