Book Description
The 108 stories in Who Ordered this Truckload of Dung? offer thoughtful commentary on everything from love and commitment to fear and pain. Drawing from his own life experience, as well as traditional Buddhist folk tales, author Ajahn Brahm uses over 30 years of spiritual growth as a monk to spin delightful tales that can be enjoyed in silence or read aloud to friends and family. Featuring titles such as "The Two-Finger Smile" and "The Worm and His Lovely Pile of Dung," these wry and witty stories provide playful, pithy takes on the basic building blocks of everyday like. Suitable for children, adults, and anyone in between, this eloquent volume wraps insight and inspiration inside of a good old yarn.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic!.......2007-06-20
This is a fantastic book, a treasure of short Buddhist tales with the deepest insights. Sometimes, when I don't have the time or the energy to read long discourses on spirituality I just grab this book, open it at random and read a couple of stories. It's and instant spiritual pick-me-up. Ajahn Brahm tells these stories with such a skill that you feel them come alive right before your eyes. I love them.
For a more serious discussion on meditation make sure you check our his other book: "Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond". That one is a true gem of a book too.
Like fables for adults!.......2007-06-17
We're having a lot of fun reading this. Like a book of fables, it's the kind of book you'll read again and the stories might speak to other scenarios currently happening in your life.
Wonderful book!.......2007-05-15
My kids age 7 and 11 ask for this as a bedtime read. good way to impart wisdom without being preachy. The stories speak to adults as well!
Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?.......2007-05-13
I bought this for my husband. He loved it.
I couldn't put it down........2007-05-12
I read this book from cover to cover in a matter of a few days. I couldn't seem to put it down. Ajan Brahm has a unique and humorous way of presenting the simple truths that make up Buddhism.
Customer Reviews:
A+.......2001-07-29
I don't read a lot of biographies because I often find the amount of detail to be excruciatingly excessive, and often the writer, even if he knows the person he is writing about personally, often tends to descend into sharp criticism of his subject, as if that were the norm in our age of gossip and entertainment. Perhaps the necessary detachment in this case comes from the fact that Brahms died just over a hundred years ago, for his was not a perfect character!
I have always liked Brahms' compositions quite a bit, especially his chamber music, which is among the best. Yet I have never bothered to read a biography of the composer. I only read this one because a relative of mine is handling the estate of one of the author's wives (not Irene, the collaborator), and while visiting this relative I was offered the book. Fortunately, from the outset I thoroughly enjoyed reading Prof. Geiringer's biography.
Geiringer acknowledges that there have been many other fine biographies of Brahms, and he decided to write one only because he was given access to about a thousand letters of correspondence Brahms received from well-know artists like the Schumann's, the violinist Joachim, and many others. Geiringer combines a vast knowledge of Brahms' life and music with these letters to produce a highly readable and entertaining work, w/o a hint of sensationalism.
In order to leave enough room for a discussion of Brahms' extensive output, the author limits his discussion of the composer's life to about 200 pages, yet it is quite thorough. Brahms' early life of extreme poverty is discussed w/o trying to evoke sympathy, followed by the burgeoniong composer's failure to get a post in his native Hamburg, a lifelong hurt for Brahms, but which very fortuitously causes him to move eventually to Vienna, where his music flowers in a very supportive environment. The young composer's career is given a huge push by a letter Robert Schumann writes in a widely read journal, and Brahms fulfills those expectations, though he surely destroys many compositions we would love to hear, because of his high standards. Also, Brahms, unlike other composers, receives the accolades he deserves while still alive and composing.
The view we get of Brahms is balanced - we see his good humor and we also read the famous quote of the composer, who, upon leaving a party, wonders if there is anyone there he has not insulted! Also, while Brahms reaches tremendous heights in his art, he never marries in order to achieve it, and we read about the women (mostly singers of his choral music) he loves but cannot attach himself to. No, Brahms is far from perfect, yet the composer is unfailingly helpful and generous to his family, friends, and also to other composers - Dvorak usually comes to mind in this respect.
Following the biographical discussion of Brahms' life, the author as musicologist again provides a thorough but not excessive discussion of the different kinds of works the composer put out, from the chamber music to the many varieties of choral works.
Towards the end of the book Geiringer writes an excellent chapter called "The Man And The Artist," a thorough summary that, as expected, is succinct yet not sensational in any way.
Brahms: His Life and Work (Third Edition).......2000-06-27
Wonderfully written book! I borrowed it from a friend and I love it so much I am going to buy it! This book is conveniently divided into three sections (Brahm's life, work, and letters). There are many references to his actual letters throughout the book. Brahm's certainly had an interesting life (definitely more interesting than what I had learned in music classes!) This book explains the relation between his music and life experiences very effectively. Quite a joy to read!
Average customer rating:
- Just Wonderful !!
- Wonderful translation, superb commentary
- Excellent, comprehensive, and revealing.
- From recent reviews of: Johannes Brahms - Life and Letters
- A Brahms biography based on his letters.
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Johannes Brahms: Life and Letters
Johannes Brahms
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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Johannes Brahms: A Biography
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The Cambridge Companion to Brahms (Cambridge Companions to Music)
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Clara Schumann: The Artist and the Woman
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Brahms, His Life and Work (Da Capo Paperback)
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A Brahms Reader
ASIN: 0199247730 |
Book Description
This book is the first comprehensive collection of the letters of Johannes Brahms ever to appear in English. Over 550 are included, virtually all uncut, and there are over a dozen published here for the first time in any language. Although he corresponded throughout his life with some of the great performers, composers, musicologists, writers, scientists, and artists of the day, and although thousands of his letters have survived, English readers have until now had scant opportunity to meet Brahms in person, through his own words, and in his own voice. 'I am aware of my bad habit of writing briefly but obscurely', Brahms once wrote to a friend. He was needlessly hard on himself, for his letters describe many significant events in his life, throw light on his friendships and music, and reveal his wit, idealism, intelligence, generosity, sarcasm, and above all his powerful sense of integrity. The letters in this volume range from 1848 to just before his death. They include all Brahms's letters to Robert Schumann, over a hundred letters to Clara Schumann, and the complete Brahms-Wagner correspondence. They are joined by a running commentary to form an absorbing narrative, documented with scholarly care, provided with comprehensive notes, but written for the general music lover. The result is a lively biography. The work is generously illustrated, and contains several detailed appendices and an index.
Customer Reviews:
Just Wonderful !!.......2003-01-31
I'v been a Brahms' music fan for a long time and i have read three different biographies, without having the opportunity of get closer to his thoughts before i buy this great book. Now I know how Brahms' mind worked, how (really) was his relationship with his friends and how were his feelings and thoughts during the periods he composed that wonderful music.
I'm not an english born speaker, so i had some difficulties in understand the meaning of some sentences, more exactly, some modisms, wich are very frecuent in Brahms' speech.
In spite of this, I recommend this book because it's just wonderful.
Wonderful translation, superb commentary.......1998-11-30
The virtues of this book are several: about 800 previously untranslated letters of Brahms, masterfully translated and carefully and judiciously annotated, based on research entirely from source materials which, among other things, give the lie to the unsavory myths of Brahms childhood, proving beyond doubt that he came from a hard-working, well-meaning family who lived in a good neighborhood, and provided him with a good education and normal childhood. The author's research confines to the rubbish heap the silly Freudian theories, never based on any evidence, for his reasons for not marrying. This compendium of letters and their absorbingly written annotation is a gold mine for amateurs and professionals interested in a truthful picture of Brahms.
Excellent, comprehensive, and revealing........1998-11-06
Unfortunately, Jan Swafford did not have a chance to read this book before writing his own "biograohy" of Brahms. If he had, he would have been privy to a wealth of information, much of which has not been available to non-german speakers. Avins' commentary on the letters of Brahms and many of his correspondents is clear and well researched.
From recent reviews of: Johannes Brahms - Life and Letters.......1998-04-20
"Richly informative" - Sunday Times, London. "Occasionally a book comes along which changes perceptions of its subject. This is such a book. ... [The] annotations are not only scholarly but often witty and always full of common sense. ... Wherever you read, you will feel you are in Brahms's world and that he is speaking to you." - Sunday Telegraph, London. "There are many gems here ... much to be gleaned from what Avins has selected.. Those who seek to be on more intimate terms with Brahms and his circle... will find much to pore over in this collection" - Los Angeles Times. "Little short of a bombshell ... Ms. Avins's contributions are terse and often illuminating... fascinating illustrations, a helpful chronological table and other tools... Brahms reveals himself in workaday as well as transcendent moods." - New York Times. "This is a work that will thrill Brahms fans and provide much pleasure to those entertained by the personal correspondence of great artists. Recommended for general and academic libraries." - Library Journal. "It is not much of an exaggeration to say that the book presents Brahms in a new but quite convincing light... the book can be read as a biography... this composer has seldom seemed more lovable, more vulnerable, more honorable." - Gramophone. "This is one of the most important music books published in recent years." - The Oldie, London.
A Brahms biography based on his letters........1997-12-06
"Johannes Brahms, Life and Letters" is a new biography published by Oxford Univ. Press and is based on the composer's letters. The letters were selected and annotated by Styra Avins and its 550 complete letters which constitute the first such general collection of letters in English, were translated by Josef Eisinger and Styra Avins. The book also contains 48 rare photos, detailed notes and appendices (e.g. on Brahms and Clara Schumann), and a bibliography. The lively text joining the letters is based on the latest Brahms scholarship and provides a fresh view of the composer's life, much of it in his own words. It sheds new light on the early life of Brahms, his numerous friendships, his family, his work, his character and his personality. A well-written book which will heighten anyone's appreciation of the man and of his music. Highly recommended to lovers of biography and music.
Book Description
Johannes Brahms was born in Hamburg, Germany to a family that lived in extreme poverty. Yet by the time of his death he had become one of the most financially successful classical music composers who ever lived.
It wasn't easy. His family had to move several times while Hannes (as he was nicknamed) was still a boy. He had to go to work when he was just 13, playing the piano in rough waterfront taverns in Hamburg. Often he wouldn't come home until dawn.
Brahms received his first big break when he was 20. The composer Robert Schumann called him a "genius" and a "young eagle." Even then, it still took him many years to become famous.
While he is most noted for his symphonies and concertos, it is likely that more people know him for his "Cradle Song," better known as "Brahms's Lullaby," which millions of mothers have sung to their young children to lull them to sleep.
Book Description
'Strike hard, retreat, seize a position, reject compromise, and strike again." These are common negotiating tactics in a country with a long history of strategic philosophy.Drawing from the lessons of China's ancient military classic, Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Laurence J. Brahm applies these strategies to the foibles and successes of foreign and Chinese negotiators in China struggling to bridge cultural gaps in the process of closing deals. This revealing and humorous book offers a collection of real-life war stories" and untold truths about hard knocks at the negotiating table. It is essential reading for business executives planning their business strategies for entering the Chinese market, and for mastering the art of negotiating."
Customer Reviews:
The Unknown Brahms.......2000-04-12
If you've ever wanted to know more about the great master, check out this book which was recommended even by the great Menuhin. From start to finish, Schauffler crams the book with tidbits about Brahms ranging from the hilarious to deeply moving.
The Brahms not found in most biographies !.......1998-07-14
Read the book in the college library 45 years ago. In the book, Shauffler details a Johannes Brahms not found in most biographies. There are incidents in his early life dealing with his attitude toward women ( and, of course, much later in his relationship with Robert and more especially, Clara Schumann.) There is also a number of stories related to his tour with the violinist Joachim. Details of his meeting with Johann Strauss Jr., his reactions to his own symphonies, his attitude toward his students, reasons why he never married, his early career as a pianist in "sporting houses", his relationship with prostitutes, why he could never marry. There are many technical details about his music that are perfectly understandable to musicians as well as most laymen. A book for the ages if you are interested in the life of Brahms.
Average customer rating:
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Brahms (Life and Works (Naxos))
Manufacturer: Naxos
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ASIN: 1843790572
Release Date: 2002-01-01 |
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Brahms (Life&Times series)
Hans A. Nuenzig
Manufacturer: Haus Publishers Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Brahms, Johannes
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ASIN: 1904341179 |
Book Description
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was one of the seminal musical figures of the 19th century. He shot to fame as a dashing young performer and composer, "the one who had to come" according to Robert Schumann. He consciously "switched" this image, refashioning himself as elder statesman of German music, the heir to Bach and Beethoven. The internal competition between romantic lion and eminence grise enlivened his music, which has influenced nearly every composer that followed him. Adopted by the anti-Wagnerian faction as the leader of traditional principles against ‘modern’ iconoclasm, his fame as a composer spread rapidly. At the start of the 21st century, his influence remains as acute as ever.
Book Description
Text extracted from opening pages of book: DR, KAR '
< CUSTODIAN OF THE GOLLECTIQNS* 0& THE GESELLSgHAFT DER MUSIKFREUNDfc f;
< VIENN. A BRAHMS HIS LIFE AND WORK TRANSLATED BY H. B. WEINER & BERNARD MIALL BOSTON AND NEW - YORK HOUGHTON MIFFON COMPANY LLi t >-> LL BRAHMS AT THE AGE OF TWENTY, BY LAURENS ( 1853) TO THE MEMORY OF MY MOTHER PREFACE Is a new biography of Brahms really necessary? Have not enough books been written on the master's life? These questions will be asked by many who hear of this new publication. The answer can only be: Undoubtedly, the number of first-rate books on Brahms is considerable ; but so many hitherto unknown documents relating to Brahms, as man and as artist, have recently come to light, that a new work seems not only justified, but really essential. A unique body of material, until now inaccessible to other investigators, has been placed at my disposal. It consists of over a thousand letters received by Brahms from all sorts of correspondents. In accordance with an agreement between Brahms's heirs, they were handed over to the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna, and there kept under official seal. As Custodian of this collection, I was authorized to be the first - to read and use them for the purpose of my book. The bulk of the letters are from Brahms's mother, father, brother, and sister. They are supplemented by letters from a large number of eminent persons, among them some of Brahms's intimate friends; for example: Eugen d'Albert, Adolf Brodsky, Daniela von Bulow, Fried rich Chrysander, Peter Cornelius, Anton Dvorak, John Farmer, Benjamin Godard, Edouard Grieg, Sir George Grove, Sir George Henschel, Ferdinand Hiller, Hermann Kretzschmar, Franz Liszt, Adolf Menzel, Arthur Nikisch, Gustav Nottebohm, C. F. Pohl, Anton Rubinstein, Robert Schumann, Richard Strauss, Karl Tausig, Mathilde Wesen donck. From this valuable source new and interesting documents are available for almost every period of the master's life. Important supplements to these are : the letters from Clara Schumann and Joseph Joachim to Brahms's parents; a particularly interesting letter from Brahms to Amalie Joachim; numerous letters from Brahms to Hans von Billow; and Brahms's correspondence with J. Allgeyer, A* I0 BRAHMS: HIS LIFE AND WORK which is in the possession of the Viennese Municipal Library, and has been made available by the courtesy of Professor Alfred Orel. Unknown as yet in the English Brahms litera ture is the correspondence between Brahms and Eusebius Mandyczewski, the former librarian of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde ( published by me in 1933), Brahms 's correspondence with Theodor Billroth ( recently published by Dr. Gottlieb-Billroth), and also the master's letters to his Hamburg relatives ( which were published in 1933 by Stephenson). With reference to the master's works, I was once more enabled to draw upon extensive material, which, though of the highest importance, had remained almost unnoticed in former biographies of Brahms. This material consists of the composer's sketches, also preserved by the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde ( the heir to his artistic legacy), which are exceptionally rare, as he generally destroyed all his first drafts. In addition to this there are the manuscripts, which were thoroughly studied, as they give valuable indications of the changes which many compositions underwent between their first conception and their publication. The c ' Gesell schaft der Musikfreunde possesses also Brahms's own collection of single copies of each of his published compo sitions, in which he noted corrections and alterations for possible further editions, throwing light on his later attitude to his works. Taken as a whole, this material illustrates the different phases in the process of composition, and gives one a profound insight into the master's mode , of working. In the musical chapters I have not arranged the composi tions under the Opus numbers referring to the year of publication the mo
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