Book Description
For millennia, the culture and philosophy of the ancient Egyptians have fascinated artists, historians, and spiritual seekers throughout the world. Now, with this deluxe edition, the legendary 3,500-year-old Papyrus of Ani—the most beautiful of the ornately illustrated Egyptian funerary scrolls ever discovered—has been restored in its original sequences of text and artwork, using the latest advances in computer-imaging technology. Four exquisitely illustrated gatefold spreads and an acclaimed translation by two noted Egyptologists showcase the Papyrus's elaborately bordered images and convey its intended sense of motion and meaning in a way that other books on the subject cannot begin to match. For both lay readers and scholars interested in a wide range of topics—from mysticism and philosophy to anthropology and astronomy—this sumptuous and accessible new volume will be an essential acquisition.??
Also check out www.bookofdead.com and www.studio31.com/botd.html for more information about this book.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome!!.......2007-09-16
I ordered this book as a birthday present for my partner, he has always wanted a copy of the book of the dead, he was absolutly thrilled with it. He loves the fold outs of the scrolls and having the english translation as well, and i was very thrilled at how quickly it was delivered and the quaility of the book, this was the first time i have ordered anything online and i will definatly be doing it again. ( we live in New Zealand and the book was delivered in 3 days!!!!!! thats fast)
Modern Translation With Some Lacking Overstanding and Obscure Structuring.......2007-09-13
Revised review: This book is even more difficult to rate than The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) and The Ethiopian Book of Life (aka An Ethiopian Book of the Dead). As it isn't only the ancient book and the modern revised translation to be considered. Because the so-called Ani Papyrus is ancient, yes, yet a faulty, abridged and erratically composed pre-manufactured work. For example, it had been forgotten twice to include the name of the customer, this papyrus had been purchased for, into the blank space provided for this purpose. Even in the unabridged and correctly structured version of the "(The Chapters of) Going Forth by Day and Night... to the Place he Might Desire to Be", as the complete real title translates as, the author of the edition, James Wasserman, writes about: "Much of the book is frankly incromprehensible, even for experts. No amount of exegesis can explain many passages. Images and allusians follow one another with bewildering force and frequency, lacking thematic and logical connection." In this "Ani Papyrus" (Ani being the Western version of the name of the deceased this papyrus had been purchased for) the vignettes and/or chapter titles do not necessarily match the text beneath them.
This "Book of the Dead" isn't really the/a full theology of ancient Egypt, but PRESUPPOSING full knowledge about it. Which is simply not obtainable to the modern reader by merely enjoying this text as a supposedly funerary object. In reality it isn't, but an INITIATION ritual of the new/renewed pharao. For a mystical approaches read Shamanic Wisdom in the Pyramid Texts: The Mystical Tradition of Ancient Egypt and Egyptian Yoga Vol. 1:: The Philosophy of Enlightenment.
As for the modern publication: The facsimile of the vignettes had been published originally in 1890 under the supervision of E. A. Wallis Budge and quality enhanced for this new edition. The translation is based on the 1972 version of Raymond Faulkner, and additional corrections have been included by other translators after that. The book was published first in 1994 and was then revised in 1998. The presentation of the papyrus is well done. However, the structure of the entire modern book leaves much to be desired. As I read from cover to cover as usual, afterwards, I wished I hadn't. I would have gotten more out of the book in a different approach: Glossary (at the very end of book), foreword-preface-introduction, commentary p.137-154, then in combination the individual Ani Papyrus plates + English translation with the explanations of those individual plates in the commentary p. 154-170, with the abridged chapters of the "Theben recension" p. 99-135 in between. It should be noted that the translation directly beneath the "Ani Papyrus" isn't a 100% match to the papyrus presented above, as some sections have been included or changed according to the "Theben recension". Sounds complicated? Exactly. And the book isn't really that easy to handle, for oversize also means overweight. What is missing is vignettes and most certainly comments of the "Theben recension". Be upwised that the "Ani Papyrus" is a mere fraction of the entire "Theben recension". In other words, to read the entire so-called (Egyptian) Book of the Dead, the "Ani Papyrus" qualifies as a trailer and this edition of the modern book makes for a major obstacle reading - which you find out only, after having read this book unsuspectingly for the first time.
Also considered has to be the content of the commentaries and introductions. Honestly, I wouldn't do without, no question. However, James Wasserman and his colleagues are orthodox egyptologists. For one thing, they are still working with the traditional Imes (time) frame for ancient Egypt, which is explainable in having worked on this book in the early 1990s. Sin-ce then, the Imes fakings of an early Berlin egyptologist have been exposed, who attempted to make the ancient Egyptian civilization appear to be much younger in order for less embarrassment for Europe in relation to that. The further you go back, the more additional Imes get accumulated. By the Imes of this specific Ani Papyrus, this is a bit more than a century of difference only, earlier it is about millennia. (Read more in When We Ruled: The Ancient and Medieval History of Black Civilisations.)
Next, the Western rendered names of ancient Egyptian names are used. Though currently, it isn't EXACTLY possible to produce the real pronouncation/Western transcription of names, much better approximations are possible and indeed used in more African centered books. (The Black African nature of the ancient Egyptian culture is attempted to get veiled by orthodox [= Euro centered] egyptologist. For example, there is no mention in the otherwise meticulous commentary of the various - and changing! - skin colors of the characters depicted in the vignettes. As is still the case in religious paintings of today's West Africans, some of the ancestors of the ancient Egyptians, these colors do not always represent the real skin color, but religious meaning according to the respective function of the situation depicted.)
Last not least the book isn't only averring a purely polytheistic religion, but directly denying any mysticism and monotheism of the ancient Egyptians. Thereby, the direct ancestry of the Judo-Christian-Islamic culture is attempted to get severed from (Black) Africa. On first sight, ancient Egypt APPEARS to be polytheistic. Yet, in reality, all the gods were considered to be facets of a single one. Even more: Everything is One, not only the god(s). At the Imes, this book had been written, it may have been quite easy to sweep away any claims of monotheism (or actually pantheism) for ancient Egypt, without even taking the time to go into those claims and attempting to disprove them. Today that approach simply cannot be done anymore. Too many mystics and progressive and African-centered egyptologists have come forward. Read for example Egyptian Divinities: The All Who Are THE ONE or the books by Muata Ashby, such as The Mystical Journey from Jesus to Christ. The difficulty the author of this book experiences is that he doesn't know the mystic level of the Western religion, Christianity. By overstanding e.g. Master Eckhart of the 14th century, he would be capable of not blinding the monotheism of ancient Egypt better. Instead, James Wasserman says that it would sound hubris to us today that after death one becomes (a) god. Yet, mysticism all over the world - ancient or modern alike - knows that we already are, but have forgotten that until we "die". Accordingly, Wasserman blinds "denial of death" and vocabulary such as "passing on" instead of "dying" as euphemisms of supposedly avoided dealings with the inevitable perishing quality of the death concept. That is, because he is caught in the myth and rites level of his branch of religion. Which makes it difficult to REALLY translate and comment ancient Egyptian religious texts, especially this one. The literal words may come closer and closer, but the meaning will remain sphinxed. For example he gives the translations of the "prime" god Atum as "He Who Is Entirety" or "The Undifferentiated One", but can't see that this means that EVERYTHING is meant with that, as God is undifferentiated from anything and within. Which includes ourselves, returning to the state of this knowledge after "death", i.e. "becoming" God/Jah/the universe/etc., (Asar/Osiris in this case).
Besides all of that I find it interesting that this papyrus contains the odd gender bending in the text as well as the vignettes, but does NOT contain any amorist (homophobe) notions. Simply, because I have come across some books averring that. Referred to are the up to 42 "negative confessions" or rather "declarations of innocence" which are often compared to the Christain Ten Commandments. This may have been a result of the previous, faulty and prejudiced translation of E. A. Wallis Budge. I always wondered about that supposed Egyptian amorism, as it didn't really seem to fit either the "androgynous"/non-dualist religion and the Imes, as amorist interpretations of earlier holy texts occurred much later historically for the Egyptians really to have been able to be amorist in the first place. Instead I could find declarations of innocence of not making slaves, not making hungry, not building a dam on flowing water and not hunting animals. But also of not fornicating and at first sight strange appearing ones such as not copulating and not extinguishing fires.
New computer enhanced version of the Book of the Dead.......2007-03-24
The ancient Egyptian bible, everyone who could afford one was buried with one. This is a new version, and has English translations on each page with color images. It is a guidebook for the deceased person to follow to find his way to the afterlife to live on forever. The Egyptians were not obsessed with death but with obtaining the perfect afterlife. Sound familiar?
By the way I do agree with the excellent reviews already here. But, to make it accessable to Western eyes, I think NOT to refer to it as a sort of "Bible" is a bit confusing I think. The ancient Egyptians studied it, tried to memorize it, and took it with them in their sarcophagus if they could afford to, in order to have access to it when they awoke and needed to start their journey to the West (afterlife). It held all they needed to know to get there safely.
This version, I understand, is the best new one ever and most accurate translation. Fascinating just to go through, the art is wonderful.
Egyptian Book of the Dead.......2007-01-17
This was a gift to an Egyptologist.
Very much appreciated.
The Book of Going Forth by Day.......2007-01-11
A great reference of the original writings of the Egyptian Book of the Dead. A valuable read for anyone studying Ancient Egyptian History.
Book Description
In today's job market, getting to "yes" doesn't mean getting a break. Like most new employees today, you'll probably get thrown into your new position with little or no orientation. You'll have to "sink or swim" in the first 90 days-or face termination.
No worries. Sink or Swim shows you how to be a top performer from day one.
"Everyone starting a new job should have this book under their arm at work, next to their plate at dinner, and under their pillow at night." -Jeffrey Fox, author of the national bestseller, How to Become CEO
With week-by-week charts, and straightforward, no B.S. information, Sink or Swim enables you to decode the company's culture, discern what your priorities should be, and survive and thrive in your first twelve weeks-no matter what industry you're in.
Customer Reviews:
Read This and Refer Back.......2007-08-22
Within the first week of starting my new job at a startup internet company, I came across this book and it made all the difference. Working at a startup can often be disjointed, especially since we didn't have an office to call our own. By incorporating some of the advice in my weekly routines, I created a structure for myself that I continue to follow. The advice was clear, concise and right on.
This is definitely a must-read for anyone starting a new job.
Another 5-star review from SF, jeffnc!.......2007-07-03
Pay no attention to Jeffnc, the bitter reviewer from SC! I live in SF and have no idea who the Sidells are, but this book is fascinating! Follow everything they say week by week,a nd you'll get that "This is going very well" at your 90-day review just like me! What's more, you look not only super organized with this book on your desk, but also super-conscientious....I brought this book into a one on one with the boss, and I cracked the book and said "I'd like to talk about my career goals.." she asked me what the book was...she was impressed!
A Great Resource/Tool.......2007-04-10
"Sink or Swim" is the book that I wish I had when I started in the working world over 18 years ago! It is a simple, step-by-step tool that shows new hires how to "get it right in 12 weeks". The week-by-week approach gives individuals the opportunity to set good habits and strategies that can be applied throughout one's career. This book has been very helpful to me as an HR professional in getting my recent college graduate new hires to better engage with the company and job they accepted within it! I would highly recommend this book.
Mediocre.......2006-12-20
Be knowledgeable about your industry. Be knowledgable about your company. Be knowledgeable about your required job skills. Communicate well with people. Set goals for yourself. Dress like others around you dress. Pretty common sense stuff.
By the way, check out some of the other reviews. It's pretty unusual for any book, especially a one like this, to get all 5 star reviews. Look at the earliest 8 reviews. This is the only review that has been written by each of these 8 reviewers. All written on May 8. Almost all from San Francisco/California (interesting that the company founded by the authors is in San Francisco.) A bunch of people from San Francisco just happened to swarm to Amazon on May 8 to give the book a bunch of 5 star reviews. Interesting.
An Excellent Guide that Came in Handy.......2006-09-25
Let me begin by saying that I started a new job, and before the transition, I bought four books on this same topic. I hoped that between all of them, I would learn everything necessary for my first 3 months at my new job.
After having read all of them, I came to the conclusion that I would have saved some money had I only purchased Sink or Swim. It was by far the most comprehensive, week by week guide about how to start a new job and successfully chart your path within the first three months of your new job.
Some of the sage advice includes simple matters like knowing the right time to speak to your boss, the types of conversations you want to have when first being introduced to your new colleagues. Some of the best advice comes in the form of advice for the reader that helps them present the best possible image to others.
Readable, engaging and formatted in a clear reference style, I highly recommend this for anyone who is starting a new job, or for anyone who wants to start their old job, anew.
Product Description
This book is a new original translation of the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Deadbased on surviving papyri from Ancient Egypt \" I Know myself, I know myself, I am One With God!-From the Pert Em Heru \"The Ru Pert em Heru\" or \"Ancient Egyptian Book of The Dead,\" or \"Book of Coming Forth By Day\" as it is more popularly known, has fascinated the world since the successful translation of Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic scripture over 150 years ago. The astonishing writings in it reveal that the Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death and in an ultimate destiny to discover the Divine. The elegance and aesthetic beauty of the hieroglyphic text itself has inspired many see it as an art form in and of itself. But is there more to it than that? Did the Ancient Egyptian wisdom contain more than just aphorisms and hopes of eternal life beyond death? In this volume Dr. Muata Ashby, the author of over 25 books on Ancient Egyptian Yoga Philosophy has produced a new translation of the original texts which uncovers a mystical teaching underlying the sayings and rituals instituted by the Ancient Egyptian Sages and Saints. \"Once the philosophy of Ancient Egypt is understood as a mystical tradition instead of as a religion or primitive mythology, it reveals its secrets which if practiced today will lead anyone to discover the glory of spiritual self-discovery. The Pert em Heru is in every way comparable to the Indian Upanishads or the Tibetan Book of the Dead.\"
Customer Reviews:
THANK GOD FOR ANOTHER!I.......2007-02-07
I HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF READING THE TRANSLATION BY THE BIGOT BLUDGE. WHAT A LOT OF NONSENSE. HIS BOOK WAS BASED OF THE MISINTERPETATION OF AN AFRICAN RELIGION THROUGH THE EYES OF A EUROPEAN.
THANK GOODNESS OF MUATA ASHBY AND HIS UNBIASED INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE BOOK OF THE DEADS.
An Ancient African System of Enlightment.......2004-09-22
Ashby does an excellent job of selecting and highlighting pasages and unraveling the science of the soul.
Simple and Undeniably Intense.......2001-01-17
htp. Sehu Maa has done an extraordinary work with Prt m Hru. In the beginning parts of this work, he explains the terms used, concepts, history of KMT and Prt m hru, language use, etc. He supports the book with Mdu Ntr(words of the Ntru, divine speech), pictures of tomb inscriptions, and best of all, Sehu Maa explains each chapter from its intended implications. Thusfar, I have learned that we didn't call the Prt m Hru, "the book of the dead", this is a guide for the spiritual journey of the living. ankh udja snb Sehu Maa
Lectura del Rostro.......2000-04-23
Its very intriguing, i read the information and made obsewrvations and the book is very accurate with people who i know that would mean that i can do the same with those who i dont know and i dont have to waste my time getting to know those that aren't worth it. the book is beyond interesting its factual.
Book Description
Above a small town in Mexico, the sun rises like a great marigold, and one family begins preparations for an annual celebration, El día de los muertos, the Day of the Dead. Soon they will go out into the night, join their neighbors, and walk to the graveyard to welcome the spirits of their loved ones home again. Framed by decorative borders and peppered with Spanish words, Day of the Dead is a glorious introduction to a fascinating celebration. A note at the end of the book provides factual information about the holiday.
Customer Reviews:
Charming.......2007-03-30
This book feels as though it is illustrated using papel picado techniques, with its geometric colorful shapes that are symmetrical and have black-colored backgrounds. This book charmingly uses lots of Spanish language to teach vocabulary to readers. It uses lots of words that have to do with the customs of Día de los Muertos. The narrative of the story leads the reader from the preparations for the fiesta all the way through the procession and celebration. The book is attractively small and square, which will also attract younger readers without intimidating them, but offers more than enough information for these younger readers to get a comprehensive view of Día de los Muertos.
Beautiful book (but the paperback binding sucks!).......2005-10-27
This is an absolutely magical, lovely book, both in the text and illustrations.
However, the paperback I bought has a flimsy binding that started to fall apart after just one reading. I'm going to get it in hardback.
Brilliant Illustrations, Accurate Story.......2001-10-31
This lively story tells the meaning of Dia de los Muertos--honoring loved ones--with beautiful illustrations, a good mixture of English and Spanish text, and accuracy. Great teaching tool.
A Beautiful Tribute to a Mexican Holiday.......2000-01-14
I have read this book to my 6 year-old daughter ab out a dozen times in the last 2 weeks. The colorful and rich illustrations are awe-inspiring and capture the spiritual side of this Mexican holiday. The story reflects the anticipation of the children as their parents prepare for this day of feasting and honoring passed souls.
Another plus in this book is the use of the Spanish language. Scattered throughout the book in short phrases, the words can be interpreted by context for the non-speaker.
I love this book and so does my daughter. We live near the border of Mexico and can attest to the fact that it is culturally accurate and reflects the Mexican culture in a beautiful way. I highly recommend this book!
Book Description
Mexico's Day of the Dead fascinates U.S readers, whether for its joyful celebration of an unusual tradition or because it simply feels like home. San Vicente lets children join the celebration as they watch the skeletons rock, rattle, and roll those long old bones as they get ready for the biggest event of their social calendar. A short and fun essay, directed toward young readers, will explain this important Mexican holiday.
The works of Mexico City artist
Luis San Vicente have been exhibited in Mexico, Venezuela, Europe, and the United States. He has won UNESCO's prestigious NOMA Encouragement Concours Prize for Illustration, and UNESCO honored his work (1997, 1998, and 1999) in their prestigious Youth and Children's Catalog of Illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource!.......2007-03-30
This "little-bitty" book is small in size but definitely not small in information. This book was packed full of all kinds of facts and ideas for Día de los Muertos. The book begins with a little story that is brilliantly illustrated in pen-and-ink with spot color. The illustrations are skeletons wearing clothes in the style of Juan Guadalupe Posada, the "patron saint" of Día de los Muertos illustrations. This story is a rhyming tale of the skeletons during the fiesta told in both English and Spanish. This is great because it can be read by patrons that read either language, and can improve bilingualism in those that are learning English or Spanish. These illustrations are more in the style of the holiday than any other print source I could find. After the story, the book becomes very informative. It gives the history of the holiday, and gives ideas to children on how to celebrate at the cemetery. It lists many ideas for making an ofrenda (altar and its offerings) for a departed loved one, and then gives recipes for making Pan de Muerto and a Sugar Skull.
Fantastic bilinqual book!.......2002-10-04
Having been born and raised in the Midwest, I've always had a fascination with Mexico's Day of the Dead. The idea that you could joyously celebrate the lives of family and friends who have passed on struck me as being unique and beautiful.
The Little-Bitty Book for the Day of the Dead starts with an imaginative and whimsical poem, in both English and Spanish, illustrated with the most charming group of skeletons that you are likely to encounter in a children's book.
Rounding out the book is information about The Day of the Dead, including suggestions on how to celebrate this popular Mexican holiday, with recipes for Pan de Meurto and sugar skulls.
This book is a must have for any multi-cultural children's library.
Average customer rating:
- kids probably would like it
- The Review of Dead Days
- Terrific history-based fantasy (not just for fantasy fans!)
- Dead and dismal
- Dead and dismal
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The Book of Dead Days
Marcus Sedgwick
Manufacturer: Wendy Lamb Books
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Binding: Hardcover
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Story Time [Bargain Price] [Hardcover] by Bloor, Edward
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Dark Flight Down (Book of Dead Days)
ASIN: 0385730551
Release Date: 2004-10-12 |
Book Description
THE DAYS BETWEEN Christmas and New Year’s Eve are dead days, when spirits roam and magic shifts restlessly just beneath the surface of our lives. A magician called Valerian must save his own life within those few days or pay the price for the pact he made with evil so many years ago. But alchemy and sorcery are no match against the demonic power pursuing him. Helping him is his servant, Boy, a child with no name and no past. The quick-witted orphan girl, Willow, is with them as they dig in death fields at midnight, and as they are swept into the sprawling blackness of a subterranean city on a journey from which there is no escape.
Praise for The Book of Dead Days:
“Beautifully paced and sometimes blood-soaked. . . . A very tangible sense of evil.”—The Guardian
“Subtle menace and power.”—The Independent
“Packed with drama, mystery, and intrigue.”—The Bookseller
Customer Reviews:
kids probably would like it.......2007-04-15
I am a teacher and bought this book at my school's book fair. I actually really liked the cover. That is what caught my eye. Anyway, this was a pretty good book. Fairly dark and gloomy--not an uplifting book by any means. But, the writing flowed and I found myself reading on. My daughter is into fantasy books, so I believe this book would appeal to kids who like that type of writing. There are worse books out there that try to appeal to kids.
The Review of Dead Days.......2006-04-24
Boy is a servant for a man named Valerian, a mean man -or magician- that does magic shows at the Great Theatre. Valerian had found Boy hiding in a niche in a church listening to a conversation between Valerian and Kepler, an old friend of Valerian's. Boy doesn't remember a life before living on the streets or with Valerian; he doesn't remember his mother or father, or even having a proper name, other than Boy. Boy later finds out that Valerian will die at midnight on New Years Eve unless he acquired a certain book, that would tell him how to escape death among other things, but Boy wasn't told how or why Valerian would die. Boy and Valerian are later joined by Willow, a servant girl that had ran away from Madam Beauchance, another Great Theatre performer. Go along with Boy, Valerian, and Willow as they put clues together through a tale of danger, turncoats, and adventure.
One reason why I like The Book of Dead Days is that at times it was suspenseful; you'll want to keep reading to see what happens next. Another reason why I liked this book is that it was very descriptive and detailed; characters, events, details, and places were all describes well. I didn't like The Book of Dead Days because it got rather boring and redundant at times. I also didn't like this book because Valerian, Boy, and Willow spent the whole book doing just one thing; it was redundant.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes suspense, action, fantasy, and fiction books. The Book of Dead Days does have some blood, violence, and skeletons; so anyone that doesn't even like the tiniest bit of those might not like this book. People might also like this book if they like books about magic or magicians.
Terrific history-based fantasy (not just for fantasy fans!).......2006-04-16
I freely admit that upon reading the inner jacket flap about magic, alchemy, demons, and a subterranean European city, I was less than excited about this book. With the opening chapter, though, I was hooked. This is historical/fantasy writing for the non-genre fan.
Sedgwick truly creates a history-based fantastical reality for the reader to lose his or herself in. The dark, dank, unpleasant world of The City jumped out and drew me in. Too often, fantasy keeps the reader in suspense about the nature of the alternate world. This novel is straightforward about the setting right from the beginnings, and the main mystery is that of the motivations of the master (Valerian) for our main character Boy (a young man of no name, no history, and no family). The reader joins Boy and another orphan, Willow, as they navigate the dark streets of The City on errands for Valerian. But does Valerian have their best interests at heart?
This ending leaves plenty of room for a sequel, and I would definitely pick up another book from this great author. Consider me converted.
Dead and dismal.......2006-04-11
Can a Faustian pact be avoided? And if so, what's the cost? That's what our heroes -- and enemies -- are trying to do in "The Book of Dead Days," a chilling historical fantasy where a nameless boy searches for the means to save his master, and for the clues to his own past.
In a ragtag circus, Valerian the magician serves up many of the thrills -- with Boy as his slavish assistant. But that changes during the Dead Days between Christmas and New Year's, when Valerian is attacked and buried alive. Boy and his friend Willow cart him home, and hear Valerian's terrible story: Fifteen years ago, he made a Faustian pact to win the heart of the woman.
Now the time has come to give up his life and soul to a demon, and he's desperate to escape his fate. Boy and Willow agree to help him find the Book of Dead Days, which is hidden in a crypt somewhere in the city. But Boy doesn't realize how desperate Valerian is, or that he plans to sacrifice Boy in his stead...
Perhaps the worst thing about the "Book of Dead Days" is the fact that it ends with so many threads hanging -- the whole mystery of who Boy is remains unsolved. Up until that point, there are few weak spots at all. With a plucky heroine, slightly dopey hero and medieval magic, "The Book of Dead Days" is like reading the gothic twin of Lloyd Alexander's books.
Marcus Sedgwick has always had a sort of Edward-Gorey-like writing style, with the ability to make the everyday look a bit dark and bizarre. In the time of the Holy Roman Empire, he makes readers see the superstition, the cold, and the grime. Not to mention bone chapels, magical books and plenty of creepy underground tunnels.
And it somehow seems appropriate that Boy, the nameless hero, is a rather timid, pallid character for most of the book; he only shows his strength when he sees what Valerian really is. He and plucky Willow are the only characters who are what they seem to be; others can be creepily deceptive, and have their own (murderous) motives for what they do.
Though it ends with an obvious "to be continued," Marcus Sedgwick creates another haunting, vivid story in "Book of Dead Days." Just be sure to find out the rest of Boy's story.
Dead and dismal.......2006-02-02
Can a Faustian pact be avoided? And if so, what's the cost? That's what our heroes -- and enemies -- are trying to do in "The Book of Dead Days," a chilling historical fantasy where a nameless boy searches for the means to save his master, and for the clues to his own past.
In a ragtag circus, Valerian the magician serves up many of the thrills -- with Boy as his slavish assistant. But that changes during the Dead Days between Christmas and New Year's, when Valerian is attacked and buried alive. Boy and his friend Willow cart him home, and hear Valerian's terrible story: Fifteen years ago, he made a Faustian pact to win the heart of the woman.
Now the time has come to give up his life and soul to a demon, and he's desperate to escape his fate. Boy and Willow agree to help him find the Book of Dead Days, which is hidden in a crypt somewhere in the city. But Boy doesn't realize how desperate Valerian is, or that he plans to sacrifice Boy in his stead...
Perhaps the worst thing about the "Book of Dead Days" is the fact that it ends with so many threads hanging -- the whole mystery of who Boy is remains unsolved. Up until that point, there are few weak spots at all. With a plucky heroine, slightly dopey hero and medieval magic, "The Book of Dead Days" is like reading the gothic twin of Lloyd Alexander's books.
Marcus Sedgwick has always had a sort of Edward-Gorey-like writing style, with the ability to make the everyday look a bit dark and bizarre. In the time of the Holy Roman Empire, he makes readers see the superstition, the cold, and the grime. Not to mention bone chapels, magical books and plenty of creepy underground tunnels.
And it somehow seems appropriate that Boy, the nameless hero, is a rather timid, pallid character for most of the book; he only shows his strength when he sees what Valerian really is. He and plucky Willow are the only characters who are what they seem to be; others can be creepily deceptive, and have their own (murderous) motives for what they do.
Though it ends with an obvious "to be continued," Marcus Sedgwick creates another haunting, vivid story in "Book of Dead Days." Just be sure to find out the rest of Boy's story.
Book Description
The New York Times hails Barbara Hambly’s novels featuring Benjamin January as “masterly,” “ravishing,” and “haunting.” The Chicago Tribune crowns them “dazzling…January is a wonderfully rich and complex character.” Now the bestselling author returns with a story that leads January from the dangerously sensual milieu of New Orleans into a world seething with superstition and dark spirits, where one man’s freedom turns on a case of murder and blood vengeance.
Days of the Dead
Mexico City in the autumn of 1835 is a lawless place, teeming with bandits and beggars. But an urgent letter from a desperate friend draws Benjamin January and his new bride Rose from New Orleans to this newly free province. Here they pray they’ll find Hannibal Sefton alive—and not hanging from the end of a rope.Sefton stands accused of murdering the only son of prominent landowner Don Prospero de Castellon. But when Benjamin and Rose arrive at Hacienda Mictlán, they encounter a murky tangle of family relations, and more than one suspect in young Fernando’s murder.
While the evidence against Hannibal is damning, Benjamin is certain that his consumptive, peace-loving fellow musician isn’t capable of murder. Their only allies are the dead boy’s half sister, who happens to be Hannibal’s latest inamorata, and the mentally unstable Castellon himself, who awaits Mexico’s holy Days of the Dead, when he believes his slain son will himself reveal the identity of his killer.The search for the truth will lead Benjamin and Rose down a path that winds from the mazes of the capital’s back streets and barrios to the legendary pyramids of Mictlán and, finally, to a place where spirits walk and the dead cry out for justice. But before they can lay to rest the ghosts of the past, Benjamin and Rose will have to stop a flesh-and-blood murderer who’s determined to escape the day of reckoning and add Benjamin and Rose to the swelling ranks of the dead.
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The New York Times hails Barbara Hambly's novels featuring Benjamin January as "masterly," "ravishing," and "haunting." The Chicago Tribune crowns them "dazzling... January is a wonderfully rich and complex character." Now the bestselling author returns with a story that leads January from the dangerously sensual milieu of New Orleans into a world seething with superstition and dark spirits, where one man's freedom turns on a case of murder and blood vengeance.
Mexico City in the autumn of 1835 is a lawless place, teeming with bandits and beggars. But an urgent letter from a desperate friend draws Benjamin January and his new bride Rose from New Orleans to this newly free province. Here they pray they'll find Hannibal Sefton alive -- and not hanging from the end of a rope. Sefton stands accused of murdering the only son of prominent landowner Don Prospero de Castellon. But when Benjamin and Rose arrive at Hacienda Mictlán, they encounter a murky tangle of family relations, and more than one suspect in young Fernando's murder.
While the evidence against Hannibal is damning, Benjamin is certain that his consumptive, peace-loving fellow musician isn't capable of murder. Their only allies are the dead boy's half sister, who happens to be Hannibal's latest inamorata, and the mentally unstable Castellon himself, who awaits Mexico's holy Days of the Dead, when he believes his slain son will himself reveal the identity of his killer. The search for the truth will lead Benjamin and Rose down a path that winds from the mazes of the capital's back streets and barrios to the legendary pyramids of Mictlán and, finally, to a place where spirits walk and the dead cry out for justice. But before they can lay to rest the ghosts of the past, Benjamin and Rose will have to stop a flesh-and-blood murderer who's determined to escape the day of reckoning and add Benjamin and Rose to the swelling ranks of the dead.
Customer Reviews:
great series.......2007-06-27
As a lover of New Orleans, I enjoy the Benjamin January series. I especially enjoyed Days of the Dead as it was set in Mexico, and I love traveling to the colonial cities in Mexico. It was a nice change and a great read.
Old Mexico and older gods makes a fresh new story.......2007-06-25
Now free from the grating poverty that beset them in earlier installments, Benajmin January and his new wife, Rose Vitrac January, travel to Mexico City to rescue Hannibal Sefton.
Hannibal is being accused of murder by the clearly unhinged patriarch of a powerful Mexican family, and it will take all of Ben's ability to clear his friend's name.
I adored this book--I loved the way historic Mexico was brought to life, how the ancient Aztec gods became such a presence in the story; it was a breath of fresh air with a touch of Zorro (or maybe it's Zorra--the rebellious daughter Vala would make a great masked heroine).
One of Hambly's greatest strengths is her ability to make you feel as if you're really there, shooting it out with bandidos or gambling and gossiping at the Opera. Old Mexico is a vividly rendered blend of ancient native culture with its newly-applied European overlay.
This was a welcome change of pace. For this outing, I was glad to trade the sultry swamplands of New Orleans for a visit to the dusty high desert plateaus of Mexico.
A Murder at the Feast.......2006-04-07
Days of the Dead is the seventh novel in the Benjamin January series, following Wet Grave. In the previous volume, Ben and Rose are trapped by an abortive slave revolt, discovered an impromptu leper colony, survived a hurricane, caught a murderer, and found a pirate's treasure. Some days later, Ben assisted in the delivery of Dominique's baby and, that afternoon, married Rose in the St. Louis Cathedral.
In this novel, Ben receives a letter from his friend Hannibal Sefton just prior to the wedding. Hannibal has been accused of killing the son of his host in Mexico City, but is being protected from the police by that same host. Ben and Rose spend their honeymoon traveling, first by sailing vessel to Vera Cruz and then by diligence -- i.e., stagecoach -- to Mexico City. This journey takes several weeks and they are continually afraid that they will arrive too late.
As they approach Mexico City, the diligence is ambushed by bandits and one passenger is killed, but the others manage to drive off their attackers. Ben is almost killed himself by the black leader, El Moro. After clearing customs outside the city and reaching the stage office, Ben and Rose take a buggy to the town house of Don Prospero de Castellon, where they are met by Consuela Montero, Don Prospero's illegitimate daughter and Hannibal's lover. There they are informed that Hannibal is being held against his will by Don Prospero because he is the only decent conversationalist available and he also plays the violin like an angel. Don Prospero is waiting for the spirit of his son Fernando, the victim, to come back on the Day of the Dead to accuse his murderer and, in the meantime, he will keep Hannibal close by for the company.
Don Prospero is apparently mad as a hatter, but quite shrewd enough to have become richer while all around him others have been ruined by the two and a half decades of civil war. His son was sent to Prussia for military school and had become enamored with German methods and manners. He was such a cold-hearted monster that other members of the family have forgiven Hannibal for poisoning him.
Even Consuela is sure that Hannibal is guilty, but is quite willing to smuggle him out of the country. When Ben begins to question the family and other interested parties, everything he finds only makes Hannibal look even more guilty. Moreover, Capitan Ylario, a local police official, is so convinced that Hannibal is guilty, and so angry at the way Don Prospero and General Santa Anna are protecting him, that he has made arrangements with a local judge for a quick trial and execution as soon as he can get the murderer to the courtroom, but so far he has been frustrated by Don Prospero's men.
This novel portrays Mexico City and environs as they were before Santa Anna lead his army against the Texian rebels at the Alamo. The cast includes the hacendados -- the rich ranchers of the time -- and their families, Europeans of various nationalities, Americans (and one Texian), and a host of others including the leperos (only a few of which are actually lepers; most are merely impoverished farmers).
This era was a time in which great fortunes were made and lost, a time of great corruption, and a time of grinding poverty. Most of the woes of that time could be directly attributed to Santa Anna, who changed his loyalties as another man would change his gloves. However, there were plenty of others at this time who were willing to sell spavined horses and adulterated corn to the Mexican army quartermasters. This milieu made contemporary New Orleans seem positively genteel.
This series is hard to classify and the books are often found is odd places within a store. These novels are mysteries in a historical context or historical fiction with a suspenseful plot or early 19th century black detective stories. Personally, I would place them on a shelf near Poe's mysteries. One wonders if Ben was anywhere near the Rue Morgue when the first fictional detective was investigating a murder there.
Highly recommended for Hambly fans and anyone else who enjoys black detective stories set in the historical context of New Orleans (and Mexico City) during the 1830's.
-Bill Jordin
Disappointment.......2005-02-07
I loved the Benjamin January series. This one just didn't deliver the story or the characters that I expected. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and kept waiting for the story to pick up. Sad, because I was so looking forward to another story from Barbara Hambly. I think that perhaps it was that it was missing so many of the regular characters that have made up her previous stories and that it was set in old Mexico and didn't seem to have the mystery or romance of the earlier books.
Next time....
Something was missing.......2004-11-13
I am a fan of the Benjamin January series. I think they bring a refreshing perspective to a genre that can get too bogged down in formula. Her descriptions of post-Louisiana Purchase, pre-Civil War New Orleans are vivid without detracting too much from the story at hand.
That being said, I didn't enjoy this latest installment as much as I would have thought. I don't know if it was the change of scenery, the marriage of January and Rose, or the fact that they were now wealthy, but something just seemed...off. The storyline seemed forced, the descriptions flat, the characters dull.
The book is still good, and worth the read, but anyone expecting the usual caliber of writing from Ms. Hambly will be disappointed, I think.
Average customer rating:
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Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book
Jeanette Winter
Manufacturer: Voyager Books
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Similar Items:
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Mexican Folk Art Coloring Book (Dover Coloring Book)
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Day of the Dead
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Festival of Bones / El Festival de las Calaveras: The Little-Bitty Book for the Day of the Dead
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El Dia De Los Muertos: The Day of the Dead (Rookie Read-About Holidays)
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Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration
ASIN: 0152059067 |
Book Description
Every year Don Pedro and his family make papier-mâché skeletons, or calaveras, for Mexico's Day of the Dead fiesta. From the
Angel and
Doctor to the
Mariachi and
Unicornio, there's a special calavera for each letter of the alphabet. Come dance with them!
Includes a glossary of Spanish words and an author's note.
Customer Reviews:
Terrifico!.......2007-01-05
This book is wonderfully illustrated, and kids love it. It has a great deal of re-read value for kids because the illustrations are so detailed. The Spanish is easy and many of the words listed are very similar to their English counterparts. El Dia de los Muertos is fun anytime of the year, and this book is a visual treat...
Average customer rating:
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Day of the Dead (Santiago Melazzini)
Manufacturer: La Marca Editora
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Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Mariachi (Cine de Dedo)
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Tequila (Santiago Melazzini)
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Lucha Libre (Cine de Dedo)
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Mexican Folk Art Coloring Book (Dover Coloring Book)
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Festival of Bones / El Festival de las Calaveras: The Little-Bitty Book for the Day of the Dead
ASIN: 9508891181
Release Date: 2006-02-01 |
Book Description
Santiago Melazzini's short moving pictures--flip books--of literally black-and-white and figuratively colorful Mexican life are as low-tech as it gets: watch the masked luchadores bounce off the wrestling-ring ropes and then fall to the mat, watch the boxer punch, the Mariachi band play, or the tequila have its way, and then watch it all again backwards. An elemental pleasure and an ideal gift.
Customer Reviews:
Dance, my dears, dance!.......2006-04-11
Marcus Sedgwick follows up his chilling "Book of Dead Days" with a less chilling, but far more compelling sequel, "Dark Flight Down." He left a lot of plot threads untouched at the end of the first book -- especially Boy's past -- but wraps them up as he tells a compelling, sometimes chilling story.
Boy now works for the scientist Kepler, but while running an errand to the Yellow House, he's captured by Imperial soldiers and taken to the palace, where the decaying, mad emperor is waited on by power-hungry courtiers. The emperor wants to be immortal, and his right hand Maxim hopes to use Boy to somehow find the Book of Dead Days.
To make things worse, the bloodthirsty Phantom is still at large -- and Boy soon realizes that it dwells in the palace. Surrounded by treachery and Machievellian lies, Boy's only hope is that his friend Willow will rescue him. But then he learns the horrific truth behind the Phantom and the emperor -- and the connection they have to his past.
There's less magic and more mystery in "Dark Flight Down," compared to its predecessor. The Book of Dead Days only shows up occasionally, and the focus is mostly on Boy's struggles to escape Maxim, and find out his identity. And since the horror is all human, it's even more frightening than demons.
With his sparse prose and icy descriptions, Sedgwick does a remarkable job of wrapping up the story, revealing Boy's mysterious past and the identity of his family. The Phantom's identity is a complete shock, and one that is really horrific. Although Sedgwick does fumble a bit with Bedrich the amnesiac, and Kepler's plotting; these things should have been fleshed out.
Boy himself grows by leaps and bounds here, as he realizes that it's who you are, not your name or parentage, that defines you. Willow is still like a refugee Lloyd Alexander heroine, although she appears less in "Dark Flight Down." And romantics will be pleased by the dark, if pleasing end for this novel.
Wrapping up the story he started in "Book of Dead Days," Marcus Sedgwick crafts a chillingly beautiful, intricate little story, about the boy named Boy. A fitting end.
Really interesting.......2005-12-18
In the Dark Flight Down, Boy has survived while his old master Valerian, a powerful magician, is dead. He is saved by Kepler, Valerian's enemy. In Kepler's possession is The Book, the most powerful and dangerous thing in the world. And the Emperor Frederick wants it to become immortal. Boy is kidnaped by the imperial guards and taken to the palace, and it's up to Kepler and his friend, Willow to save him. In the palace, he finds himself in danger from the Phantom, a creature housed in the palace. In time, Boy finds out the truth about his past and it's up to him and Willow to find a way to escape.
I thought that this book was really interesting. I haven't read a good horror book in a while, so it was a nice change. I actually didn't know that there was a prequel to The Dark Flight Down, but I'm curious to check it out now. I loved the setting of the book and the characters were interesting too. Once I started reading, I wanted to find out about Boy's past. This may seem like it's for younger readers, but everyone should give this a try!
Reviewed by a student reviewer for Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com
Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations
An entertaining sequel to THE BOOK OF DEAD DAYS.......2005-12-17
Boy doesn't know from where he came, who his parents are, or even his real name. What he does know is that he grew up on the streets, struggling to survive. Then the famous and talented magician, Valerian, took him as his assistant. That relationship wasn't a pleasant one, though, as Boy was used and abused while doing the magician's bidding. When Valerian was tragically killed, Boy didn't miss him exactly but hesitated to mourn the magician. Just before Valerian died, Boy was told that the magician was his father. But is this the truth?
THE DARK FLIGHT DOWN picks up this story a few days after the magician's death. Boy is separated from his good friend, Willow, and is now living with the scientist Kepler. Boy makes plans to run away with Willow and start their lives over, but first he agrees to do an errand for the scientist. He goes back to the magician's home to pick up a lens, but is surprised to find the Emperor's army looting through the house. After claiming to belong there, Boy is tied up and tossed in the wagon with the rest of the magician's belongings and is taken to the Emperor's castle.
Boy is locked in the dungeons of the castle and eventually learns that the old Emperor is obsessed with finding immortality. This is why the Emperor had confiscated the magician's belongings; he thought the magician had in his possession a special book with answers for all things. Little does he know that the book is now in the hands of Kepler.
Meanwhile, Kepler and Willow team up to sneak into the Emperor's castle to try and rescue Boy. But resourceful Boy picks the locks and does some exploring on his own, discovering a well-kept secret hidden in the depths of the dungeons that just may have a connection to Boy's own past.
THE DARK FLIGHT DOWN resolves many of the questions left unanswered in its prequel, THE BOOK OF DEAD DAYS. This is an entertaining story, filled with adventure, mystery, and the shadow of man's inhumanity creeping about in the corners.
--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author
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The Book of the Dead
