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 - Wonderful tool (and treat!) for those learning SpanishMy husband is a linguist, and one of the things he suggested I do while learning Spanish is memorize various items -- stories, poems, songs -- that I can say to myself whenever I like. Other than "practice the verbs!" this has been the best language advice I've ever received. It helps me with pronunciation, understanding, fluency -- and, as a major side benefit, I have great pastimes for when I'm waiting in line, or stuck somewhere without a book. "The Essential Neruda" is a goldmine of beautiful pieces, and most anyone will be able to find a poem that appeals to them enough to learn by heart. "Oda al Libro (II)" is one of my favorites, and it has helped me learn and retain the meanings of several great words. Side-by-side bilingual texts like this one also serve as terrific motivators for language learners because as we grow in skill and are able to read in both languages, we can evaluate the translators' work and notice where certain nuances and meanings are lost in the shift from one language to another. Being able to understand a writer like Neruda in his original language is a glorious treat! Rating: - an exquisite allureDrawn into the appeal of Pablo Neruda through an art project, I approached this collection of poems taped together and bound by a red sleeve at a local bookstore. I was moreoverly surprised at how entrancing and delicately eloquent Neruda's writing style was--even transcribed from spanish to english. The editor, Mark Eisner did a fantastic job with the translations, and I didn't feel like I was succombing to "Kung-Fu movie" subtitles as I would have expected. This collection brought Neruda's poetry to a managable and palpable understanding, such as I needed to thoroughly perceive it. Though Chile, Neruda's homeland, is, as any other cultured region would be, variable to my own, it continued to bring insights to my own observations of life--and all the beauty and exquisite allure contained in it. Rating: - it is all in the titleAs a former student of Spanish literature, I have always held a deep appreciation for the work of Pablo Neruda. I have often wished to share the beauty of his work with friends and family - yet many of them have found Neruda translations to be inaccessible. I have also found that many of the other translations are stilted or do not properly recreate the rhythm and imagery of the Spanish original. The Essential Neruda combines an excellent overview of Neruda's work with accesible and faithful translation. Whether you are new to the poetry of Pablo Neruda or have already read every one of his works - the Essential Neruda will give you valuable insight into his art and an appreciation of cutting-edge poetry translation. This book also launched a non-profit organization and on-line community dedicated to Neruda and his work. Check out www.redpoppy.net to learn about contemporary Neruda translation and scholarship, Chilean politics and more. It also shows how you can get involved with the legacy of Neruda. Rating: - Great Introduction to NerudaIf I were to introduce someone to the greatness of Neruda I would give them this book as it gives an insight into his life's poetry. Rating: - "Essential" is the ESSENTIAL word!For those of you - like me - who may be intimidated by those huge tomes and volumes of poetry, this is perfect for you. It's a very manageable collection of work from one of the most influential writers of the past century. His writings ring eerily true today, and provide a sense of solace and solidarity between what Neruda had to live through and what many of us are feeling during Bush's regime. In association with Amazon.com | |