Book Description
This book examines a medieval text long neglected by most scholars. The Lost Love Letters of Heloise and Abelard looks at the earlier correspondence between these two famous individuals, revealing the emotions and intimate exchanges that occurred between them. The perspectives presented here are very different from the view related by Abelard in his "History of My Calamities," an account which provoked a much more famous exchange of letters between Heloise and Abelard after they had both entered religious life. Offering a full translation of the love letters along with a copy of the actual Latin text, Mews provides an in-depth analysis of the debate concerning the authenticity of the letters and look at the way in which the relationship between Heloise and Abelard has been perceived over the centuries. He also explores the political, literary, and religious contexts in which the two figures conducted their affair and offers new insights into Heloise as an astonishingly gifted writer, whose literary gifts were ultimately frustrated by the course of her relationship with her teacher.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Texts & Translations.......2004-07-24
Mews makes a less than satisfying case for the authorship of the letters: it's not as if the two famous lovers were the only teacher / pupil passion of the Middle Ages, and authenticating this sort of thing is tricky business. Calling it the "lost letters of Heloise and Abelard" is a bit romantic, I think. If you're into historical certainties, this may prove irritating.
Mews is more persuasive when she writes about what the letters show us about medieval love and its dialogics.
But the letters don't have to be those of Heloise and Abelard to be a ripping good read. Especially if you're looking for some practice translating medieval Latin, the book is very satisfying: the Latin is not very difficult, and translations on the facing page make a sure pony (and are lovely in their own right).
Academic detective work & translating at its best!.......2004-07-11
What a treat to read these early letters! Mews compelling argues, based upon impeccable scholarship, that what we have here is a bona fide glimpse into the developing relationship between two of the medieval world's most interesting philosophers. Heloise's letters compel me to reconsider the views expressed in A History of Women Philosophers Volume 2 regarding Heloise's sexual interest in Abelard, while clarifying the fact that she took the doctrine of the morality of intention much more seriously than did Abelard. The letters clearly show that while Abelard taught Ciceronian/Tullian moral philosophy to Heloise, she practiced it while he did not. And for those who have no interest in philosophy?? Read one of the greatest love stories never told, straight from the mouths of the lovers themselves.
Add me to this list of people who loved this book!.......2003-01-18
Seldom do I find a work of historical scholarship that I simply cannot put down -- this is it. Anyone familiar with the Abelard and Heloise story and the very basic outlines of 12th century history ought to enjoy this compelling and intriguing piece.
Brilliant!.......2000-04-20
What a fine piece of work this is from Constant Mews! I was dazzled by his erudition and the almost detective-like skill he used in authenticating this cache of letters as being those of the tragic Heloise and Abelard. Scholars have much to thank Mews and his collaborator, Chiavarolli, for upon the publication of this timely work. Those who believe Heloise to be the more important of the two figures also have much to rejoice about. They have elevated Heloise to the level of other well-known medieval woman such as Joan of Arc, Christine de Pizan, etc. Bravo. A long overdue piece of the Heloise and Abelard puzzle has finally been laid in place.
Akin to discovering a hitherto unknown play by Shakespeare.......1999-12-21
Drawing upon the research presented in Ewald Konsgen's 'Epistolae duorun amantium: Briefe Abaelards und Heloises? (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1974), Mews offers a compelling thesis that letters discovered and transcribed in Clairvaux in the 15th century are the 'lost' love letters of Peter Abelard and Heloise. Mews asserts that the letters in question were written 'by two articulate individuals who lived in the Ile-de-France in first half of the 12th century [who] were fully conversant with the classical authors known at that time', a point made by Konsgen but further developed by Mews. Indeed, it is made clear that not only are the Clairvaux letters the work of two distinctly different authors, but that woman is the man's student, "the only disciple of philosophy among all the women of our age" as he calls her, the man a famous teacher, a master of philosophy and a poet. The author begins with the discovery of the letters in a monastery at Clairvaux and their transcription by the monk Johannes de Vespria. He then follows with a discussion of the 'known' (and still controversial) letters of Abelard and Heloise and how those letters shaped the subsequent perception of their relationship. Mews goes on to compare the vocabulary of the known letters with the Clairvaux letters, arguing that the parallels are so striking that it "stretches plausibility to argue that the letters were written by any one other than Abelard and Heloise." He finishes his analysis by showing the implications of this discovery to the present understanding of the evolution of their relationship. The final chapter is a transcription of the Clairvaux letters in Latin, with a parallel translation in English. Throughout the book, Mews throws light on the broader issues of communication between men and woman in 12th century France. He also places the 'story' of Abelard and Heloise into the broader context of their era, explaining how the political upheavals and cultural changes of the 12th century played a part in their relationship and in their lives in general. Mews' argument is reasoned, well researched, and entirely convincing. As for the letters themselves, erotic and sensual, they offers a tantilizing glimpse into the early relationship of Abelard and Heloise - but there are mysteries here too. What is the cause of the rift that seems to have happened between the writing of letters 57 and 58? What does the woman mean when she writes "If you are well and moving among wordly concerns without trouble, I am carried away by a great exultation of mind"? Is this truly Heloise writing to Abelard about the birth of their child? Both writers fill their letters with imagery about the stars, the sun and moon, and celestial light - is this what prompted Heloise and Abelard to name their child (Peter) Astrolabe? The real importance of these letters may be in their discussion of the true nature of friendship and love, which may shed light on and help us to better understand the 'known' letters of Abelard and Heloise. In the Clairvaux letters, the woman seems determined to define their relationship and convince the man of her true love for him; the man seems more preoccupied with the erotic nature of their friendship. These letters are also important in illustrating what a poetic and original writer Heloise was - an idea often overlooked by those more preoccupied by the romance and tragedy of her story. I look forward to reading more arguments concerning authorship of these lost letters, and I encourage not only scholars, but lay people like myself to read this book.
Book Description
My Dear Sweetheart:
There now: have I made myself clear, and do you see between the lines that I love you very dearly and more constantly from day to day? I am going to turn in now and take this to town with me early tomorrow and tonight I will hug you very close to me and love you ever so much, Sweetie dear.
Fondly and affectionately,
Kenton (I do love you dear)
Love letters. Passionate, sad, ardent, goofy, serious, bittersweet, angry, tragic, frantic, embarrassing, and -- of course -- romantic. We've all written them at one time or another. Some were saved; some were tossed out (the nerve!). Love Letters, Lost is a collection of amorous letters whose fates were, alas, scattered to the wind. Salvaged from flea markets, garage sales, swap meets, and Internet auctions by Babbette Hines, author of our best-selling title Photobooth, they are here paired with vintage photographs of love-struck couples holding hands, laughing, smiling, dancing, and otherwise mugging for the camera.
In this age of generic email cards and text messaging, this beguiling little book reminds us of the simple beauty of an epistolary romance. And just in case you need a little help, Hines has included suggestions from a 1919 booklet on how to write your own letter of love. xoxo
Customer Reviews:
Lost and found.......2007-02-16
The beauty of this book, beyond the romantic nostalgia inspired by vintage photographs and handwritten letters, is that it is a collection created from discarded or "lost" memorabilia. The images and letters were once, we can reasonably believe, very important to the anonymous beholder before they were set adrift in estate sales, flea markets, and junk stores. The author performs a service of social research and cultural reclamation by taking these things in, preserving them, and creating an outlet for them to be rediscovered by other people. I highly recommend this book for anyone at all interested in being part of that process or anyone who is moved by the sentimentality of others.
Charming sometimes, usually boring..........2006-06-02
So I received this book as a gift, and so I can't hate it too much. I did not know that I could collect a bunch of nostalgia, throw it all in a messy anthology with some random pictures of old couples and make some money. Maybe I should try it. I wouldn't consider these 'love letters' per say, because most of them are just from ordinary people chronicling their mundane lives to someone who will listen. When you buy this book you turn into that someone.
Lesson is that nothing's changed over the years. There's no magic in this collection, just a bunch of hodge podge. Cute though. Some are a bit witty, some whiny, most just plain BORING. A sweet little novelty, nothing great.
Not what I expected.......2005-07-12
I like looking at old pictures and old letters, but I thought when I bought the book that I would actually be looking in the history of someone's life with pictures to go with it but that was not the case. It is just a random bunch of pictures and a random bunch of letters put together in a book. The pictures aren't necessarily the pictures of the people who wrote the letters, so you know nothing of the authors, no explanation of the times they lived in or the place they lived in or anything. In other words, no story behind it whatsoever. Just a disappointing collection.
Secret Pleasure.......2005-02-16
Another beautiful contribution by this author. Love letters to make you weep, smile, laugh and imagine . . . or remember . . . how it feels to love and be loved.
Average customer rating:
- Inspirational!
- Excellent writing with sparks from the first pages!
- Letter from Eva Berck, author of Yonder the Bridge, to authors
|
28 Years Between Kisses: The Love Letters That Reclaimed a Lost Romance
Thomas DeLia , and
Linda DeLia
Manufacturer: Ferinds Vale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Women
| Specific Groups
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Memoirs
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Love & Romance
| Relationships
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0978762703 |
Book Description
In 2001 Tom DeLia vowed to find Linda, the first and only love of his life, whom he had not seen for nearly 3 decades. Doggedly pursuing Internet clues, Tom determined finally to claim Linda as his own or exorcise the grip she had clamped on his heart for 28 years. Their literate, honest, funny, romantic and sometimes erotic letters and emails fly between Colorado and Pennsylvania for five months, bringing the now middle-aged lovers to life for the reader, revealing their past, their present, and their hopes and fears with great immediacy. Anyone who wishes for another chance at love or believes that aging or cancer or financial circumstance or distance banishes the possibility of love will savor this true story told in these compelling love letters in the lovers' own words.
Customer Reviews:
Inspirational!.......2006-12-24
Simply put, I loved this story. I found my eyes welling up with tears many times... tears of joy, tears of sorrow, and sometimes even tears of laughter! I saw myself especially in Linda so many times. I think that's the best part of the book: how easy it is to relate to the very real and raw emotions that stem from this incredible, almost ethereal reunion.
There are many twists and turns to this story, which just proved to me that, yet again, truth is stranger (and more wonderful!) than fiction. I'm grateful to your brave hearts for sharing your beautiful story with the world. Yours is certainly one not to lock away.
Excellent writing with sparks from the first pages!.......2006-11-26
I completed your fantastic book. I loved it!! The two of you clearly have mastered the ability to express your raw emotions. The sparks are so genuine. Your exceptional writing stirs feelings of joy, empathy, love, jealousy, excitement, and curiosity.
Here's my NY Post review: "Love defined." "Intense!" "Gripping!" "Moving beyond words" " A love story unlike any other." Your style is fun, exciting, sincere, and downright passionate. Tom's intuition and insights are right on. As a male, I related to many of his letters and feelings about steel armor and difficulty at times expressing the right words.
I'm hopeful to see both of you on Oprah. Please let me know when it will be airing! This is a great real life experience. You both have such courage to print your most personal thoughts and dreams. What a wonderful gift to share with others.
Above all, I got chills several times reading your emails/letters. It made me feel so special to know a person that has found such unconditional love - the purest form. I am beyond happy for you both.
Letter from Eva Berck, author of Yonder the Bridge, to authors.......2006-11-24
The book arrived with that beautiful, super slender young woman on the cover. My husband opened it (I was in the middle of another book) and I heard him say after a few moments: "They REALLY CAN write!" That aroused my curiosity and I picked it up after he left and . . . well, I was caught. I could not put it down until I read the answer to that first letter, and then the answer to the answer . . . and so it went.
After 20 pages, more or less, unlooked for, and out of the way past, Goethe's words in his "Tasso" Drama came to mind:
"Und wenn der Mensch in seiner Qual verstummt,
gab mir ein Gott zu sagen was ich leide."
Translation:
"When man grows mute within the turmoil of his soul,
a god gave me the voice to tell my anguish."
Yes, you really can write, and write beautifully, both of you. That's the amazing thing about it. With all the expressed anguish and turmoil, there is harmony in those expressions. You are on the same "wavelength" at all times. Even your sense of humor clicks.
May I quote Goethe one more time: As he wrote to his own rather hopeless (while married) Charlotte VonStein:
"You must have been in quite another life
my loving sister or beloved wife."
You see, your fate is not unique.
I shall treasure it. And saying that I wish you well is understating it. I wish you well with all my heart! You are two brave, beautiful--and talented--people.
Customer Reviews:
Hemingway.......2005-09-19
It is no secret that Ernest Hemingway went to Italy in 1918 with a volunteer ambulance unit, was wounded in the leg, and had an affair with one of the nurses (Agnes Von Kurowsky) while recovering in a hospital. (Many of the scenes in his A FAREWELL TO ARMS are based on these experiences.) This volume contains her diary and letters she wrote to him at the time (his letters to her are lost), as well as a few other pieces. One significant revelation is that it seems their relationship was platonic: when Agnes broke it off she said she felt more like "a mother than a sweetheart" (she was also 7 years older than he was). The letters reveal interesting insights into who Hemingway was at a time before the macho aura completely took over his personality. A so-so movie was based on this book.
You are so right: Dr. P. Verheyen.......2003-06-06
Its just really a deep analyse of the dream in Ernest his life.
I agree agree totally with Dr. Verheyen:
Hemingway and (the false) Agnes in projection of real life!.
Romance of oné site (Ernest Hemingway anyway).
I am doctorating in psychology in beautiful Rome: Italy.
I live back in New York City (after my doctorating?).
Psychologic proven!.......2002-07-13
As a Dr. in Psychology, I can antherstand Hemingway and obvious Agnes. I suppose this romance was to beautiful to hold stand!. Anyway I antherstand 1961( Ernest did suicide WITH Agnes her letters next to him) AFTER 4 TRYING? to forget Agnes! MARRIAGE'S. This prover real eternity love exists, only both have to FORGIVE, and that's the hard way (I do know personnell). They were really made for each other, sad, so sad: stubborn Ernie and WHY?. Dr. Patrick Verheyen (U.S. Graduated ;-).
ITALIAN.......2000-02-04
Please, does anyone knows if the book "Hemingway, in love and war" has been traslated in italian?. Thank you very much, Massimo.
Bittersweet Love Story that hit close to home:.......1999-08-24
After seeing the movie "In Love and War" with Sandra Bullock and Chris O'Donnell, I was left wanting to learn more of the events of this tragic love story. The book clued me in to the actual events that led to the affair and the events that occured afterwards and the truth was actually more tragic than the movie had let on. I was once involved in a romance with a much younger man, he was 18 and I was 24, and there was so much passion but eventually the fantasy fades and reality sets in and sometimes you make decisions that at the time seem like the most sane but later on wonder "what if....?" This book is for anyone who has ever loved and lost. A must read for every romantic.
Average customer rating:
- A sorrowful triumph.
- This book is wonderful. Anyone even slightly romantic will l
|
Lost Love: The Untold Story of Henrietta Szold : Unpublished Diary and Letters
Henrietta Szold ,
Baila Round Shargel , and
Louis Ginzberg
Manufacturer: Jewish Publication Society of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Religious
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Women
| Specific Groups
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Jewish
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Jewish
| World
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Social History
| Historical Study
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Demography
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Ethnic Studies
| Special Groups
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Judaism
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 082760629X |
Customer Reviews:
A sorrowful triumph........2006-07-18
Anyone suffering from unrequited love will find comfort and encouragement through this reading. Had she not suffered heartbreak, thousands may have lost the benefit of her significant power to love.
This book is wonderful. Anyone even slightly romantic will l.......1997-10-29
The primary significance of this work and we are deeply in debtto the fine editing of Baila Shargel, is that it presents to thepublic for the first time, Henrietta Szold the great writer. We come back to a time when letters were still carefully crafted; we bask in the warmth and honesty of her prose. We are continually stunned by her brilliance and begin to mourn not her loss or Ginzberg's but ours. It is we the Jewish people who have lost a great writer to the service of others, to the drudgery of editing which is so often women's work. This work is bound to become a classic. It shows yet another side of this very heroic woman who serves as a model for us all. More available at JCN!! END
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Church History, published by American Society of Church History on September 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1024 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: The Lost Love Letters of Heloise and Abelard: Perceptions of Dialogue in Twelfth-Century France.
Author: Susan R. Kramer
Publication:
Church History (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 2002
Publisher: American Society of Church History
Volume: 71
Issue: 3
Page: 646(3)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
Sewers of all skill levels learn how to create a wardrobe of well-fitting, affordable garments including bras, panties, and camisoles. Step-by-step instructions and detailed photos and illustrations describe fitting methods, simple pattern making, and putting pieces together. The author also discusses fabric options and embellishing techniques for personalizing one's creations.
Books:
- The Many Blessings Cookbook: A Celebration of Harvest, Home, and Country Cooking
- The Red Wolf
- The standard antique clock value guide
- The Tile Book: Decorating and Using Tiles--Simple Ideas to Transform Your Home
- The Twenty-One Balloons
- Thimbleberries Cottage Comfort (Thimbleberries Classic Country)
- Time for a Chain: The Irish Chain Updated
- Victorian Crafts Revived
- Vintage Quilts: Identifying, Collecting, Dating, Preserving & Valuing
- Warmachines No.4 : Israeli M4 Sherman and Derivatives
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
- Sociology of Religion: A Reader
- Mala Onda/bad Vibes
- Living Within Limits: ECOLOGY, ECONOMICS, AND POPULATION TABOOS
- Naughty Spanking Stories from A to Z, volume 2
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Third Edition
- Surprise Endings/Island Dreamer/A Heart Full of Hope
- Rupert Murdoch: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Media Wizard
- Partnership Power: How to Profit and Reduce Taxes Investing in Real Estate Partnerships
- Hcb International Drum and Ibc Guide
The Letters of Abelard and Heloise (Penguin Classics)
Heloise & Abelard : A New Biography
Abelard and Heloise (Great Medieval Thinkers)
Abelard: A Medieval Life
Listening To Heloise: The Voice of a Twelfth-Century Woman (The New Middle Ages)
