World Literatures
- 3/4 of War and Peace
- Writer Birthday: Alexander Pushkin
- Books in the News: Doris Lessing
- Books in the News: Mein Kampf
- Harry Potter and Web Copyright
- A Trip to Turkey
- Beginning War and Peace
- Project Gutenberg
- JSTOR: Academic Article Engine
- The Kite Runner
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
The various reactions to the idea of reading a long book
A couple months ago I wrote a blog post about Beginning War and Peace. I was a bit nervous at the time that it might be my last blog post about the book. After all, Tolstoy's classic is so long, and life is so busy. But determination won through, and I am now 3/4 of my way through what many site as the world's greatest novel.
My biggest surprise? It's an easy read.
OK, maybe not The Little Engine that Could easy, but War and Peace is certainly not as difficult as it is made out to be. I can read it on the bus and before bed, and it's even good airplane reading. This is due in part to the brilliant translators, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, who have maintained the feeling of an old book but used language that is easily accessible to the modern reader.
All this has me wondering: why do people make such a big deal out of this book's difficulty? It seems to me that, in an age of multitasking and instant gratification, adults in our culture are overwhelmed by the possibility of spending more than a couple weeks on a book.
Ironically, kids don't seem to have any problem with the concept of long books ever since the advent of Harry Potter. Perhaps their generation will be more prepared to take up a large tome by Tolstoy when they're older.
There is still hope for the older generations, though. The majority of people look at me strangely when they see me toting around War and Peace, but I've been surprised by how many people stop to talk about the time they read it. Universially, those who read it are glad they did.
My biggest surprise? It's an easy read.
OK, maybe not The Little Engine that Could easy, but War and Peace is certainly not as difficult as it is made out to be. I can read it on the bus and before bed, and it's even good airplane reading. This is due in part to the brilliant translators, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, who have maintained the feeling of an old book but used language that is easily accessible to the modern reader.
All this has me wondering: why do people make such a big deal out of this book's difficulty? It seems to me that, in an age of multitasking and instant gratification, adults in our culture are overwhelmed by the possibility of spending more than a couple weeks on a book.
Ironically, kids don't seem to have any problem with the concept of long books ever since the advent of Harry Potter. Perhaps their generation will be more prepared to take up a large tome by Tolstoy when they're older.
There is still hope for the older generations, though. The majority of people look at me strangely when they see me toting around War and Peace, but I've been surprised by how many people stop to talk about the time they read it. Universially, those who read it are glad they did.
Writer Birthday: Alexander Pushkin
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
Celebrating the birthday of Russia's most beloved author with a brief biography
Today we celebrate the birhday Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin. While other names like Tolstoy or Dostoyevsky are more familiar to non-Russians, Pushkin is thought to be the most revered national writer in Russia and a founder of Russian literature.
Pushkin was born into an elite Moscow family and was known for having an African great-grandfather. Pushkin was published and well-known in the high society literary community by the time he was in his mid to late teens.
In his early twenties, Pushkin became a political radical. He was censored by the govornment and left for remote regions, where he became interested in Freemasonry. When he was allowed to return to the city, his connections to the Decemberists worried those in power. He continued his literary career and was even so lucky as to meet Nikolai Gogol.
Pushkin married the beautiful Natalya Goncharova but was troubled by her affairs and his social role. In 1837, at the age of 38, he challenged his wife's alleged lover to a duel. Pushkin lost, and died two days later from his wounds.
Were he alive today (at the ripe old age of 209), Pushkin might not be planning any big celebrations. He was born on May 26th, 1799 of the Julian calender, which would be June 6th according to the Gregorian calender that we use today. Also, birthdays are traditionally less important in Russia than a person's "name day", in which they are celebrated on the day that honors the Russian Orthodox saint that shares their name.
Pushkin was born into an elite Moscow family and was known for having an African great-grandfather. Pushkin was published and well-known in the high society literary community by the time he was in his mid to late teens.
In his early twenties, Pushkin became a political radical. He was censored by the govornment and left for remote regions, where he became interested in Freemasonry. When he was allowed to return to the city, his connections to the Decemberists worried those in power. He continued his literary career and was even so lucky as to meet Nikolai Gogol.
Pushkin married the beautiful Natalya Goncharova but was troubled by her affairs and his social role. In 1837, at the age of 38, he challenged his wife's alleged lover to a duel. Pushkin lost, and died two days later from his wounds.
Were he alive today (at the ripe old age of 209), Pushkin might not be planning any big celebrations. He was born on May 26th, 1799 of the Julian calender, which would be June 6th according to the Gregorian calender that we use today. Also, birthdays are traditionally less important in Russia than a person's "name day", in which they are celebrated on the day that honors the Russian Orthodox saint that shares their name.
Books in the News: Doris Lessing
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
Lessing's writing is put on hold due to media demands after winning Alfred Nobel's famous award.
For many writers, winning a Nobel Prize in Literature would seem like the pinnacle of a career. It is the most prestigious prize for writing in the world and, despite the inevitable controversey that accompanies it, most recipients are pretty pleased.
Not Doris Lessing. The most recent recipient says that, while the prize may have brought her greater fame, it has stunted her literary progression. At 88 years old, after publishing dozens of novels, plays, and short stories, she'd still like to be working on that next novel. But with the constant demands of the media to be interviewed, recorded, and photographed, Lessing no longer has the energy or solitary time to devote to her work.
The prize money, now over 1 million US dollars, is awarded to aid the writer in continuing their work. But if it is hindering Lessing, is the Nobel really achieving its goal? The recognition of our too-often unrecognized artists, writers, and thinkers is a worthy purpose, but at what cost?
Not Doris Lessing. The most recent recipient says that, while the prize may have brought her greater fame, it has stunted her literary progression. At 88 years old, after publishing dozens of novels, plays, and short stories, she'd still like to be working on that next novel. But with the constant demands of the media to be interviewed, recorded, and photographed, Lessing no longer has the energy or solitary time to devote to her work.
The prize money, now over 1 million US dollars, is awarded to aid the writer in continuing their work. But if it is hindering Lessing, is the Nobel really achieving its goal? The recognition of our too-often unrecognized artists, writers, and thinkers is a worthy purpose, but at what cost?
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
Academics and Anti-Nazi thinkers hope to preempt the influence of Neo-Nazi use of "Mein Kampf" for propaganda in 2015.
Since the end of WWII, Hitler's controversial "Mein Kampf" has been banned in Germany, but this may not last much longer. Some people are pushing for its release, along with critical academic notes. Though it has been widely available in other countries and on the internet, it would be a significant transition to print it for sale in Germany again.
It may surprise some people to learn that it is mainly academics and anti-Nazi figures who are pushing for its release. This is because, according to German copyright law, the book will become public domain 70 years after the author's death. In this case, the book will become public in 2015.
It is argued that the publication of a critical edition may proactively counter the efforts of Neo-Nazis who might use the book as propaganda once the rights to the text are public. German historians would also like more access to the text as a tool for understanding their country's history.
It may surprise some people to learn that it is mainly academics and anti-Nazi figures who are pushing for its release. This is because, according to German copyright law, the book will become public domain 70 years after the author's death. In this case, the book will become public in 2015.
It is argued that the publication of a critical edition may proactively counter the efforts of Neo-Nazis who might use the book as propaganda once the rights to the text are public. German historians would also like more access to the text as a tool for understanding their country's history.
Harry Potter and Web Copyright
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
Rowling's case overlooks the importance of guarding intellectual property online as well as in print.
Issues of intellectual property is central to a recent court case involving J. K. Rowling, author of the “Harry Potter” series. Rowling is suing Steven Vander Ark, one of her biggest fans, the creator of a fan website with a lexicon of Harry Potter terminology, and, most recently, the author of The Harry Potter Lexicon in published book form. It is the publication of the website material in a for-profit book that is the cause of the lawsuit.
Much of the material in the book was identical to the web copy, and yet Rowling had no problem allowing him to publish it online. She even gave the website an award. The real reason that she is suing is that Vander Ark’s lexicon would be in direct competition with the lexicon that she plans to release.
I find Rowling’s distinction between web and print publication disturbing. The implication of her case is that the web is a free-for-all where anything goes.
Plagiarism is plagiarism, no matter what form of publication it comes in or what level of profit it yields. It is convenient for Rowling to make these distinctions, but the same ideas may be harmful to others. What about a photographer whose clients pay for an image to use on their website? If other people infringe on the photographer’s copyright by publishing it on their own websites, even if it is not for profit, the value of the photograph may lessen in the eyes of the original clients.
Vander Ark was certainly wrong to plagiarize, but Rowling’s case is being argued in a way that could be harmful to other writers and artists. The internet is not some parallel universe, regulated by different laws. Let’s support our artists and writers by treating their intellectual property with respect, online as much as in print.
Much of the material in the book was identical to the web copy, and yet Rowling had no problem allowing him to publish it online. She even gave the website an award. The real reason that she is suing is that Vander Ark’s lexicon would be in direct competition with the lexicon that she plans to release.
I find Rowling’s distinction between web and print publication disturbing. The implication of her case is that the web is a free-for-all where anything goes.
Plagiarism is plagiarism, no matter what form of publication it comes in or what level of profit it yields. It is convenient for Rowling to make these distinctions, but the same ideas may be harmful to others. What about a photographer whose clients pay for an image to use on their website? If other people infringe on the photographer’s copyright by publishing it on their own websites, even if it is not for profit, the value of the photograph may lessen in the eyes of the original clients.
Vander Ark was certainly wrong to plagiarize, but Rowling’s case is being argued in a way that could be harmful to other writers and artists. The internet is not some parallel universe, regulated by different laws. Let’s support our artists and writers by treating their intellectual property with respect, online as much as in print.
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
Out of the handful of English novels in translation available, there are some great reads in modern Turkish literature.
I’ve just returned from a brief trip to Turkey, a country where there seems to always be some juicy literary controversy and a heap of new books.
The not-so-grand tradition of imprisoning Turkish writers who speak too freely goes back a long time, but has made headlines in recent years. Journalists and literary figures, like the venerated poet and notorious communist Nazim Hikmet, were persecuted long before Orhan Pamuk made Turkish freedom of speech a hot topic in Western newspapers. However, many Turks feel that Pamuk’s statements on genocide were political angling for the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he received in 2006. They believe that Yasar Kemal, a Kurd and long-respected writer from Anatolia, was robbed of the prize.
These days, a newer writer on the scene is being billed as “the next Orhan Pamuk”. Elif Shafak is in many ways quite different from Pamuk, but the comparison is apt in terms of her political bent, interest in Ottoman culture, and wide availability on the shelves of Western bookstores. Her novel, “The Flea Palace”, made a big hit in America, amongst others.
Meanwhile, not many other pieces of quality Turkish literature are being translated into English these days. It’s a shame, because what has been translated is so good. If you’re interested in pursuing Turkish literature beyond Orhan Pamuk, pick up a copy of “Memed, My Hawk” by Yasar Kemal or “The Other Side of the Mountain” by Erendiz Atasu.
And I’ll be hoping there are some new English translations on the shelves by the time I make my next trip.
The not-so-grand tradition of imprisoning Turkish writers who speak too freely goes back a long time, but has made headlines in recent years. Journalists and literary figures, like the venerated poet and notorious communist Nazim Hikmet, were persecuted long before Orhan Pamuk made Turkish freedom of speech a hot topic in Western newspapers. However, many Turks feel that Pamuk’s statements on genocide were political angling for the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he received in 2006. They believe that Yasar Kemal, a Kurd and long-respected writer from Anatolia, was robbed of the prize.
These days, a newer writer on the scene is being billed as “the next Orhan Pamuk”. Elif Shafak is in many ways quite different from Pamuk, but the comparison is apt in terms of her political bent, interest in Ottoman culture, and wide availability on the shelves of Western bookstores. Her novel, “The Flea Palace”, made a big hit in America, amongst others.
Meanwhile, not many other pieces of quality Turkish literature are being translated into English these days. It’s a shame, because what has been translated is so good. If you’re interested in pursuing Turkish literature beyond Orhan Pamuk, pick up a copy of “Memed, My Hawk” by Yasar Kemal or “The Other Side of the Mountain” by Erendiz Atasu.
And I’ll be hoping there are some new English translations on the shelves by the time I make my next trip.
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
Introducing an article series on Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace", one of the world's greatest novels.
War and Peace is not the least intimidating book I’ve ever opened. At 1215 pages, it makes a time-consuming read. At 4 lbs, it makes a formidable doorstop.
But I’m excitedly making my way through it. My interest in Russian literature was first sparked by a class on Leo Tolstoy, and he has remained a favorite writer ever since. Though I’ve read Anna Karenina and many of Tolstoy’s novellas and short stories, I always knew that I’d have to take on War and Peace to call myself a true lover of Tolstoy. After all, how can I know that it is true love if I don’t test it?
The timing is perfect; a new translation was printed in 2007 by the renowned translating couple, Richard Pevar and Larissa Volokhonsky, who have been making fresh translations of Russian classics, like Crime and Punishment and Dead Souls. Their translation of Anna Karenina in 2000 was a popular pick in Oprah’s Book Club.
In War and Peace, they have managed to translate Tolstoy’s words into smooth English without compromising the vitality of the text. Pevear and Volokhonsky are known for staying true to the original, and have kept the large French passages, often translated into English along with the Russian, in the original language. A translation is in the footnotes at the bottom of the page.
The first 150 pages have not left me disappointed, neither in the novel nor the translation. Let’s hope that I can say the same after the next 1,050 pages. In weeks to come, look to the World Literatures site for a series of articles breaking down the book’s plot and themes, such as my first article, War and Peace: Volume I, Part I, as well as some updates on my progress.
And wish me luck.
But I’m excitedly making my way through it. My interest in Russian literature was first sparked by a class on Leo Tolstoy, and he has remained a favorite writer ever since. Though I’ve read Anna Karenina and many of Tolstoy’s novellas and short stories, I always knew that I’d have to take on War and Peace to call myself a true lover of Tolstoy. After all, how can I know that it is true love if I don’t test it?
The timing is perfect; a new translation was printed in 2007 by the renowned translating couple, Richard Pevar and Larissa Volokhonsky, who have been making fresh translations of Russian classics, like Crime and Punishment and Dead Souls. Their translation of Anna Karenina in 2000 was a popular pick in Oprah’s Book Club.
In War and Peace, they have managed to translate Tolstoy’s words into smooth English without compromising the vitality of the text. Pevear and Volokhonsky are known for staying true to the original, and have kept the large French passages, often translated into English along with the Russian, in the original language. A translation is in the footnotes at the bottom of the page.
The first 150 pages have not left me disappointed, neither in the novel nor the translation. Let’s hope that I can say the same after the next 1,050 pages. In weeks to come, look to the World Literatures site for a series of articles breaking down the book’s plot and themes, such as my first article, War and Peace: Volume I, Part I, as well as some updates on my progress.
And wish me luck.
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
Electronic libraries, such as Project Gutenberg and Questia, can make reading and researching easier and less expensive.
Last week I wrote about JSTOR, a phenominal academic article resource on the web. Today I'd like to talk a bit about another electronic resources for bookworms: online libraries like Project Gutenberg and Questia.
Project Gutenberg started in 1971, well before the "internet age" hit and became widespread. Over the years, Project Gutenberg has strived towards its goal of making information and literary texts easily available for free to anyone around the world with an internet connection.
Though you may not want to read entire books on your computer (unlike Amazon's Kindle, your computer screen will make your eyes hurt after too many pages of text), this is a terrific resource for reminding yourself of an important passage from a classic book, doing a bit of research, or starting a book to decide if you want to purchase it.
Questia is, in many ways, a similar resource. Unlike Project Gutenberg, Questia is not free; to access their entire library, a subscription is $19.95/month. To subscribe ONLY to the Literature Library, a monthly subscription is $9,95.
For people who live in remote areas with limited local library resources, this can be a good deal. It is also convenient for people who do everything electronically. Questia has a wide scope of material. If you want to see what they have, you can search their libraries and read selections without subscibing.
There are many more resources out there, but these are just two that have helped me research over the years. Neither of these websites are especially slick or up-to-date looking, but if the text is readable, that's all you really need.
Project Gutenberg started in 1971, well before the "internet age" hit and became widespread. Over the years, Project Gutenberg has strived towards its goal of making information and literary texts easily available for free to anyone around the world with an internet connection.
Though you may not want to read entire books on your computer (unlike Amazon's Kindle, your computer screen will make your eyes hurt after too many pages of text), this is a terrific resource for reminding yourself of an important passage from a classic book, doing a bit of research, or starting a book to decide if you want to purchase it.
Questia is, in many ways, a similar resource. Unlike Project Gutenberg, Questia is not free; to access their entire library, a subscription is $19.95/month. To subscribe ONLY to the Literature Library, a monthly subscription is $9,95.
For people who live in remote areas with limited local library resources, this can be a good deal. It is also convenient for people who do everything electronically. Questia has a wide scope of material. If you want to see what they have, you can search their libraries and read selections without subscibing.
There are many more resources out there, but these are just two that have helped me research over the years. Neither of these websites are especially slick or up-to-date looking, but if the text is readable, that's all you really need.
JSTOR: Academic Article Engine
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
The benefits of JSTOR for bookworms and some advice on how to access their restricted website.
I don't know how the rest of the world lives without JSTOR.
If you have been associated with a college or university in the past few years, you know what I mean. JSTOR is an amazing resource that allows access to nearly every recent academic article, as well as archived articles from the pre-computer age. For bookworms, JSTOR is an opportunity to access different viewpoints and deepen our understanding of the literature we read.
Take for example, the book I am reading now: Knots, by Nuruddin Farah. It is the story of a Somali-Canadian woman who returns to the war-torn country of her roots in the wake of her son's death. I am interested to know more the author, so i search for "Nuruddin Farah" in JSTOR's Advanced Search, specifying only full articles within JSTOR. Within the second, 63 articles are a mouse click away, from "On Nuruddin Farah" to an interview with the author to articles written by Farah himself.
This kind of academic access is far beyond the scope of Google.
But there's a catch; JSTOR's universe of academic information is only available through universities and some libraries. So how does a non-student access JSTOR?
* Check with your local libraries to see if they have access. You will have to go to the library in person every time you want to search JSTOR.
* If you ever had an online login with a university, see if it still works. Perhaps they haven't disabled it and you can still access JSTOR, although you are no longer associated with the institution.
* Sign up for a class at your local university. You will likely receive full library access and be able to access JSTOR in the convenience of your home through the university library website.
If you have been associated with a college or university in the past few years, you know what I mean. JSTOR is an amazing resource that allows access to nearly every recent academic article, as well as archived articles from the pre-computer age. For bookworms, JSTOR is an opportunity to access different viewpoints and deepen our understanding of the literature we read.
Take for example, the book I am reading now: Knots, by Nuruddin Farah. It is the story of a Somali-Canadian woman who returns to the war-torn country of her roots in the wake of her son's death. I am interested to know more the author, so i search for "Nuruddin Farah" in JSTOR's Advanced Search, specifying only full articles within JSTOR. Within the second, 63 articles are a mouse click away, from "On Nuruddin Farah" to an interview with the author to articles written by Farah himself.
This kind of academic access is far beyond the scope of Google.
But there's a catch; JSTOR's universe of academic information is only available through universities and some libraries. So how does a non-student access JSTOR?
* Check with your local libraries to see if they have access. You will have to go to the library in person every time you want to search JSTOR.
* If you ever had an online login with a university, see if it still works. Perhaps they haven't disabled it and you can still access JSTOR, although you are no longer associated with the institution.
* Sign up for a class at your local university. You will likely receive full library access and be able to access JSTOR in the convenience of your home through the university library website.
Posted by
Elizabeth Nelson
The recent film is a faithful adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's bestselling novel about Afghanistan.
Normally, I am quite critical of books turned into movies. One of my favorite books, The Power of One, was nearly ruined by the unfaithful adaptation, the recent version of The Golden Compass was disastrous, and even Gregory Peck didn't quite live up to my Atticus Finch. However, the recent adaptation of The Kite Runner is the exception to the rule; not only did I enjoy the movie, but I cried more in the theater than I did when I first read the book two years ago.
The Kite Runner, the international bestseller by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, takes place in Kabul, Afghanistan. It is the story of two boys, one wealthy child named Amir and his servant, Hassan. They are best friends, and Hassan is intensely loyal to Amir. However, Amir betrays Hassan by failing to save him from rape and then by framing him as a thief to deliver himself from shame. War and Russian invasion intervene and Amir and his father escape to America while Hassan and his father remain. Years later, Amir must confront his own wrongdoing, as well as his father's imperfections. He makes a dangerous trip into modern Afghanistan to save Hassan's son and redeem himself.
The book is gripping and an easy read, and the movie has the same effect. It is fun without being superficial, heart-warming without being cheesy, and serious without being depressing. If possible, read the book first. Then head to the theater to enjoy a rare film that does justice to the book it is based on.
The Kite Runner, the international bestseller by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, takes place in Kabul, Afghanistan. It is the story of two boys, one wealthy child named Amir and his servant, Hassan. They are best friends, and Hassan is intensely loyal to Amir. However, Amir betrays Hassan by failing to save him from rape and then by framing him as a thief to deliver himself from shame. War and Russian invasion intervene and Amir and his father escape to America while Hassan and his father remain. Years later, Amir must confront his own wrongdoing, as well as his father's imperfections. He makes a dangerous trip into modern Afghanistan to save Hassan's son and redeem himself.
The book is gripping and an easy read, and the movie has the same effect. It is fun without being superficial, heart-warming without being cheesy, and serious without being depressing. If possible, read the book first. Then head to the theater to enjoy a rare film that does justice to the book it is based on.
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