by Aleksandr Pushkin (1975)
Eugene Onegin (Russian: Евге́ний Оне́гин, BGN/PCGN: Yevgeniy Onegin) is a novel in verse written by Alexander Pushkin. It is a classic of Russian literature, and its eponymous protagonist has served as the model for a number of Russian literary heroes (so-called superfluous men). It was published in serial form between 1825 and 1832. The first complete edition was published in 1833, and the currently accepted version is based on the 1837 publication. Almost the entire work is made up of 389 stanzas of iambic tetrameter with the unusual rhyme scheme "AbAbCCddEffEgg", where the uppercase letters represent feminine rhymes while the lowercase letters represent masculine rhymes. This form has come to be known as the "Onegin stanza" or the "Pushkin sonnet." The rhythm, innovative rhyme scheme, the natural tone and diction, and the economical transparency of presentation all demonstrate the virtuosity which has been instrumental in proclaiming Pushkin as the undisputed master of Russian poetry. The story is told by a narrator (a lightly fictionalized version of Pushkin's public image), whose tone is educated, worldly, and intimate. The narrator digresses at times, usually to expand on aspects of this social and intellectual world. This allows for a development of the characters and emphasises the drama of the plot despite its relative simplicity. The book is admired for the artfulness of its verse narrative as well as for its exploration of life, death, love, ennui, convention and passion. It influenced Vikram Seth's Golden Gate.
Rhys Isaac
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Rhys Isaac describes and analyzes the dramatic confrontations-primarily religious and political-that transformed Virginia in the second half of the eighteenth century. Making use of the observational techniques of the cultural anthropologist, Isaac vividly recreates and painstakingly dissects a society in the turmoil of profound inner change.
Dėvid Dri͡u
A portrait of the Mayan world argues that there were actually two empires, a northern and southern, beset with religious conflicts, warfare, and political struggles; and that overpopulation and famine led to the sudden collapse of Mayan civilization.
Kevin Cunningham and Peter Benoit
An introduction to the Sioux people, explaining who they are, reviewing the history of the Sioux, telling the story of Little Bighorn, and examining key parts of Sioux culture.
Gary Snyder
"Long rumored to exist, The Great Clod collects several essays published in The Coevolution Quarterly almost forty years ago when Snyder briefly described this work as 'The China Book,' and several others, the majority, never before published in any form. 'Summer in Hokkaido,' 'Wild in China,' 'Ink and Charcoal,' 'Wolf-Hair Brush,' these essays turn from being memoirs of travel to prolonged considerations of art, culture, natural history and religion"--Provided by publisher.