Book Description
Verse translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Patience, and Pearl by Marie Borroff. "These translations by Marie Borroff not only are one of the great achievements of rthe translator's craft but are works of art in their own right."—Lee Patterson, Frederick W. Hilles Professor of English and Chairman of Medieval Studies, Yale University.
Customer Reviews:
Borroff is the Best!.......2006-03-05
These are absolutely the best translations of the Gawain- (aka Pearl-) poet around. It's diabolically tricky to translate the Middle English of this obscure, anonymous poet, due to the fact that he combines the accentual, alliterative prosody of the native tradition with the rhythmic and rhyming verse of continental models. Of all the translators who have attempted it, Borroff by far provides an experience closest to reading this brilliant verse in the original.
These translations were originally published in short paperback versions of each poem. These are often still available from used booksellers. If you are only interested in one poem (probably Sir Gawain), look for one of these used paperback versions, and save your money. Patience and Purity (or "Cleanness") are wonderful poems, but they are not really of much interest to the general reader, and are mostly studied by scholars or by grad students.
Excellent translation.......2002-11-02
This is a great translation of one of the finest poems ever written in the English (well, middle English) language. The poem, in its original form, is very difficult to read, and Borroff's translation makes it not only easy but also very enjoyable to read.
This poem originally was very alliterative, and Borroff has preserved much of that. Sir Gawain is one of the greatest of the Arthurian legends, and this translation preserves much of the poems integrity. This is definitely a must have for any student of early English poetry or Arthurian legend.
The other works, Pearl and Patience, are believed to share the same author as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. These, too, are excellent poems. This would be a great addition to any collection.
Best modern translation.......2002-10-21
This book contains a reprint of Borroff's now standard translation, in addition to translations of two other middle English poems from the Gawain ms. Borroff has not only rendered Gawain into very readable modern English, but has also retained the alliterative lines of the original. Aside from the merits of this edition as a translation, Sir Gawain is one of the finest poems written in the English language. There are several sharp departures from typical romances of this type, and in Gawain's test we are made to see the contradictory nature of the courtly ideal. Amazing in style, it is both a clever critique of chivalric values and an entertaining adventure.
Due to the difficulty of the remote dialect of the original, this lively and witty romance is difficult to read in middle English, even for those who have studied Chaucer. It is, however, not impossible. For those who are interested in the poem, I would recommend reading it in translation, then trying the Anderson-Cawley (Everyman) edition, which normalizes the runic letters preserved in the Tolkien-Gordon-Davis (Oxford UP) scholarly edition.
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- Not Free SF Reader
- Enter into late-Medieval Adventure and Piety
- The Great Magic
- Arthurian Legend at its best
- Pearl of Wisdom
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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl, Sir Orfeo
J.R.R. Tolkien
Manufacturer: Del Rey
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ASIN: 0345277600
Release Date: 1979-12-12 |
Book Description
SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT, PEARL, and SIR ORFEO are masterpieces of a remote and exotic age--the age of chivalry and wizards, knights and holy quests. Yet it is only in the unique artistry and imagination of J.R.R. Tolken that the language, romance, and power of these great stories comes to life for modern readers, in this masterful and compelling new translation.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
Slightly more interesting piece of output, due to the theme being the
old Green Knight story. That tale is usually quite entertaining, and is
in this version, as well. The other piece is eminently forgettable,
however. I suppose you would say that it is for Tolkien completists
only.
Enter into late-Medieval Adventure and Piety.......2006-08-11
These three texts from the translating pen of J.R.R. Tolkien coprise an uplifiting trio that give the reader a glimpse of times when literature was aimed at both beauty and the edification of proper values. This is particularly true in the first two texts.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight presents a late Arthurian legend which was penned in a relatively obscure West-Midland dialect of early Middle English. The text, as translated by Tolkien, still maintains the auditory alliteration used to drive the poem itself. This in itself is a blessed treasure to the reader, as it is a rarely used method of poetry. The story is a gem in that it presents a fallible human, Gawain, who strives by the Grace of God to fulfill his oaths made. It is an exposition of piety, casting the Arthurian knight into a wholly Christian light.
Pearl, written in a dialectic style of poetic meter, is a moving poem of grief and understanding in the face of the death of a two-year-old child. The imagery used in it is absolutely breathtaking, drawing heavily on the Apocalypse of John for its material. The discourse is a journey of enlightenment and eventual peace, marked with profound trust in God. I found this poem to be absolutely stunning in itself. Pearl, along with Gawain, exposes the existence of a great deal of Marian piety at the time of the writing. This presents an intriguing scenario which reminds Christians of the ongoing understanding of Mary's role in the Christian faith.
Sir Orfeo, related in many ways to Classical myth, is a much more light-hearted adventure. It is a quick read that presents the reader with the brave quest of King Orfeo for his lost wife,Heurodis. The sybols used are mixed from Classical as well as English/Celtic sources. While the story is not wholly inventive, it is a fun read and has been presented very well by professor Tolkien.
I suggest this set of texts to everybody, for they present the reader with poetry which is not only grounded in romance/adventure but also in morality (particulary I and II) and faith.
The Great Magic.......2005-10-23
"Sir Gawaine and the Green Knight" is a great and holy work of literature and I return to it on an annual basis to breathe the air of its strong magic and to observe with awe its rutheless moral rigor. What a profound joy it is to foresake the barren land of contemporary hack literature and enter once more into a world where the colors are brighter, the language is grander, and the characters stride across the mysterious landscape like gods or faery-figures lit from within by a mystic sun. The great J.R.R. Tolkien did us all a supreme kindness when he advocated for the deep spiritual and aesthetic significance of "Beowulf" (for whom his own writings bear covert relations) and he doubled it when he translated this masterpiece of the enchanted but decidedly anonymous soul who wrote it.
Five stars are a poor return for such pleasure and wisdom offered.
Arthurian Legend at its best.......2005-10-13
I've always been fascinated with the old Arthurian legends, so this tale appealed to me greatly. Sir Gawain was everything a knight should be considering the fact that he's not perfect due to the fact that he's human. The animals depicted in the hunting scenes directly tie in with the storyline with Sir Gawain and the lady of the castle. The deer represented that Sir Gawain tried to flee away from having to deal with the lady of the castle. The wild boar represented difficulty since it was stated that the boar in the hunt had killed a man. Finally, the fox represented the fact that Sir Gawain was planning to be sly and conceal the fact that the lady of the castle had given him her girdle. The fact that he would lie to the lord of the castle, shows that he is truly human and that he would like to keep his own head when he has to go meet back up with the Green Knight the following day. The hunt over three days represents a series of three tests which later comes to aid or hinder Sir Gawain in his quest to keep his oath as a knight and follow through with the guidelines of "the beheading game". The girdle at the end that all the knights in King Arthur's court take to wearing symbolizes that they are human and that they are not perfect and that humility should be observed.
Pearl of Wisdom.......2004-03-29
Gawain is the Tolekin translation of one of many versions of the story. The story is exciting but ultimately disappointing because of the incongruence of the ending with the opening. The opening indicates that King Arthur is all too aware of the false beheading trick being played in his court as he primes the action for the hapless Gawain. The ending indicates the Green Man alone instigated the trick with Morgan le Fay. The point missed by Tolkein (jnr) in the Introduction is that the brocade is the sole tangible due to the green man in the exchange of acquisitions, so a real dishonour. Anyway Camelot' s self advertised mythology is well and truly pricked.
Pearl, on the other hand is a true medaeval pagan gem, arguing that religion is the exploitation of bereavement. Religion claims the deceased for heaven; it offers reunion to the survivor conditional on temporal faith. If the departed is beloved of a survivor then that cat runs headlong into the priest' s bag with little prompting. The poet becomes so seduced by the vision of the New Jerusalem he comes to see his former reason as madness and so went the world.
The strength of Christian theology surely developed from these kinds of rational resistence. Ultimetely reason conquered and theology relapsed to a dogmatic statement of faith in the shape of pearl (Aquinas). A great and thoroughly authentic work of transitional pagan genius saved by Tolkein.
Book Description
As reviewed by Kirkus Discoveries: "Step-by-step instructions on how to build a home in an economical and artistically unique way. Owning a home doesn't have to be a trying ordeal, says Madison, who reports that he built his own house with little more than his own muscle power and ingenuity. Though he claims not to be particularly handy, he managed to create a fully functional cabin complete with electricity, running water and Internet access as part of a journey that was both fulfilling and therapeutic. He takes readers through the process, from cutting down trees and laying the foundation for the floor to installing piping and electricity to detailing plans to build additional modules. Pictures and diagrams complement the text, and the author even discusses his future plans to fully automate the cabin. In addition to the down-and-dirty details, he uses quotes from a number of philosophers-Aristotle, Locke, Rousseau and others-to help explain his motivation. It was as much about testing his own abilities as it was about creating a physical shelter. One one level, this is a practical guide that contains pertinent information for people who actually want to build their own cabin. On another, it's a fascinating look inside the mind of a man who chose to go against the grain and who writes with such folksy charm and comical practicality that you can't help but applaud him for bucking the system. Those not interested in building their own homes will be bored senseless by the technical details and some of the long-winded endnotes, but entertaining anecdotes-such as how the author munches on blackberries while simultaneously trimming his beard in his yard to lay down a barrier of human scent that deters snakes-keep the pages turning. In definite need of editorial direction but makes a case for the author-whatever his name is-getting his own home-improvement show." As reviewed by New York Times best selling author Ellen Tanner Marsh: "When Henry David Thoreau tired of the city in 1845, he retreated to the country, living on the shores of Walden Pond and chronicling his experiences in the timeless work Walden or Life in the Woods. Now, in an enchanting new book, A Small Cabin that One Person can Build, readers are presented with a sort of modern-day version of Thoreau's classic. Like Thoreau, author Aristotle Locke Rousseau Hume Madison (a.k.a. Al Madison) decided to retreat from his hectic life, and although he didn't have a place to live, he had some time and money and, more importantly, some land and trees. In this amazing little book, Madison (each of the illustrations names he uses provides a famous quote at the end of it) sets out to build a log cabin-and educate readers on how to do it themselves. In a friendly, approachable style, Madison shows readers exactly how he built his cabin using easy to follow step-by-step instructions, from insulation to wiring to putting on a porch. He lists exactly what tools you need and where to get them. Lest the thought of roughing it doesn't appeal to you, be assured that this cabin is no rustic refuge. Madison added all the modern comforts, including Internet service and a flush toilet. 'There are two characteristics to my building,' he writes 'It was built efficiently and it is a deliberate work of art.' Filled with wonderful photographs and a fine, wry wit, Madison's book is not just a how-to, it's a why-to. Because Madison didn't just build a cabin; he rebuilt himself. As he takes the time to point out, his labors made him healthier, stronger, and emotionally tougher, too. Readers can live vicariously through Madison in this wise and funny book, but truthfully, after reading it you'll want to build a cabin of your own. Luckily Madison is here to show you how."
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Lyonesse II (2) : The Green Pearl
Jack Vance
Manufacturer: Grafton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0586067515 |
Customer Reviews:
Great attention to detail!.......2003-11-15
Tolkien's translation shows great attention to detail and his literary prowess truly shines through. This book is a faithful translation and it is an excellent read.
Customer Reviews:
This book was very interesting to read........1998-07-31
After a musical concert, Ariel over-hears her father, King Triton, talking to Countess Oystera and inviting her stuck-up daughter, Pearl, to stay at the palace for a while (much to the dismay of Ariel and her sisters). Ariel tries her best to put up with Pearl, but when Pearl finds out about Ariel's secret grotto, she blackmails Ariel into being her slave - or she'll tell Triton about the grotto! Ariel soon finds herself doing whatever Pearl wants, and getting in trouble in the process! She even going to Eel-ectric City - at midnight! Soon Ariel is confronted with a way to get rid of Pear - Forever! But even though Pearl is always mean and nasty, can Ariel not save her? Will Triton finally find out about her grotto? (The pictures are great and fun to color too!)
Book Description
This third edition of The Poems of the Pearl Manuscript has been newly revised and updated, taking account of some of the more important textual and interpretative notes and articles published on the poems since the appearance of the first edition in 1978.
Download Description
In THE GREEN PEARL, King Aillas of Troicinet defends the peace of the Elder Isles against both the Ska marauders who once enslaved him and the wicked King Casmir. While organizing the unruly barons in the frontiers of his land, Aillas goes out of his way to capture the lovely Ska noblewoman who once stung him with her disregard. When he gets separated from his men, his dream of forcing the lady's recognition becomes the toil of dragging a defiant captive across lands governed by Casmir's henchmen. Meanwhile, the world of magic has gone on the move. The concentrated malice of the witch Desmëi has manifested as a green pearl, breeding lust and envy and death; and a sorcerer in Casmir's employ abducts the princess Glyneth, in a bid to draw Aillas and friends on a hopeless rescue mission across a bizarre and deadly alternate world. A masterpiece of romantic, picaresque adventure, THE GREEN PEARL extends the epic founded with LYONESSE: SULDRUN'S GARDEN and concluded in the World Fantasy Award-winning MADOUC. The ElectricStory eBook comprises the definitive text assembled and re-edited by the Vance Integral Edition project with the close collaboration of Mr. Vance himself.
Customer Reviews:
Second book, less serious in tone than the first but still fabulous.......2007-09-03
This is the second book in the Lyonesse trilogy, and differs from its predecessor in some respects. The tone is much lighter, offering many more dialogues with the typical Vance wit and humor. Casimir plays a much smaller role in the story, removing one of the more brutal antagonists. The sorceror Visbhume is introduced and resembles Cugel more than any other Vance character I have read recently.
The story moves forward the efforts of Ailias to counter the Ska presence in the Ulflands, including reunion with the ska noblegirl Tatzel, and a number of combat scenes. Ongoing machinations of Tartumello (sp) continue, though the sorcerors play an overall small role in the story, Visbhume excepted.
A major plot thread resolution here (the ska presence in the Ulflands) has a resolution which is far too easy, resembling other major political resolutions seen in some other stories by Vance, including The Pnume, The Wankh, and arguably The Dirdir - essentially, protagonist dictates terms to enemy from position of (sometimes) apparent strength, and enemy accepts unconditionally, end of problem.
This is a fabulous book, and I am looking forward to re-reading Madouc in the near future.
A Rare Gem.......2000-12-01
The Green Pearl is the second book in the Lyonesse Trilogy. While the volume stands on its own, I think you'd be hard pressed to get caught up. If you can, read the first volume, Suldrun's Garden, before starting The Green Pearl.
The book continues the chronicles of the Elder Isles, the lost islands of fantasy between France and Britain. As is the first book, Vance skillfully weaves together seemingly unrelated stories into a coherent whole. Mostly, the book centers around the adventures of Ailias, now a king, and his efforts to solve the personal and royal problems that beset him.
As was the case in Suldrun's Garden, there are long stretches that are almost dreamlike in their tone. A long interlude between Ailias and a barbaric Ska princess is remarkable for its combination of lucidity and dreamlike character; when that particular adventure ends, you very much feel you, with Ailias, have wakened from a dream.
The book does suffer the problem of any second book in a trilogy: it's primarily a bridge between the discoveries in the first book and the denouements in the last. But there are enough new characters and new ideas to keep you fascinated. There are comically sinister magicians, recalcitrant nobles, dying kings and a different view of the barabaric Ska. The book is much less obviously derivative than Suldrun's Garden.
Altogether a most satisfying read. Strongly recommended.
A wonderful wonderful book.......2000-10-22
In my opinion, this is the best fantasy book ever written. Vance shows nearly limitless imagination, and this is Vance at his finest.
I must say that it is refreshing to read fantasy that isn't just a copy of The Lord of the Rings. The Green Pearl Draws very loosely on the legends of King Aurthur, but also establishes it's own unique mythology. It is worth reading over and over.
One of my all-time favorite books.......1999-06-04
The Green Pearl is the best of Jack Vance's best trilogy. It has some of the most memorable, funny dialogues that Jack Vance has come up with, and in my opinion they are what you read his books for. His turn of phrase is unique. Don't read it for character development!
This book was not long enough!.......1999-05-06
Pearl skillfully unfolds different scenarios and weaves all together similar to some of Shakespeare's plays. Jumping through time and space within the story and with the story's format reveals nimble Vance storytelling magic. It would take a real tugboat not to become involved with the various characters and their quests, loves, hates, and power struggles. Vance salts his story with heroes and humour. He peppers Pearl with plenty of villans, human weaknesses, and humour. I could not get enough of the many absurdities and bizarre creations Vance dreamed into his story. Finishing the book left me with the choice of using my imagination to tie up some unveiled mysteries or mindmelding with Vance or waiting for his next book about this world.
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