Drawing on her own memory; her parents’ written reflections; interviews with contemporaries; and newly-available documents; former US Secretary of State and New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Albright recounts a tale that is by turns harrowing and inspiring.Before she turned twelve; Madeleine Albright’s life was shaken by some of the most cataclysmic events of the 20th century: the Nazi invasion of her native Prague; the Battle of Britain; the attempted genocide of European Jewry; the allied victory in World War II; the rise of communism; and the onset of the Cold War. In Prague Winter; Albright reflects on her discovery of her family’s Jewish heritage many decades after the war; on her Czech homeland’s tangled history; and on the stark moral choices faced by her parents and their generation. Often relying on eyewitness descriptions; she tells the story of how millions of ordinary citizens were ripped from familiar surroundings and forced into new roles as exile leaders and freedom fighters; resistance organizers and collaborators; victims and killers. These events of enormous complexity are shaped by concepts familiar to any growing child: fear; trust; adaptation; the search for identity; the pressure to conform; the quest for independence; and the difference between right and wrong. Prague Winter is an exploration of the past with timeless dilemmas in mind; a journey with universal lessons that is simultaneously a deeply personal memoir and an incisive work of history. It serves as a guide to the future through the lessons of the past; as seen through the eyes of one of the international community’s most respected and fascinating figures. Albright and her family’s experiences provide an intensely human lens through which to view the most political and tumultuous years in modern history.
#108703 in Books Graham M Schweig 2010-08-24 2010-08-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .92 x 5.38l; .82 #File Name: 0061997307368 pagesBhagavad Gita The Beloved Lord s Secret Love Song
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Living Gita for Our TimeBy T. CrockettAs both a student and a writer; this translation has won my heart and enthusiastic support. On the eve of a great battle; Arjuna struggles with a question for the ages: How to be in the world when your values conflict with the demands placed upon you. Krishna's answer: Do what must be done; with love. Always come from love.As a student; I appreciate this translation for the clarity the author brings to what can be a difficult text. This translation is filtered through more than just an academic's understanding of Sanskrit; but an adept's appreciation for the deep meaning as a philosophy that has resonance even today. As a writer I appreciate the author's patience with and respect for the original text. Highly recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This translation of the Bhagavad-Gita reveals that the teachings of ...By JH ReaderThis translation of the Bhagavad-Gita reveals that the teachings of the Gita are not the teachings of a particular religion; but of a purely non-sectarian spiritual science. Guided by his friend Krishna; Arjuna struggles with the big questions of life; as well as how to deal with the heart-rending task at hand: facing-off with relatives; friends; and teachers on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (which; today; is a city in the state of Haryana in India). It is a guide for living; and revelation of the nature of the universe; the soul; and most importantly the soul’s relationship with the Supreme Soul; as Dr. Schweig states in his introduction: “…..Indeed; this divine intimacy is revealed in the form of a dialogue that takes the soul on an inward journey culminating in the ultimate state of yoga; in which souls unite with the heart of God.â€There are many translations of this 5;000 year old Sanskrit text and many of them have been edited down; or not translated literally; and I have found that those translations leave Krishna’s teachings a bit murky; but; Dr. Schweig’s translation is a literal translation from the original Sanskrit; thoroughly poetic; and clearly remains true to the original message of the Gita in every chapter; verse and word.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A masterful translation; literary gem and philosophical monument!By zzzabzzHaving been a student of the Bhagavad Gita for many years now; I have read several translations and commentaries; both academic and traditional. Dr. Schweig's has struck me as deeply illuminating. While a work of rigorous scholarship it remains philosophically engaging and eminently readable. It stands out to me for its keen awareness of Krishna's original intent. Dr. Schweig expertly brings out the layers of sanskrit poetry and meaning; condensed into this ancient dialogue; unlike any other translator. I especially recommend that every reader pay close attention to his Textual Illuminations section that upon first reading; many years ago; moved me to tears. I now carry his translation with me on my kindle everywhere I travel.
