Joseph and His Brothers

Book Description

(Book Jacket Status: Jacketed)

This remarkable new translation of the Nobel Prize-winner’s great masterpiece is a major literary event.

Thomas Mann regarded his monumental retelling of the biblical story of Joseph as his magnum opus. He conceived of the four parts–The Stories of Jacob, Young Joseph, Joseph in Egypt, and Joseph the Provider–as a unified narrative, a “mythological novel” of Joseph’s fall into slavery and his rise to be lord over Egypt. Deploying lavish, persuasive detail, Mann conjures for us the world of patriarchs and pharaohs, the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Palestine, and the universal force of human love in all its beauty, desperation, absurdity, and pain. The result is a brilliant amalgam of humor, emotion, psychological insight, and epic grandeur.

Now the award-winning translator John E. Woods gives us a definitive new English version of Joseph and His Brothers that is worthy of Mann’s achievement, revealing the novel’s exuberant polyphony of ancient and modern voices, a rich music that is by turns elegant, coarse, and sublime.

Customer Reviews:

AN OUTSTANDING BOOK.......2007-07-26

One of the greatest books ever written.

Also the kind of service / support rendered by Amazon, when the first copy did not reach me, was truly touching and amazing. Within a fortnight of not having received the original book sent to me, I had the book finally in my hands ! Great customer service.

Beautiful!.......2007-02-19

The new translation of Joseph and His Brothers is beautiful, as is the novel. Yes, it's long--about 1500 pages--but it's worth all the time it takes to read. Perhaps this isn't the place to start, if you haven't read Mann before, but if you already admire his work, you're going to love this book.

Unsurpassed fiction, in any century!.......2007-01-09

Anyone who has read my Listmania "Escape Mass Market Fiction" knows that I touted this novel (tertrology actually) as having ".... the most exquisite language since Shakespeare". But it is truly beyond that. After 30 years and over 3,000 books read I can affirm that there simply has been no greater work of fiction produced in any century by man or woman. One of the reviewers for the Lowe-Porter translation was dead-on saying you keep wanting to go back and reread the last 20 pages you managed to finish just to savor the experience. Original editions are a little rare and expensive, but, like any treasure, it's rewards are transcendental, and once read, you can consider yourself part of the most esoteric world of the true literati. NOTE-- Beginners who are easily scared off and prefer to sample before committing might want to skip the Preludes and go straight to the main chapters.

Challenging and Sublime.......2006-02-04

For all the great technological magic of our age we suffer the misfortune of living in a time where the depth of hyperbole rends the edge from language leaving us bereft when the time comes to describe something truly remarkable. Thus to say that John Woods' translation of Thomas Mann's Joseph and His Brothers offers readers a gift of almost indescribable value may leave one wondering if I am making a literally true statement or simply wallowing in the common puff of our day. In this case the latter is the case for Mr. Woods' translation of Mann's great opus offers the reader an experience both challenging and sublime.

Readers unfamiliar with Mann's work may feel a sense of vertigo beginning this even more than his other works. Much of the style of narration, unique with its perspective shifting through time, seems almost purposely designed to leave one doubting their footing. Increasing the sense of dread is the books sheer heft, with over 1500 pages of small type and weighing in at almost two and half pounds. Yet those brave souls who resist the temptation to lay down this load in favor of a more easily digested work will come to in the end appreciate the feast to come. Mann's work rests on its own unique rhythm, and once the reader grows acclimated they will surely appreciate both the work and the great skill of Mr. Wood as translator. This series of four novels expounding on the biblical tale of Jacob, his son of Joseph of the famous robe, as well as his brothers, often comes when people engage in the entertaining and fruitless parlor game of determining the greatest literary work of the 20th century. While no single work can claim such a title, the complexity of the work and the Herculean task of translation should be evident that this is only the second instance of its translation into English in the more than 60 years since it first appeared.

Beyond simply outlining the work's subject matter, in many ways it seems written with the express intent of defying further description. With a complex web of interrelated stories, occasionally taking subjects that the bible reflects on for only a sentence and expanded on them for a hundred pages and at the same time seeking to place this seminal tale in its religious, historic, and cultural context, the work often leaves the reader gasping at the audacity of Man's enterprise. Yet almost every one of his efforts comes as a remarkable success, leaving one much to ponder. Indeed, any expectation that one can rush through this work will surely leave you with only a headache and little to show for the effort. Instead, one must take their time and slowly chew on Joseph and His Brother's digesting each piece in turn. Like many great works this one takes effort and diligence, but the reward comes as more than just bragging rights for having read it. Far more, it will offer an often eye opening new perspective and beckon from the book shelf to be taken down again so that you may reread this section or that.

One last point: to end where I began, Mann's attention to detail and word choice often gives pause, making each of us consider the harm done when we rain down words on a subject when a mere drop would do.

no title - first volume of series.......2006-01-23

This isn't really about Joseph and his brothers, but about his father, Jacob. An amazing achievement, taking the bare bones of the biblical story and adding research from Judaism and Egyptian and Near East mythologies and oral histories. Plus Mann went to the land covered in these histories to see it for himself. There is an ironic, slightly satirical tone which surprised me - I thought it would be so religious - not at all. He made everything matter-of-fact and plausible and made the biblical characters come alive as real people, always adding the small details of their way of life then. Jacob seems such a sympathetic man, as Rachel does a woman, but Joseph comes off as a tattle tale, and there is the one line in the bible to support this as in everything of which Mann writes. Such a sad and touching ending to this first book.

The confidential correspondence of Napoleon Bonaparte with his brother Joseph ... Selected and translated, with explanatory notes, from the 'Mémoires du roi Joseph' ...: Vol. 2.

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The confidential correspondence of Napoleon Bonaparte with his brother Joseph ... Selected and translated, with explanatory notes, from the 'Mémoires du roi Joseph' ...: Vol. 2.
Michigan Historical Reprint Series
Manufacturer: Scholarly Publishing Office, University of Michigan Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

United States | History | Historical Reproductions | Formats | Books
ASIN: 1425541542
Release Date: 2005-12-21

Book Description

This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program.

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Thomas Mann's Joseph and His Brothers: Writing, Performance, and the Politics of Loyalty (Studies in German Literature Linguistics and Culture)
William E. McDonald
Manufacturer: Camden House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

German | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

German | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 157113154X

Book Description

McDonald's study offers fresh insights into Mann's Joseph tetralogy in two ways. Beginning with Mann's well documented love for public performance, he rereads the Joseph novels as a script, showing how performance figures prominently in the form as well as the substance of the narrative. Then he interprets several of the essay-lectures composed during the Joseph years (1926-1943), emphasizing their performative qualities and their conscious (and subliminal) interweavings with the novel. Mann's passionate re-enactment of Kleist's play "Amphitryon" in his 1927 lecture provided a model of identity that he developed fully in Joseph. The model also helped him contain the more pessimistic account of identity he encountered in Freud. The Freud lectures of 1929 and 1936 develop psychoanalysis as an Enlightenment project useful in combating the irrationalism of the Nazis, and carefully control its darker aspects.

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Joseph and His Brothers

Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf New York
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000CQCRJ4

Rabbit Ears Heroic Bible Stories: Jonah and the Whale, Joseph and His Brothers (Rabbit Ears)

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Storytelling at its best

Rabbit Ears Heroic Bible Stories: Jonah and the Whale, Joseph and His Brothers (Rabbit Ears)
Rabbit Ears
Manufacturer: Listening Library (Audio)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0739338749
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Book Description

Rabbit Ears Heroic Bible Stories enlightens and entertains with these classic tales fromt he Old Testament--read by your favorite stars and featuring original music by some of today's greatest artists.

Jonah and the Whale
Read by Jason Robards
Original Music by George Mgrdichian

Jonah attempts to flee when he is summoned by God to preach his Word to people of Nineveh and finds himself being swallowed by a whale. After the whale spits him out, Jonah fulfills his mission and learns a valuable lesson about obedience and forgiveness.

Joseph and His Brothers
Read by Ruben Blades
Original Music by Strunz & Farah

Rediscover the story of Joseph, a young man who is sold into slavery by his brothers. Many years later he forgives their betrayal and saves them from the famine that is ravaging their homeland. This tale of family love and redemption is sure to inspire everyone who listens.

Customer Reviews:

Storytelling at its best.......2007-07-04

Storytelling is an art. When you combine the art with sound effects and music to denote emotionally laden events, pauses and time passing children and adults listen intently. This retelling of heroic stories -- Jonah and Joseph and his brothers, is a delight! ... and really fun.

The World's Greatest Stories Vol. 5 Joseph and His Brothers - KJV

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The World's Greatest Stories Vol. 5 Joseph and His Brothers - KJV
George W. Sarris
Manufacturer: World's Greatest Stories
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0976774496

Product Description

The World's Greatest Stories are an award winning series of Bible stories, brought to life through the compelling storytelling of George W. Sarris. The texts for all the stories are taken directly, word for word, from the Bible. They are told using the art of a dramatic storyteller, and include carefully selected music and sound effects. The result is a very exciting story that comes straight from the words of Scripture.

Living Adventures from the Bible, Album #3: 1-The Talents, 2-Ruth And Naomi, 3-Joseph And His Brothers (Living Adventures from the Bible, 3)

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Living Adventures from the Bible, Album #3
Buy Them! They are excellent!!!

Living Adventures from the Bible, Album #3: 1-The Talents, 2-Ruth And Naomi, 3-Joseph And His Brothers (Living Adventures from the Bible, 3)

Manufacturer: Eye in the Ear
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 0944168108

Book Description

LIVING ADVENTURES FROM THE BIBLE, Volume 3:

1- THE TALENTS ~ A rich man once gave three of his servants gold coins called talents, so they could go out and set up a business of their own. One servant bought a loom to make beautiful fabrics, and he did very well. The second servant bought a potter's wheel to make beautiful pottery, and he too, did very well. But the third servant buried his talent in the earth and made nothing at all and thus, lost his servant's job.

2- RUTH AND NAOMI ~ Israel once suffered a dreadful drought, which forced a mother named Naomi to move her family to the heathen country of Moab where there was plenty of water. There they met a wonderful woman named Ruth, who helped them to start a new life. Years later Naomi returned home to Israel, accompanied by Ruth, who now believed in the God of Israel.

3- JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS ~ Of his twelve sons, the mighty Jacob loved his eleventh, Joseph, most of all … which made the ten other sons dislike, even hate, Joseph … especially after Jacob had made a beautiful coat of many colors for Joseph. So the brothers secretly sold Joseph to merchants heading for Egypt. However, years later, Joseph saved his brothers from a devastating drought, where they founded the nation of Israel.

Customer Reviews:

Living Adventures from the Bible, Album #3.......2007-07-17

Living Adventures from the Bible: Volume 3 is the third volume of this Parent's Choice Recommended series. This one hour volume includes three lesser known stories The Talents, Ruth and Naomi, and Joseph and His Brothers.

Each of these stories tells the story of an individual who trusted and followed his or her destiny to become very successful. The Talents looks at a servant given the chance to be successful by following his own talent. Ruth and Naomi tells the story of the struggle of two women and the glory that is given to them. Joseph and His Brother is possible the most famous of all three stories recalling a boy with a special gift.

Buy Them! They are excellent!!!.......2007-05-22

Everything by Frances Kelley is excellent, and my four kids are crazy for them. There are three series, "Stories to Stir the Imagination", "Living Adventures in American History" and a series of Bible stories. I have them all and they are all great! I particulary love the ones about American History, as they are so educational as well. In addition they inspire a sense of patriotism which is lacking in this country. I do alot of carpooling and field trip driving. All the kids I've driven in the car love these CDs. I really can't recommend them highly enough!!

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Joseph and His Brothers

Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000F2KQ1Q

Product Description

Classic 20th century novel of the Biblical exile and his impact on of Egypt

3 Book Set By Joseph J. Ellis; American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson; His Excellency: George Washington; Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation

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3 Book Set By Joseph J. Ellis; American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson; His Excellency: George Washington; Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation
Joseph J. Ellis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VU9GYU

Product Description

3 Book Set By Joseph J. Ellis; American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson; His Excellency: George Washington; Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation.

The Beginners Bible Joseph And His Brothers

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The Beginners Bible Joseph And His Brothers
Leininger
Manufacturer: Performance Unlimited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0824126513

Amazon.com

Writing in the trademark style that has won her countless fans, award-winning author Francine Rivers explores the courageous life of Ruth, a biblical ancestor of Jesus, in Unshaken, the third novel in her Lineage of Grace series. Empathy for the characters kicks in immediately. Naomi's life is in ruins. Her husband and sons are dead, and she is left with only her beloved daughter-in-laws, Ruth and Orpah. Ruth turns her back on her own family and risks everything to care for Naomi, insisting "I will go wherever you go! I will live wherever you live! Your God will be my God."

Things get worse before they get better. Desperately poor, Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem and eke out an impoverished existence until Ruth's beauty and character turn the head of Boaz, a few decades older and the wealthiest man in town. Soon Ruth's desire to obey God is put to the test as she takes the biggest risk of all. In the endearing manner that has made her one of the top writers of Christian fiction, Rivers portrays how Ruth's unshaken commitment to God had a profound impact on biblical history. Her poignant account of Ruth's life will give modern readers a benchmark by which to measure their own levels of faith and obedience. --Cindy Crosby

Book Description

A beautiful retelling of the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz by award-winning author Francine Rivers. Readers will be encouraged by the truth that God will faithfully provide for His children even when all hope seems lost.

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Customer Reviews:

Great book.........2007-03-19

I usually don't like biblical fiction. I think it can explain itself with out an author's insight. BUT....this book and the other five linage of grace books are different. The author really put background behind the story. Such as their walk from and to. How much the people wouldn't accept Ruth and the fact that Boaz was also of the same background as Ruth!

Another ~wonderful love story~ with Old Testament Context.......2007-02-19

I have heard the story of Ruth's dedication to her mother-in-law Naomi, but again, Francine Rivers brings life and cultural context to this poignant Old Testament story. Naomi thought her life over when her husband and her two only sons had died. Moreover, she was a foreigner in this land her husband had brought her to years prior.

How God works in wonderful ways! And ways that are above our human understanding! This story brings awareness that human decision making based on human reasoning is so far from the glory that God would have for us. It this tale, this is evident in Elimelech's decision to "provide for his family because God was providing in the Promised Land;" in Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi rather than to return to her own family's prosperity, in Boaz's decision to wait on God for his wife--if he were to ever marry, in Ruth's decision to take Boaz's wise hand in marriage rather than accept a younger more handsome man. Each case demonstrates how much greater our life is if lived for the Lord! God provided to those that remained faithful to Him.

What a wonderful love story! A nice parallel to the previous generation of Boaz's father Salmon accepting a foreign woman, the Canaanite Rahab from Jericho, as Boaz takes Ruth, a Moabite woman, for his own. Another step in the direction of the birth of the Savior, Jesus!

I recommend this book and the others in this series by Rivers. I especially recommend reading the book and then going back to the Old Testament story and comparing.

An Interpritation of the Life of Ruth.......2006-10-04

This is Francine Rivers' telling of the story of Ruth, and she tells it in her usual amazing fashion. Readers will easily grasp the fullness of Ruth's faith and devotion to God, her mother in law, Naomi, and eventually her husband, Boaz. Follow the journey of how this Moabite woman returned with Naomi to Bethlehem, how she vowed to never leave her side, supported her through her toil in the fields, and would eventually become a part of our Lord's lineage.

Ruth and Boaz have to be two of the most inspiring people of the Bible. Both for their unwavering faith and many virtues they displayed. But this book goes much deeper than just the exploration of Bible verse and should not be limited to spiritual growth. I believe Boaz is a figure every business manager should come to know. Here was a man who had become perhaps the wealthiest man in Bethlehem at the time, and yet he treated his servants with respect. He was never above serving those who served him, and Francine Rivers meticulously portrays his stoic virtue for all to learn from.

Of course this is classified as historical fiction. Rivers takes the Biblical lessons from the Book of Ruth and adds dialog and character in a way that makes this story enjoyable and consuming. There is much for us to learn from Ruth and Boaz, and Rivers does a commendable job here with both characters.

Pastor Monty Rainey

Excellent Book!.......2006-07-05

I have read all but two of the Lineage of Grace series, and as usual Francine rivers does an excellent job of bring to life the characters in the Bible. Not only that, she allows the reader to understand some of the possible issues that were being faced by each of the women in the Series so that you can identify with their issues even in a modern context.
As usual EXCELLENT work. She cant write fast enough for me to read, I have read all her books in print... I think, with the exception of 2 of the Lineage of grace novellas, and 1 of the Sons of Encouragement novellas. I am in the process of reading these three! I anxiously await her next work.

Unshaken.......2006-05-04

I was actually very disappointed in this book. Familiar as I am with the story of Ruth, I was hoping for fresh insight and perspective. There's a lot of potential for allegory and characters with depth in the story of Ruth, but this is exactly where this book fell flat. It felt shallow; I never really understood Naomi's pain, even though the book spent considerable time explaining and rambling about it; Ruth was irritating rather than inspiring in her faith, which I suppose I thought was shallow because she never experienced the sort of internal and daily conversion, take-up-your-cross struggle that every person of faith is so familiar with. For her, especially as a former pagan, this should have been evident and a powerful theme. The book also deals extensively with Ruth's having to overcome rejection in a strange land, underscoring prejudice and gossip, which unfortunately are ideas that go nowhere.

Overall, though I am far from saying that it has no place, adding drama to the story was unnecessary, and detracted in the long run from the book's real potential. Ruth is a beautiful story as the Bible tells it with depth enough for a much longer book than this.

Things Shaken - Things Unshaken: Reflections on Faith And Terror

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from Epworth Press

Things Shaken - Things Unshaken: Reflections on Faith And Terror
Colin Morris
Manufacturer: Epworth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0716206102

Customer Reviews:

from Epworth Press.......2006-07-06

In this timely and topical book, the author, a writer and broadcaster, argues that the questions raised by the events of 9/11 and its consequences cannot be answered unless theology is a partner in the dialogue. Osama Bin Laden's vision of an Islamic world is met by George Bush's fundamentalist Evangelical Bible Class. The secular western world is having to re-learn what once it knew, namely that religion is a major force in world affairs. The book offers a collection of reflections, some of which have been broadcast or published, updated in the light of recent events like the London bombings of 7/7.

Mind unshaken: A modern approach to Buddhism

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Simple, clear and convincing

Mind unshaken: A modern approach to Buddhism
John Walters
Manufacturer: Rider
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Other Eastern Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0091069211

Customer Reviews:

Simple, clear and convincing.......1999-05-10

Maybe the best introduction to Theravada Buddhism. Focuses on Buddha's original teaching and how his philosophy can help modern people. A classic written a few decades ago. (10.05.99)

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MIND UNSHAKEN: A MODERN APPROACH TO BUDDHISM.

Manufacturer: Rider
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0000CKXSJ

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Unshaken friend: [profile of Maxwell Evarts Perkins]
Malcolm Cowley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007HZOTI

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Unshaken Friend

Unshaken Friend: A Profile of Maxwell Perkins
Malcolm Cowley
Manufacturer: Court Wayne Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

Unshaken Friend.......2007-07-21

This is a fine little book, short though it is. If you want a much better handling of Max Perkins, then you want A. Scott Berg's fine book, Max Perkins. But if you're just looking for a quick overview, 48 pages, then this is the book for you.

... The unshaken kingdom, (Lectures delivered under the Holland foundation at the Southwestern Baptist Theological seminary)

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... The unshaken kingdom, (Lectures delivered under the Holland foundation at the Southwestern Baptist Theological seminary)
Henry Clay Mabie
Manufacturer: Fleming H. Revell Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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The Unshaken Loyalty

Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0380472589

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The Unshaken Loyalty
Denise Robins
Manufacturer: Dales Large Print Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1842620061

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The Unshaken Loyalty
Denise Robins
Manufacturer: Romance Book Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J1CGAW

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