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What did Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley and Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia have in common? A love for the Kebra Negast, holy book of Ethiopian Christians and Jamaican Rastafarians. Contemporary scholars date the Kebra Negast to the 14th century, but it retells the stories of much earlier Biblical times, one very important story in particular. According to the Kebra Negast, the Israelites' Ark of the Covenant was spirited away to the ancient kingdom of Ethiopia by wise King Solomon's own son, offspring of the union between Solomon and the exotic Queen Makeda of Ethiopia (a.k.a. the Queen of Sheba). Gerald Hausman, a consummate storyteller of native traditions, presents the core narrative of the Kebra Negast, from Adam to the rise of the Ethiopian Solomonid dynasty. On top of this, he injects his own encounters with Rastafarians during his travels in Jamaica--dreadlocked Rastas as modern-day Samsons, their unwavering faith in Jah, and a rare outsider's glimpse at the Nyabinghi ceremony. The combination of ancient tale and modern belief give Hausman's Kebra Negast the rich flavor of enduring truth. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
The Lost Bible of Rastafarian Wisdom and Faith from Ethiopia and Jamaica.
Customer Reviews:
VERY INSPIRATIONAL!.......2006-07-12
This book is an excellent read. I did not want to put down. It explained alot of what I felt was a bit unexplained in the bible. I have not finished the book yet but i Highly recommend it.
Decent Buy.......2006-05-05
I got this book a while back. It's a very nice book if you have a bad attention span, and you need what your reading to be simple. If your looking for the in depth historical version, then this probably won't be the book for you, but if you're looking for a real good Light reading, then this might be a good purchase.
A must read.......2002-06-04
The Kebra Negast is a must read for anyone on the path of black consciousness and understanding the truth of our place in the Bible. Reading the Kebra Negast really helped me understand Rastafari, I hate that I completed the book I wanted more. I wished women played a larger role and that the interpretation of doing God's will was a bit less damning like in all religions.
Let the reader beware.......2001-09-13
This version is not to be confused with the classic text of Ethiopian religion/mythology of the same name. This version contains excerpts from the classical ancient text and combines it with anecdotes and sayings of rasafarianism, which is itself a recent concept dating back to the days of Selassie's coronation in 1930 (another story altogther). Basically, this version tries to connect the classic text with modern rastafarianism. If you're interested in rastafarianism, you can go ahead with this. But if you're interested in an English translation of the actual Kebra Nagast (Glory of Kings), see the E.A. Wallace Budge translation or the Miguel Brooks translation.
Interesting read.......2001-04-21
My husband bought this right after he heard about it. He is heavily into Rastafarianism and wanted to check it out. He read the book in two days and has since lent it to several friends. If you are into this kind of stuff, it offers a lot of info on the culture and outlook.
Book Description
Since his pasing in 1981, Bob Marley's music, like tribal drumming, has been sending out a message of love and freedom for all humanity. Twenty years later, Julia and Robert Roskind traveled to Jamaica to learn more about Rastafari-the people and philosophy that inspired his music. Their life-changing odyssey through the towns, villages and mountains of this beautiful island, revealed not only the Rasta way of life but an ancient mystery as well. "RASTA HEART" is truly a journey into One Love. "Riveting... An incredible adventure that reveals the true essence of Rasta!" Dr. Dennis Forsythe author of "Rastafarians:The Healing of the Nations."
Customer Reviews:
Breath taking and life changing!.......2007-07-25
This book is an amazingly written book that has you wanting to read more. The views and interviews of the Rastas will have you spiritualy moved and emotionally involved. One of a kind book that could never be duplicated.
A Magnificent Journey.......2007-04-17
Enjoy and immerse yourself in the ways of a Rastaman. The author literally makes you feel like your right there smoking a spliff with the rastas during a reasoning(conversation) session. This book is extremely inspirational you truly feel the love coming through the book. I reccommend it to all looking to learn about Rastafari and take a look at living FREE out of babylon!!!
JAH!!! RASTAFARI!!
Excellent book; one reservation.......2006-08-29
After spending some time in West Africa where I came across many inspirational Rastas, I came back to America wanting to learn more about this lifestyle. I found Roskind's book to be VERY firsthand and informative; after all, he speaks with dozens of Rastas with a whole range of views on Rastafari and One Love. The book was brilliantly written (with a lot of editing errors, however) and a great read for someone who is a novice to this faith. However, I do have one reservation about the author himself. Throughout the book he and the people he interviews criticize Babylon and all its materialism yet during his many trips to Jamaica he stays at the finest resorts (Babylon), likely owned by white non-Jamaicans (Babylon), and he talks about how he spends days here and there snorkling, laying out, eating, etc. (Babylon). I am not trying to point any fingers, I would just assume that if someone was trying to minimize one's materialistic desires and really experience Rastafari than one would at least stay at less plush resorts - especially when in a developing country. Other than that, an excellent read.
A Beautiful Journey.......2006-01-06
Explore Jamaica and Rastafari in this wonderfully written book. Meet rightous Rastas and gain an overstanding of One Love. Take a journey to a wonderful land and meet some beautiful people. Give thanks.
Babylon is Falling.......2005-12-16
If you feel that society has or has not taken a peice of your mind, I would advise you to read this book. I do not feel that it is a book that you can read at once, or once for that matter. I think I am on my third or fourth reread of this book. Roskind takes the power of communication through the Babylon system to prove there is more to what the western world calls life. I picked up the book in a gear issue room from the National Outdoor Leadership School in Conway, WA. I began to read the book outside of civilivation and coming back in to society after reading the tales in Rasta Heart has me looking at the world with a new pair of eyes. As they would say in the book, one love.
Book Description
A splendid piece of work written on a remarkable, dynamic and indigenous movement by one of its ardent followers. In this book, Mack unfolds the one true binding tenet of the Rastafari concept.
Customer Reviews:
Dread History.......2006-07-03
For someone like myself, who knows a little about Rasta, and would like to know more this is a great starting point.
Douglas Mack really was there, on both missions to Africa, and at Sellasie's visit to Jamaica.
The intro is a little long, and covers in brief everything that is covered in more detail in the book itself.
In many caes it is more interesting to read between the lines to guess what DM isn't saying. Especially on the second visit to Africa when you get the distinct feeling that the Rasta's weren't that welcome in some countries.
Also the relationship with the other delegates on the missions seem strained at times.
It's a shame DM doesn't include the history of the wearing of dreadlocks, and some more events after the sixties.
All in all a good starting point in Dread history, well written, and well worth a look.
scattered thoughts..........2006-03-27
I think a better and more thorough discussion of the rastafarian movement is The Rastafarians by Sr., Leonard E. Barrett. Douglas's thoughts seem to jump around in the book with long lists of individuals whose signifigance and part in the rastafarian movement needs more clarity.
Very informative!.......2001-06-15
I love this book. It's very insightful and gives a well-rounded historical view of Rastafari. I felt a sense of overstanding of what Rasta elders went through. Naturally, I highly recommend it as an excellent resource.
babylon and rastafari.......2000-08-02
Very good source of information on the genesis of Rastafarianism and it's impact on Jamaica. However it is a little heavy on name dropping, and would have been better if it had more information on the philosophy rather than the biography. The descriptions of the early 'Rasta Camps' was great, but it left me wanting for a description of what was discussed at them. Still I would recommend this book to anyone deeply interested in the 'I'story.
Back to the Roots.......2000-05-24
This text reveals one of the most important aspect of the Rastafari culture : repatriation. The author was one of the jamaican "elders" who participate to the "Mission to Africa" in 1963 with Filmore Alvaranga and Mortimo Planno. The Rasta ideology is closely linked to the Back-To-Africa movement. This text explains the fondamental concept of this carribean way of life.
Book Description
The twentieth anniversary edition of the classic study of the culture, religion, history, ideology, and influence of the Rastafarians of Jamaica. "Barrett offers the most comprehensive study to date of the Rastafarians." -Bulletin of the Center for the Study of World Religions "The most thorough, careful consideration of the Rasta phenomenon available to the general reader." - The Boston Phoenix
Customer Reviews:
A very good overview of Rastafarianism.......2007-08-05
A very good overview of Rastafarianism
Leonard E. Barrett, Sr., is graduate professor of religion at Temple University and the current printing of "The Rastafarians" is the twentieth anniversary edition of an important study of the society, culture, religion, history, ideology, and influence of the Rastafarians of Jamaica.
Professor Barrett has written a most comprehensive study of the Rastafarians, one perhaps deserving to be called a definitive study, spanning as it does the several decades of the movement's history. Professor Barrett is not a Rastaman, but is sympathetic to the movement and broadly if critically supportive of its aims.
I purchased this book for an introduction to to Rastafarianism, having been only very superficially acquainted with it. This is an ideal work for a reader to whom Rastafarianism is new as it provides a detailed yet brief history of Jamaica and the institution of slavery, the social cleavages that arose out of slavery, the lasting effects of colonialism and racial discrimination, and the history, doctrine, polity and ritual of the several Rastafarian groupings.
The book covers all the major doctrines of the religion, a history of it important personages, its social and political aims and contributions, and the various denominations within the tradition that have developed over the decades. I especially enjoyed the author's providing of some personal accounts of his interactions with Rastafarians in Jamaica.
Professor Barrett has made the Rastafarian religion and culture an object of fascination for me, and a subject of which I want to learn a great deal more.
I highly recommend this book.
Want to start learning about Rastafarians?.......2007-03-09
This book was an excellent reference for my begining research on Rasta's, especially how they came about. If you don't know much about this culture & people, this is a good base.
Rasta.......2006-01-08
I really enjoyed this book. What's so amazing about this book is that it is a history text AND totally readable. It goes into depth about various cultural aspects. When you finish reading you will feel you have a very good handle on Rastafarianism.
I have to admit the part about Haile Selassie being their prophet was a big reality check. Like a reality check into their religious world, which like all religions is delusional. I suppose, however, that everyone can take from it what they want.
I found this book helpful.......2004-11-24
This is the first book I read on Rastafarianism. I chose it because the author is not a Rastafarian, but he is sympathetic to the religion. Consequently, as I had hoped the book was both objective and lacked any persuasive intent.
The author situates the Rastafarian religion in the history, culture and politics of Jamaica. I appreciated the author providing these connections because it gave the religion a rootedness in time and place that a work which only covered the doctrines of the religion would not afford.
The book covers all the major doctrines of the religion, a history of it principal religious figures, its hopes and aspirations, its cultural contributions, and the various "schools" or "denominations" within the religion that have developed over the years. I particularly enjoyed the author's ability to speak objectively about the religion as well as provide some personal accounts of his interactions with Rastafarians in Jamaica. He made the religion fascinating to me, something I want to study more.
I highly recommend this book.
Jah Rastafari!.......2004-03-01
Being somewhat familiar with the Rastafari movement already and being somewhat fascinated by the culture I decided to read this book. The book starts out by tracing the history of slavery in Jamaica and outlining the conditions that precipitated a movement such as Rastafarianism which seeks a more equitable and just society. A decent amount is dedicated to Ethiopia and the idea of Ethiopianism where Rastafarians basically view this country in the same way as Zion is viewed by the Jews. Later elaboration explains mythical elements of the religion as well as the symbols, beliefs and rituals of the group such as smoking herb for a deeper understanding of a cosmic consciousness. I especially enjoyed the parts in the book where the author expounded upon the artistic improvements Rastas have made not only in Jamaica but the world over with things such as reggae music. Also kudos to him for talking about Bob Marley because he is a good reason the religion has gained popularity the world over. I won't give this book a 5 of 5 though because I did find the last chapter to be somewhat rambling and some of the ideas in the book are repeated a little bit too much for my taste. I think some people who aren't as interested in the movement as I am would have a little trouble keeping interested the whole way through. All-in-all though I think this is a pretty good read and does a good job explaining the basics of the Rastafarian beliefs and also gives detail about the socio-economic factors that contributed to this voice against colonialism and oppression.
Book Description
Roots reggae music has carried the message of Rastafari around the world. Sensing the Truth therein, spiritual seekers have been drawn to the new faith, but are confounded by the seemingly preposterous assertions of the Rastas. Rastafarian Mysticism: An Introduction to the Mysteries of Nyahbinghi provides a key to unlock the Mysteries of that most mystical 'mansion' of Rastafari called Nyahbinghi. The Nyahbinghi Order engendered and still inspires the profound lyrics and numinous rhythms of roots reggae music. Ras Steven, a practicing Rastaman, shows the symbols, mythos and ritual of Rastafari to constitute a complete and accessible Mystery Tradition.
Customer Reviews:
the pics are the best.......2007-06-27
i bought this book at a second hand store...i really did not like the fact that this guy is a white Rasta writting 'bout something so deep as the Nyabinghi tradition...i mean if you want to know about the Nyabinghi go to the sources themselvs, namely the black Rasta...Granted I gave this guy two stars for the subject matter and the good pics...Actually I cut out the pics and laminated most of them for my own iditations 'pon HIM...it really is not an in depth book and afterall i dont think one can learn about HIM via a book by a white man but must go to HIM in prayer and faith in order to learn...
Somewhat Informative, Yet Partly Misleading Booklet.......2007-02-27
The 2 stars are the result of subtractions of an otherwise more highly rated book. Other readers may not be bothered by these subtractions and therefore give more stars. [Update: This was my first review, and I was under the impression, I would be able to give 0 stars. Therefore, please consider I meant 3 stars, not only 2, as I can't change that.]
On the welcome hand this book about RastafarI is actually written by a RastafarI, which sets it apart from many similar books. It also provides some information those other books do not. On the other hand, other books contain very much additional, in-depth information, this one in turn lacks. Which is a consequence of it rather being a booklet than a book. Of its 89 content pages, 17 are reserved for pictures (though well-come these are - mostly of Haile Selassie-I) and Iyaricised (translated into "Rasta-English") Bible excerpts - each. Which leaves merely 55 regular text pages - in large print. Even for an "Introduction" this is a bit slim with regard to the subject matter.
The vocabulary of the title - "Mysticism" and "Mysteries of Nyahbinghi" - suggests a somewhat different content than what is actually provided. Most of the regular text pages is general information about RastafarI, not really any mysticism. That, which does center around mysticism rather is a general definition of what mysticism is. Or rather of what the author thinks it is, which is controversial. Most of the remaining content which really puts mysticism in the context of RastafarI, provides information on Rasta symbols etc. which rather qualifies again as general information about RastafarI, as given in other books which do not put this information under the headline of mysticism. In my overstanding, (religious) mysticism is the stage AFTER the myths and rituals, which are virtually the only two stages described in this book. Mysticism also rather is the opposite state of mind than "orthodoxy" of a religion, which is limited to those first two stages. In other words I expected the opposite kind of book I got. For details read The Mystical Journey from Jesus to Christ, even though that book thinks RastafarI canNOT be mystical. For a more mystical RastafarI approach, read the 1983 Rastafari: For the Healing of the Nation.
The Old Testament excerpts seem to be "translated" from the King James Bible, the version usually used in Jamaica. Which in my overstanding may be ok in principle, however, I am surprised not to find any passages (if I am correct in this) from the Ethiopian Bible, which have been labeled "apocryphs" by Western Christianity. With some of those and other apocryphs, such as "The Gospel According to Thomas" clearly being more mystical.
The bottom line is: I, a RastafarI, was looking for some mysticism and found next to nothing, but its very definition. The book explains a bit the concept of reasonings in the Rasta context, but doesn't engage in any reasoning itself.
The other points of discontent are the reproduction of extremely patriarchal visions of the past and the approach to these. For one thing, the author obviously does not really believe in them, but fails to challenge them, which he is supposed to do as a RastafarI, if he knows better. Written in 2004, this part of the book feels as if written half a century before that and by that leaves the false impression, all of RastafarI are still stuck in severe patriarchy. Whereas in reality, he reproduces rather historical visions of the second generation. The third generation rebelled against that and fights for a return to the original African matriarchy. The fourth generation does not believe in the Babylon (bad system) gender concept at all anymore. (Please note that "generation" may not necessarily match biological generations according to time of birth.) The author avers that one cannot rebel against the RastafarI patriarchs out of respect and because RastafarI is grounded in tradition.
1. Tradition is values etc. transmitted from one generation to the next, constantly ADJUSTED to the time and space we live in. This leads to spiritual etc. growth.
2. RastafarI are aware of conditioning by society's system, which separates one from the other. The way (back) to Ithiopia is the metaphorical burning in the mind of those walls of separation, which patriarchy is one of (as some of the lacking apocryphs reflect). This is a trans-generational process.
3. Rebelling is very much a Rasta tradition. E.g. the first generation didn't have any locks. Rasta was born of rebellion.
4. As the author mentions vaguely, there is no Rasta church and no authority for all Rastas. Rastas respect each other's visions, however un/orthodox, i.e. do not separate. This is precisely possible ONLY, if there are absolutely no dogmas and claims to absolute leadership.
5. In reasonings the participants are supposed to freely speak what's on their minds, regardless of the topic. To hold back would be disrespectful.
The book is written for non-Rastas, rather fresh Rastas or isolated living Rastas who would like some general information. That's exactly what they get: SOME information. With this comment in mind, the booklet is then worth more stars than given.
The Greatest Mystery of All.......2005-08-25
A fascinating presentation of Rastafari as a fully functioning mystery tradition and valid path to the highest levels of mystical Overstanding. A book I've been looking for for a long time. Give thanks.
Book Description
A chronicle of Ethiopia's history.
Customer Reviews:
Good General Historical Info. for Rastafari Movement.......2005-06-15
This is a great reference book detailing the kingship of Ethiopia as a national state. Jahson does a great job entailing the story and works of some past Emperors of Ethiopia. The reason why I gave this book only 3 stars is because of the missing historical facts that the authors leaves out, and some that are just not true. Such as, the authors writes that the Aksumite people were merged with immigrants that were semetic. This is not true! There are no semetics in ET. This author is refering to the India tribes that were apart of the Aksumite people. Which are many many different tribes. Also the language of GE'EZ is nothing but a cursive writing of MTU NTR (Egyptian writing). And the Ethiopians zenith was way before the 4th AD?? The 18th to 25th dynasties of anicent egypt were ruled by Aksumite rulers. Where is that history? Bob Marley said it the best "half the story has never been told". But this is a good reference book of the history of Ethiopia as a Christian state, and the emergence of Ethiopian from it's pre-Christianity history.
IBLE REVIEW.......2000-03-17
THIS CHRONOLOGY OF ETHIOPIAN KINGS FROM MAKEDA, QUEEN OF SHEBA'S SON MENELIK (1OTH CENTURY B.C)TO THE LAST EMPEROR KNOWN AS THE IMPERIAL MAJESTY EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE 1(1930AD-1974AD) IT INCLUDES A BRIEF BUT DETAILED I-STORY,SOME I-TRAITS AND QUOTES FROM STRONG AND INFLUENTIAL CONTRIBUTORS TO SOCIETY.HE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON DYNASTIES,SUCCESSIVE RELIGIONS AND FAMILY INTERESTS. FINALLY HE GRACES THE READER WITH QUOTES FROM HIS MAJESTY HAILIE SELASSIE I ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS CRUCIAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF HUMANITY AS WE KNOW IT.
Book Description
A glimpse in to the lives of Zimbabwe's Rastafarians, a poignant reality told in these bold works of fiction.
Average customer rating:
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Rastafarian Art of Jamaica
Wolfgang Bender
Manufacturer: Warwick Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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| History & Criticism
| Arts & Photography
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Schools, Periods & Styles
| Arts & Photography
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| Ancient & Classical
| Art Deco
| Art Nouveau
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| Contemporary Art
| Cubism
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ASIN: 1894622774 |
Book Description
A classic look at the relationship between Emperor Haile Sellassie 1 and the Rastafarians.
Customer Reviews:
rasta and its origin.......2000-05-11
this book is a great interpretation of rasta, the beliefs of rasta, and the practices of its members. anyone who wants to know more about the rastafarian movements, or just the rasta religion should read this insightful and enlightening book.
very good for what it set out to do.......1999-10-15
good info for people who are new to rastafari....it gives basic start up info....good for people who need to get certain ideas cleared up
Book Description
Rasta is Cuss presents a dictionary of Rastafarian cursing, including etymology. Rastafarianism is analyzed in relationship to its cursing lexicon. An introduction to the larger Rastafarian lexicon and to the historical and social background of Rastafarianism are provided.
Customer Reviews:
RASTAFARI AN CURSING???.......2004-01-20
First of all there is no such thing as Rastafarian cursing!!! Rastafarians are a peaceful loving cult who participate in praising Jah Rastafari (God) our king Haile Selassie. We do burn fiyah and brimstone with judgement upon bad and negative things. We do not curse, we praise. Now there may be such a thing as Jamaican patois cursing, but no such thing as Rasta curses. Fiyah pon dis book!!!
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