Essays: Religious Meditations. Places of Perswasion and Disswasion. Seene and Allowed (1597) was the first published book by the philosopher, statesman and jurist Francis Bacon. The Essays are written in a wide range of styles, from the plain and unadorned to the epigrammatic. They cover topics drawn from both public and private life, and in each case the essays cover their topics systematically from a number of different angles, weighing one argument against another. A much-enlarged second edition appeared in 1612 with 38 essays. Another, under the title Essayes or Counsels, Civill and Morall, was published in 1625 with 58 essays. Translations into French and Italian appeared during Bacon's lifetime. ? Bacon's genius as a phrase-maker appears to great advantage in the later essays. In "Of Boldness" he wrote, "If the Hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the hill", which is the earliest known appearance of that proverb in print. The phrase "hostages to fortune" appears in the essay "Of Marriage and Single Life" – again the earliest known usage. Aldous Huxley's book Jesting Pilate took its epigraph, "What is Truth? said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer", from Bacon's essay "Of Truth". The 1999 edition of The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations includes no fewer than 91 quotations from the Essays.

Este libro está dedicado a personas, cosas, ideas, e incluso a entidades difíciles de definir. Cada uno de los poemas aquí comprendidos fueron escritos con alguno de los anteriores en mente. Hay algunos que hasta he olvidado su destinatario y fuente de inspiración; por lo tanto, siéntete libre de asignarlos a cualquier persona, idea, cosa, o entidad de tu preferencia.

The Voyage of the Beagle is the title most commonly given to reissues of the book written by Charles Darwin and published in 1839 as his Journal and Remarks, bringing him considerable fame and respect. This was the third volume of The Narrative of the Voyages of H.M. Ships Adventure and Beagle, and covers Darwin's part in the second survey expedition of the ship HMS Beagle, which set sail from Plymouth Sound on 27 December 1831 under the command of Captain Robert FitzRoy, R.N.. Due to the popularity of Darwin's account, the publisher reissued it later in 1839 as Darwin's Journal of Researches, and the revised second edition published in 1845 used this title. A republication of the book in 1905 introduced the title The Voyage of the "Beagle". ? While the expedition was originally planned to last two years, it lasted almost five—the Beagle did not return until 2 October 1836. Darwin spent most of this time exploring on land (three years and three months on land; 18 months at sea). ? The book is a vivid and exciting travel memoir as well as a detailed scientific field journal covering biology, geology, and anthropology that demonstrates Darwin's keen powers of observation, written at a time when Western Europeans were exploring and charting the whole world. Although Darwin revisited some areas during the expedition, for clarity the chapters of the book are ordered by reference to places and locations rather than by date. Darwin's notes made during the voyage include comments illustrating his changing views at a time when he was developing his theory of evolution by natural selection and includes some suggestions of his ideas, particularly in the second edition of 1845.

Your outlook on life is so different from mine that I can hardly imagine you being built of the same stuff as myself. Yet I venture to put my difficulty before you. It is, of course, no question of mental grasp or capacity or artistic endowment. I am, so far as these are concerned, merely the man in the street, the averagely endowed and the ordinarily educated. I call myself a Puritan and a Christian. I run continually against walls of convention, of morals, of taste, which may be all wrong, but which I should feel it wrong to climb over. You range over fields where my make-up forbids me to wander.

He presented many faces to the world, but which one was genuine? Over the years Albert Speer has been given several titles – ‘the good Nazi’, ‘Hitler’s architect’, ‘future Reichchancellor’, and even ‘the only penitent defendant at Nuremberg’. There is no doubt that there are many faces to Albert Speer: he was a man who had far greater power during the war than any other aside from Hitler, and was widely believed to succeed Hitler; his tremendous powers of organization raised German production to its peak at a time when resources were at an all-time low; and it was expected by all, including himself, that he would receive the death sentence like the other Nazi leaders, instead escaping the noose with only twenty years. In light of his extended involvement in the Nazi party, both as Hitler’s architect and the Minister for Armaments, and his contributions to the illegal war waged by the regime, the question naturally arises: did Speer receive adequate punishment? Did the verdict reflect the perception that Speer was somehow ‘less culpable’ than the other defendants, or did he mastermind his defence in a way that reduced his sentence? The events leading up to the Nuremberg trial, and the trial itself, provides clues to answering these questions: what can we learn about the personality of Speer from the evidence available, and why does it matter?

Inside one of Contemporary India's most Influential Poets The twenty-four papers in Philosophical Musings for a Meaningful Life study the poetry collections Winged Reason (2010), Write Son, Write (2011), and Multicultural Symphony (2014), of Dr. K.V. Dominic and reveal his humanistic values and concept of universal brotherhood, his social criticism devoid of absurdity and obscurity, his profound concern for the marginalized sections of society, and his reverence for Nature. All the papers focus on the poet's anguish at the evils and the inhuman attitude prevalent in the society and necessitate harmony of existence. In the context of Indian English poetry, the papers find Dominic to be unique in his use of simple and plain language to address the vast canvass of human life and the neglected segment of human society. Further, the papers bring out how the universal appeal of Dominic lies in his ability to view the world as a sanctuary and acknowledge him as the promising voice of the present century for his belief in the interrelatedness of all lives that ascertains positive change in the individuals. Dr. S. Kumaran, Editor, is working as an Assistant Professor in the Postgraduate & Research Department of English, Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College, Rasipuram. He is Associate Editor of two refereed international biannual journals, Writers Editors Critics (WEC) and International Journal on Multicultural Literature (IJML); and a Member of the Editorial Boards of various journals from India and abroad. "This critical study on the poetry of Dr. K.V. Dominic deserves to be read closely for evaluation and to be on the shelf of every notable library. Philosophical Musings for a Meaningful Life will inspire scholars from the West to find rubies and diamonds in the Indian poetry of today." --Dr. Stephen Gill, Poet Laureate of Ansted University "K.V. Dominic's social consciousness is his chief forte. Not for a moment does he divert attention from the simple and innocent activities of ordinary human beings. From his lyrics originate feelings of eternal sympathy, peace, and fraternal unity." --P.C.K. Prem, critic from Himachal Pradesh, India From the World Voices Series Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com

Um ex jagun?o tenta construir vida nova longe de seu passado em uma pequeno vilarejo do sert?o nordestino. Mas a chegada de um homem misterioso e suas consequências o far?o deixar sua aposentadoria para buscar justi?a. Esse é o início de uma série de livros que resgatam a cultura da literatura pulp para o público de hoje.

Writers Editors Critics (WEC) An International Biannual Refereed Journal of English Language and Literature Volume 7 Number 1 (March 2017) ISSN: 2231 - 198X RESEARCH PAPERS The Confessional Voice and Rebellious Cry of Kamala Das as Visualized in her Poetical Works: A Brief Analysis - S. Chelliah The Philosopher-Scientist A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and his World View: A Study - J. Pamela Artificial Intelligence and the Instrumental Marvellous in Isaac Asimov's Foundation Novels - Lekshmi R. Nair Return to Wholeness: The Landscape of Willa Cather's O Pioneers! - Vikas Bhardwaj Nation and Identity Defined through Bodies: A Study of Bapsi Sidhwa's Ice Candy Man - Sonia Soni Ramesh K. Srivastava's "Under the Lamp": A Study - Shipra G. Vashishtha Reinventing Roots in Esther David's Book of Rachel - Giftsy Dorcas E. A Critical Reading of Authentic Existence in Claude Mckay's Banana Bottom - S. Khethzi Kerena "Write My Son, Write": An Aesthetic and Spiritual Reflection of World by K V Dominic - Laxmi R. Chaughaan Nandini's Sita: A Deep Dive to Every Woman's Journey - Arti Chandel Lives on Pyre: A Socio-realistic Portrayal in D.C. Chambial's The Cargoes of the Bleeding Hearts - Parthajit Ghosh& Dr. Madhu Kamra An Evolution of His Demography: A Socio-cultural Flow in the Fictional World of Manoj Das - Suresh Bera & Somali Gupta Maya Angelou's Shaker, Why Don't You Sing?: a Paroxysm of Confession - Ishita Pramanik & Dr. Shukla Banerjee REVIEW ARTICLES Eco-critical Perspectives in K. V. Dominic & Pamela Jeyaraju's (eds.) Environmental Literature: Research Papers and Poems - S. Barathi T. V. Reddy's Melting Melodies: An Analysis - P. Bayapa Reddy Critical Evaluation of T. V. Reddy's Melting Melodies - Dwarakanath H. Kabadi BOOK REVIEWS T. V. Reddy's Golden Veil: A Collection of Poems - Patricia Prime Ramesh K. Srivastava's My Father's Bad Boy--An Autobiography - Smita Das O. P. Arora's Whispers in the Wilderness: A Collection of Poems - Patricia Prime Vijay Kumar Roy's Realm of Beauty and Truth: A Collection of Poems - Sugandha Agarwal GENERAL ESSAYS Regional Integration in South Asia: A Nepalese Perspective - Shreedhar Gautam Role of Information Library Network (INFLIBNET) in Checking Plagiarism in Indian Universities - P. K. Suresh Kumar Sojourn in Forests - Ramesh Chandra Mukhopadhyaya The Commonplace Economic Thoughts of a Seventy Five Years Old Lady - Mousumi Ghosh INTERVIEW Conversation with Subodh Sarkar - Jaydeep Sarangi SHORT STORIES Perils of Simplicity - Ramesh K. Srivastava The Melody Queen - Jayanti M. Dalal (Trans. Dr. Rajshree Parthivv Trivedi) A Strange Reunion --- Chandramoni Narayanaswamy Is Human Life Precious than Animal's? - K. V. Dominic Psychological Effect - Manas Bakshi POEMS Regain the Vision - T. V. Reddy Down the Memory Lane - T. V. Reddy Memories - T. V. Reddy Patiently I Saw - D. C. Chambia

Saris and a Single Malt is a moving collection of poems written by a daughter for and about her mother. The book spans the time from when the poet receives a phone call in New York City that her mother is in a hospital in New Delhi, to the time she carries out her mother's last rites. The poems chronicle the author's physical and emotional journey as she flies to India, tries to fight the inevitable, and succumbs to the grief of living in a motherless world. This collection will move you, astound you, and make you hug your loved ones. "There are few books like Saris and a Single Malt in which the loss of a mother, a homeland, and the self come together in a sustained elegy." --Justen Ahren, Director Noepe Center, Author of A Strange Catechism "In life, as in poetry, one must come from the heart. Sweta Vikram has done both with touching eloquence. Her work resonates deeply within one's deepest emotional sacristy." --Sharon Kapp, Owner & Founder, Houston Yoga & Ayurvedic Wellness Center "Saris and a Single Malt is a fitting and delightful tribute of a writer daughter to her affectionate mother which goes deep into the minds of all children who love their moms." --K. V. Dominic, English language poet, critic, short-story writer, and editor from Kerala, India Sweta Srivastava Vikram, featured by Asian Fusion as "one of the most influential Asians of our time," is an award-winning writer, Pushcart Prize nominee, author of ten books, and a wellness practitioner. A graduate of Columbia University, Sweta performs her work, teaches creative writing workshops, and gives talks at universities and schools across the globe. Learn more at www.swetavikram.com From the World Voices Series at Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com POE005060 POETRY / American / Asian American

Ride in the back of the ambulance with Sherry Jones Mayo Share the innermost feelings of emergency services workers as they encounter trauma, tragedy, redemption, and even a little humor. Sherry Jones Mayo has been an Emergency Medical Technician, Emergerncy Room Nurse, and an on-scene critical incident debriefer for Hurricane Katrina. Most people who have observed or experienced physical, mental or emotional crisis have single perspectives. This book allows readers to stand on both sides of the gurney; it details a progression from innocence to enlightened caregiver to burnout, glimpsing into each stage personally and professionally.Emergency Service Professionals Praise Confessions of a Trauma Junkie "A must read for those who choose to subject themselves to life at its best and at its worst. Sherry offers insight in the Emergency Response business that most people cannot imagine." --Maj Gen Richard L. Bowling, former Commanding General, USAF Auxiliary (CAP) "Sherry Mayo shares experiences and unique personal insights of first responders. Told with poetry, sensitivity and a touch of humor at times, all are real, providing views into realities EMTs, Nurses, and other first responders encounter. Recommended reading for anyone working with trauma, crises, critical incidents in any profession." -- George W. Doherty, MS, LPC, President Rocky Mountain Region Disaster Mental Health Institute "Sherry has captured the essence of working with people who have witnessed trauma. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it helped me to understand differently the work of our Emergency Services Personnel. I consider this a 'MUST READ' for all of us who wish to be helpful to those who work in these professions." --Dennis Potter, LMSW, CAAC, FAAETS, ICISF Instructor "Confessions of a Trauma Junkie is an honest, powerful, and moving account of the emotional realities of helping others! Sherry Mayo gives us a privileged look into the healing professions she knows firsthand. The importance of peer support is beautifully illustrated. This book will deepen the readers respect for those who serve." --Victor Welzant, PsyD, Director of Education and Training The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc Learn more at www.SherryJonesMayo.com From the Reflections of America Series Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com

International Journal on Multicultural Literature (IJML) Volume 6 Number 2 (July 2016)ISSN 2231-6248 Highlights include: ·"Portrayal of Man-Woman Pairs in the Fictional World of D. H. Lawrence: An Analysis" --S. Chelliah ·"Feminism and Feminist Literary Theory: A Brief Note" --C. Ramya ·"Portrayal of Feminine Spaces and Sensibilities in the Short-fiction of Alice Munro" --Syed Mir Hassim & M. Revathi ·"Violence, Memory and Identity in Indian English Fiction" --Barinder Kumar Sharma ·"Relevance of Neo-Slave Narrative Technique in Toni Morrison's Beloved" --Jaya Singh ·"'Mangalamkali' of Mavilan Tribe: An Ecocritical Reading" --Lillykutty Abraham & Sr. Marykutty Alex IJML is a peer-reviewed research journal in English literature published from Thodupuzha, Kerala, India. The publisher and editor is Prof. Dr. K. V. Dominic, renowned English language poet, critic, short story writer and editor who has to his credit 27 books. He is also the secretary of Guild of Indian English Writers, Editors and Critics (GIEWEC). Since 2010, IJML is a biannual journal published in January and July. The articles are sent first to the referees by the editor and only if they accept, the papers will be published. Although based in India, each issue includes worldwide contributors. Although IJML concentrates on multiculturalism, it also encompasses other literature. Each issue also includes poems, short stories, review articles, book reviews, interviews, general essays etc. under separate sections. IJML is available in paperback, Kindle, ePub, and PDF editions. Distributed by Modern History Press LCO004020 LITERARY COLLECTIONS / Asian / Indic LIT008020 Literary Criticism : Asian - Indic POL035010 Political Science : Political Freedom & Security - Human Rights Learn more at www.profKVDominc.com

About the Author Sweta Srivastava Vikram is a multi-genre writer and marketing professional living in New York City. She is the author of Because All Is Not Lost from Modern History Press and the co-author of Whispering Woes of Ganges & Zambezi (Cyberwit 2010). Her work has appeared in six countries across three continents. Sweta has held recent artist residencies and workshops in Portugal, Ireland, and several within USA. She is a graduate of Columbia University. "In this innovative series, Sweta Srivastava Vikram re-appropriates color. Cultures and mythologies collide along the way, and the result is a chapbook that feels like a quest. In the end, the colors are a map to identity. The child's pink tonsils or the bride's red sari are not symbols, but rather mile markers. Like Vikram's poems, they lead toward understanding" --Erica Wright, Senior Poetry Editor, GuernicaAbout the Chapbook The book delves into the implication and philosophy of colors from a Hindu woman's point of view, from birth until death. The color she adorns herself with almost depicts the story of her life. Expressed through different poetic and verbal forms, each color in the book has its own tone and is specific to different age groups. Learn more at www.SwetaVikram.com From the World Voices Series at Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com

Ever Wonder Why The Same Patterns Happen To You Over And Over Again? We all have imprints, both negative and positive. An imprint is a belief that shapes our thoughts and actions, a belief we often hold unconsciously. Liliane Desjardins, a certified clinical addiction specialist, co-founder of Pavillon Gilles Desjardins, and co-creator of the Desjardins Unified Model of Treatment of Addictions, sets forth in The Imprint Journey an exploration of imprints, how they govern our lives, and how we can reprogram our minds to function in new and fulfilling ways. The Imprint Journey is equivalent to reading two powerful books in one. Liliane spends the first section telling her own story--a childhood in war-torn Croatia, the death of her mother, being an immigrant first to France and later French Canada--and the addictions and dysfunctions that marred her life until a suicide attempt resulted in a near-death experience. Her own personal recovery led her on a mission to help others find their own freedom from self-imposed and self-limiting imprints. The second half of this powerful book provides an anatomy of our imprints, revealing how to transform them so we are free to be our authentic selves. Liliane includes eight powerful personal stories of people who have overcome their imprints--including religious, sexual, and cultural limitations--as well as an overview of how understanding and rewriting our imprints can shape the human race's future as we all experience individual "Oneness." Readers will find themselves turning to The Imprint Journey again and again as a guide to relieve fears and to discover powerful truths about themselves that will transform them into their authentic selves. Acclaim For Desjardins' The Imprint Journey "Liliane writes from the depth of her own experience, with passion and power and a keen understanding of the human psyche. Her insights lift the reader above their own past patterns, providing insight both comforting and striking. The book inspires hope that no matter what we've been through, fundamental change is possible." --Marianne Williamson, author, A Return To Love "The Imprint Journey will touch your very soul and make way for profound transformation. From personal story to practical steps, Liliane walks with her readers on the path of awakening. Your life will be changed." --Carolyn Craft, Psychotherapist, Unity Minister, host of "Waking Up With Carolyn Craft" on Sirius Satellite Radio Learn more at www.LilianeDesjardins.com From Life Scripts Press www.RewritingLifeScripts.com FAM501000 Family & Relationships : Dysfunctional Families SEL003000 Self-Help : Adult Children of Alcoholics PSY017000 Psychology : Interpersonal Relations

Ruskin Bond has won the hearts of millions of readers with his countless charming short stories and introspective novels. From biographical tales about acting as a grandfather to children, to tales of unrequited love, the cross-cultural dimensions of Indian society, and the power and beauty of nature, Bond's more than forty novels and short story collections have made him an internationally acclaimed author. In Ruskin Bond's World, Indian scholar Gulnaz Fatma, Ph.D. sheds light on one of her country's greatest and most beloved storytellers, tracing the influences in his stories from a childhood in colonial India through his time spent in Britain and his life today among India's hills and mountains. She explores the biographical as well as the imaginary elements of his fiction and explores in detail the themes of nature, children, love, and animals in his novels and short stories. Throughout these pages is revealed Bond's love for humanity in all its variety, from honorable rogues to proud beggars, heartbroken lovers, and wise old men and women. "Gulnaz has successfully traced major themes in Bond's prolific work under the lenses of her careful examination, proving he is the product of his environment...a sincere study of Ruskin Bond." --Stephen Gill, Ph.D., author and poet laureate of Ansted University "I welcome this long overdue study of one of India's literary shining lights. Ruskin Bond's World opens the door to a deeper understanding of one author's imagination and deepest wisdom." --Tyler R. Tichelaar, Ph.D. and award-winning author of The Gothic Wanderer Literary Criticism: Asian - Indic www.ModernHistoryPress.com

International Journal on Multicultural Literature (IJML) Volume 7 Number 1 (January 2017) ISSN 2231-6248. Highlights include ·Transgressive Gender Discourse in Anita Nair's Ladies Coupe' by Seema Bansal Somani & Rohit Phutela ·The Poetic Art and Vision of Wole Soyinka by C. Ramya ·Displacement and Morality in Sunetra Gupta's The Memories of Rain by Ruby Vaneesa and S. Ayyappa Raja ·A Feminist Analysis of the Love Poems of Taslima Nasrin by Sigma G. R. ·The Hero as a Weather Shaman in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist by A. Vanitha ·Revisionist Myth Making: Meena Kandasamy's Defiance of Male Hegemony in Her Select Poems by Jibin Baby and S. Ayyappa Raja ·Multiculturalism in Lakshmi Raj Sharma's The Tailor's Needle by Abhimanyu Pandey IJML is a peer-reviewed research journal in English literature published from Thodupuzha, Kerala, India. The publisher and editor is Prof. Dr. K. V. Dominic, renowned English language poet, critic, short story writer and editor who has to his credit 27 books. He is also the secretary of Guild of Indian English Writers, Editors and Critics (GIEWEC). Since 2010, IJML is a biannual journal published in January and July. The articles are sent first to the referees by the editor and only if they accept, the papers will be published. Although based in India, each issue includes worldwide contributors. Although IJML concentrates on multiculturalism, it also encompasses other literature. Each issue also includes poems, short stories, review articles, book reviews, interviews, general essays etc. under separate sections. IJML is available in paperback, Kindle, ePub, and PDF editions. Distributed by Modern History Press Learn more at www.profKVDominc.com

A book by a teenager for teenagers! Words of a Journey is a book for anyone who wants to take a closer look at life's meaning and their experiences. Seventeen-year old Kaitlyn Kashman has designed this book to provide thought-stimulation on various issues and feelings that young adults explore. The book is a potpourri of poetry, with introspective, inspirational questions and observations to stimulate thought in readers so they can come to a clearer understanding of their own feelings and desires. Topics for deeper introspection run the vast range of emotions and situations young adults experience to help readers analyze and clarify their own relationships: ·Understanding unrequited love leads to analysis between what is a want vs. a need. ·The difficulties of first love, learning about oneself, seeking the thrill of love, and knowing when it is best to end. ·Discovering that one cannot change for another person. ·Learning that sometimes we love our own fictional version of a person. ·Nourishing a budding sense of new identity. ·Finding the boundaries between two people, accepting and embracing ourselves. An important book for any teenager or young adult, Words of a Journey will take readers down a path that will lead them back home to find a better version of themselves. Critics Praise for Words of A Journey "In Words of a Journey Kaitlyn gives teenagers permission to think for themselves and a place to express themselves on the pages of the book. A simple thought gives way to self-expression and the opportunity for clarity. Words of a Journey: My Thoughts on Life and Living, serves as a journal that can be used every day. Often, we simply need to see our thoughts in print to make sense out of our struggle and to fully appreciate our joy!" --Judee Ausnow, author of Drama is Optional: A Guide for Teens Learn more at www.KaitlynKashman.com From the World Voices Series at Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com Look for paperback and eBook editions too! POE011000 POETRY / Canadian

This Housemartin Classics edition includes the full original text as well as an easy to use interactive table of contents.

This Classic Edition commemorates the 100-year anniversary of William Strunk's grammar primer, The Elements of Style.?Generations of writers have learned the basics of grammar from Strunk’s little book. It was rated “one of the 100 most influential books written in English” by Time in 2011, and iconic author Stephen King recommended it as a grammar primer that all aspiring writers should read.Elements of Style: Classic Edition 2018?includes the full text of Strunk's original work. It adds two new chapters requested by college professors and students to help clarify points of confusion in modern writing: Basic Rules of Capitalization?and Style Rules for Better Writing.?It also features a variety of enhancements that make this grammar handbook even more useful: 1. Editor’s notes have been inserted throughout the book to flag grammar rules that are now obsolete and to provide up-to-date advice for students and writers. 2. Emojis have been added to help readers identify correct examples from errors at a glance. 3. A Study Guide is included in the last chapter. 4. The paperback version includes blank, lined pages in the back of the book for convenient notetaking. 5. The e-book versions have been restyled for improved display on the latest generations of digital book-reading devices.Elements of Style: Classic Edition?is now being used as a textbook in courses at University of Minnesota, University of Texas, UC Berkeley and elsewhere, giving students and writers a blueprint that they can follow to write clearly and effectively while adhering to the fundamental rules of English Grammar.

Poetry covering different topics from love, spiritual, hope, and sorrow. Woodland Hills In Woodland HillsAt evenings blushOn primrose pathsWe spoke till dusk Sharing our most inward desiresOn a night that lit a thousand firesWhile pressed against your cerise cheeksNear saffron flowersIn fields of wheat An unforgettable journey spentIn Woodland HillsWhere we both wentTo be among the dragonfliesAnd share our hearts?Until twilight cries

Maria Rybakova’s Gnedich captures the reader’s attention in its first stanzas with a striking allusion to Homeric Greece: “The rage that killed so many/the wretched rage of Achilles/who knew that he would perish/ that he would perish young. This is a novel-in-verse about the first Russian translator of the Iliad, the romantic poet and librarian Nikolai Gnedich (1784-1833). Since Gnedich spent almost his entire life translating Homer’s epic poem, Maria Rybakova has chosen verse as the most appropriate stylistic means in recreating his life. To the English-speaking world, this genre of poetic biography is best exemplified by Ruth Padel’s Darwin – A Life in Poems. Like the Iliad itself, the novel consists of twelve Songs or Cantos, and covers the life of Gnedich from his childhood to his death. It depicts the lives of Gnedich and his best friend, the poet Batyushkov, who is slowly losing his sanity, and incorporates motifs from their poetry, from Homer’s epics, and from Greek mythology, as well as magnificent images of imperial Russia and the Homeric world. The space of the novel covers snowy Russian villages, aristocratic St. Petersburg salons, magnificent Italian landscapes, and the austere Greece of Homer’s heroes. Rybakova conjures a fittingly romantic vision of the dramatic lives of Gnedich and his best friend. A major part of the novel is the moving correspondence between the two poets. Philosophical reflections on the fate of the individual are intertwined with poignant stanzas devoted to the great but unhappy love to the tragic actress Ekaterina Semyonova that consumed Gnedich. The novel culminates in Batyushkov’s final breakdown in the lunatic asylum and Gnedich’s ruminations on Russia’s tragic future fate. The poetic language of Gnedich is refined: it combines the clarity of Rybakova’s syllabic verses and the sophistication of her metaphors with distinct, novelistic depictions of certain landscapes, people, and their interactions. The novel is spectacularly designed: Rybakova’s style resembles a movie projection with stop-cards at the key moments in Gnedich’s life, his long conversations with his friend, and particular striking sceneries. It creates a novelistic effect on the tale about Gnedich’s life, spanning over twenty years. The narrative is often interrupted by streams of consciousness and reminiscence by its main heroes. At the same time, it continues the traditions of Russian classic literature with its attention to detail and the psychology of the characters. A significant part of the novel is dedicated to the description of Gnedich’s friendship with Konstantin Batyushkov, a talented poet of the Pushkin epoch. Gnedich, disfigured by a childhood disease, was a librarian at the Imperial Library in St. Petersburg and became famous through his translation of the Illiad. Batyushkov, an officer of the Russian Imperial court who participated in military campaigns, as well as one of the best poets of the beginning of the 19th century, went through deep crisis and mental illness. The friendship between the two becomes one of the themes within the novel. Rybakova builds the novel-in-verse’s plot around Gnedich’s translation of the Illiad into Russian. The narrative progresses from the adult Gnedich’s recollection of his childhood in a small country estate in Ukraine in the first Song, his illness and discovery of the magnificent Greek epic about the siege of the Troy that changed his life forever, to the completion of his work on his translation as a final victory over his life’s circumstances. The titanic work on the translation continued for almost twenty-two years (1807-29).

“It would be hard to imagine Russian poetry in the last half century without Lydia Grigorieva,” writes eminent Russian poet and critic Konstantin Kedrov. Grigorieva is a uniquely individual voice, bucking the trends of modernist poetry to create her own distinctive and beguiling body of poetry. Her work draws on her own remarkable life to create startlingly arresting images and metaphors, full of beauty and power, from her series that emerged from her Arctic childhood, to the troubles that beset Ukraine. Her range of influences is wide, and Beethoven, Freud, Sylvia Plath and Byron all appear in her poems as well as more familiar Russian images. At the heart of Grigorieva’s poetry is what she calls its ‘musicality’ – her firm belief in the power of rhyme and rhythm in creating a poetic experience. In this first major collection of her work in English, English poet John Farndon, working with Grigorieva and co-translator Olga Nakston, has recreated this musicality in English so that English readers might experience for the first time what makes her work so revered in her Russian homeland. Translated by John Farndon with Olga Nakston. Maxim Hodak - Максим Ходак (Publisher), Max Mendor - Макс Мендор (Director), Ksenia Papazova (Managing Editor).