5 comments about The Essential Neruda: Selected Poems (Bilingual Edition) (English and Spanish Edition).

1. Being a fan of Pablo Neruda's poetry, I wanted to get my hands on The Essential Neruda to take a look at more of his work. After reading Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, I fell in love with the poet.
   
   The Essential Neruda contains 50 of Neruda's poems, not all of them about love.
   I enjoyed this collection, a few of my favorites are in here, such as I Can Write the Saddest Lines, Leaning into the Afternoons and I Like For You To Be Still.
   I did find the translation to be slightly different from the poems in Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, due to the different translators. I love reading Neruda's work in Spanish, it is painfully beautiful.
   There is definitely something lost in translation, the feel of the work is a bit different when read in English. The words flow better in it's original Spanish text. I'm a sucker for sad poetry about love and heartache.
   
   Though Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair remains my favorite collection of Neruda's poetry, I'm glad I read The Essential Neruda. I got to experience more of the poets work.
   How can you not love Neruda's way with words?
   
   Body of my woman, I will persist in your grace.
   My thirst, my infinite anguish, my indecisive path!
   Dark riverbeds where eternal thirst follows,
   and fatigue follows, and infinite sorrow.
   -excerpt from Body of woman
   
   
   There is also a poem in this collection called Ode With A Lament, that he wrote while his daughter was gravely ill. This one brought a tear to my eye.
   
   Only with kisses and red poppies can I love you,
   with rain-soaked wreaths
   contemplating ashen horses and yellow dogs.
   Only with waves at my back can I love you...
   
   
   There's so much beautiful and moving poetry in this collection, highly recommended.



2. Yes, this is the Essential Neruda. It's not complete, but it covers all of his topics and contains some wonderful gems and insight. If you only buy one Neruda volume, make it this one.



3. I gave this product as a gift...the person that received it enjoyed it very much..a unique publishing of Neruda's works.



4. I highly recommend this edition! It's wonderful to go back and forth, line to line, reading the English translations first, then the original Spanish. Translations are fluid! A fantastic way to introduce yourself to one of the greatest poets of all time!



5. 
   This book is an awesome work with splendid poems that have something to say to everyone.
   
   Side-by-side texts with their translations are great in making the reader evaluate the meanings and nuances in both languages.
   
   I love these verses:
   
   "And the air came in with orange-blossom fingers
   over all those asleep:
   a thousand years of air, months, weeks of air,
   of blue wind, of iron cordillera,
   that were like soft hurricanes of footsteps
   polishing the lonely boundary of the stone."
   
   The imagery is vivid and thrilling, like in these verses:
   
   "Full woman, carnal apple, hot moon,
   thick smell of seaweed, crushed mud and light,
   what obscure clarity opens between your columns?
   What ancient night does man touch with his senses?"
   
   I can recommend this poetry to anyone.
   
   Joyce Akesson, author of Love's Thrilling Dimensions and The Invitation

4 comments about Abriendo Puertas: Antologia De Literatura En Espanol, Tomo 1 (Spanish Edition).

1. Half the stories are interesting. The other half are quite boring, but if you are planning to take the AP Spanish test you have to read this stuff.



2. Although the wrong book was initially sent in error by Amazon, the problem was rapidly corrected. Amazon's customer service really responds to their customer needs. Excellent job!
   
   Charlotte Leffingwell



3. This book along with "Tomo I" are without a doubt the AP Spanish Lit Exam. I had both books during the last school year and 4 of the featured stories in the books appeared on the MC section and another 4 appeared on the free response section. Bottom line if you are looking to take AP Spanish Lit exam this is the book for you. In addition it is a great read for anyone who is wants to start reading Spanish literature. The books feature a variation of authors from all of Mexico, South and Central America, and Spain. Stories come with a brief biography of the author and provide some background of the writers. In addition colloquial phrases and complex words are defined in the same page they are printed and are marked with numbers making them easy to find in the story and list. In short I really liked this book and recommend it to anyone taking the AP Lit exam or interested in Spanish literature.
   -Alex



4. The poems, excerpts, and short stories in this book are extremely enjoyable. Many of the stories in this book I have also read in English, but it is always a pleasure to read them in their original language. Recommended for AP or advanced Spanish classes.

5 comments about El espejo enterrado (Taurus Bolsillo) (Spanish Edition).

1. I have really enjoyed using this book. I am in several spanish classes at college and I have found that Fuentes' book is an easy read; you are able to understand and visualize some of the history of Latin America. The structure of the book is less like a textbook and more like a novel, the facts are all there, they are just presented in a different way, a more subjunctive way. I encourage those who need a good resource on the history and culture of Spain and Latin America to consider this book.



2. 
   Los espejos simbolizan la realidad............. De los espejos de obsidiana de la urbe totonaca de El Tajin a los espejos ibericos de Cervantes y Velasquez, el de la locura y el del asombro, un intercambio de reflejos ha ido y venido incesantemente de una a otra orilla del Atlantico. (Excerpted from the back cover of the book).
   
   Such reflejos are the subject of the book, which is listed as an essay (ensayo) among the works of Mexican author Carlos Fuentes, but which should really be classified under the subject of History in that it traces the development of the Spanish speaking people from prehistory to modern times.
   
   The book consists of 18 chapters as follows: "La Virgen y el Toro" (the Cretan and Greek roots); "La Conquista de Espana" (by Cartage and Rome); "La Reconquista de Espana" (by the Barbarians, later by the Moors); "1492: El Ano Cruzal" (the expulsion of the Moors by the Catholic kings, and the discovery of the New World); "Vida y Muerte del Mundo Indigena" (the natives of North America, Cortes and Moctezuma); "La Conquista y la Reconquista del Nuevo Mundo" (the conquest of the New World, the new towns, the universities, the new religion); "La Era Imperial" (the problems with the administration of the New World, the defeat of the Spanish armada by Francis Drake); "El Siglo de Oro" (literature and art in imperial Spain - Cervantes, Calderon de la Barca, Velasquez, Tirso de Molina, Francisco de Zurbaran); "El Barroco del Nuevo Mundo" (problems and unrest in the New World, Aleijadinho, Juana Ines de la Cruz); "La Epoca de Goya" (Melchor Gaspar de Jovellanos and Francisco de Goya y Lucientes); "Hacia la Endependencia: Multiples Mascaras y Aguas Turbias" (the unrest among the Creoles and the desire for independence); El Precio de la Libertad: Simon Bolivar y Jose de San Martin" (the expulsion of Spain from Latin America); "El Tiempo de los Tiranos" (Juan Manuel de Rosas in Argentina, Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia in Paraguay, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Benito Juarez and Maximilian and Carlota in Mexico); "La cultura de la Independencia" (Latin America looks back at Spain while neglecting the local Indians and blacks, Argentine gaucho Jose Hernandez and his poem Martin Fierro, Cuban writer and patriot Jose Martin, Mexican cartoonist Jose Guadalupe Posada); "Tierra y Libertad"(The Mexican revolution of 1910, Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa); "Latinoamerica" (the general situation and problems of modern day Latin America); La Espana Contemporanea" (the general situation and problems of modern day Spain); La Hispanidad Norteamericana" (a very interesting chapter providing statistics on the total number of Hispanics as well as the number of Hispanic illegals in the United States, describing the invaluable contribution of the Hispanic people to the US economy and more).
   
   El Espejo Enterrado may be listed as an essay, it may be classified as a history book, yet it is more than that, because Carlos Fuentes is more than an essayer or a historian. He is a multifaceted artist who sees and describes reality in a more comprehensive as well as captivating manner than the average essayer or historian would. He does not just give the description of the events that shaped the history of the Spanish speaking people, he makes them interesting, he makes the reader want to learn more. For example, by discussing the individuals whose thoughts and actions influenced the decisions of the Spanish speaking people (e.g., Jean Jacques Rousseau and Napoleon); by relating the major events from which those related to the Spanish speaking people developed (e.g., the Renaissance, the French Revolution, the American Revolution); or by describing the works of the Spanish speaking artists who reflected the periods during which they lived (e.g., Don Quixote, La Vida Es Sueno, Las Meninas, La Maja Desnuda. Hence with this book, the reader will learn more than the history of the Spanish speaking people, he/she will meet (again) some of the great thinkers of the Western world, he/she will be reminded of the history of the Western world, he/she will learn about the products of the most illuminated minds of the Spanish speaking world. He/she will also discover about many word origins, (how many among you reading this review know the meaning of the word Saragoza, the origin of the name Malinche, the identity of the woman from whom California got its name, the reason why they call the turkey guacolote in Mexico). And he/she will acquire an awful lot of useful information which would otherwise not be easily available all in one book, for example, the real significance of Goya's Saturn Devouring his Children".
   
   This is a book that, once started, cannot be put down. A book that many will wish will never come to the end.
   
   Available in Spanish, as well as English with the title The Buried Mirror - Reflections on Spain and the New World, a must for anybody who is interested in history, in the works of the creative mind (including its author's) and the origin of things. Perhaps a must for just anybody interested in expanding his mind, whether or not of Hispanic descent.



3. Reviewing a book that i received, have not read it, but it's in great condition and shipping was very quick. Thank you.



4. "EL ESPEJO ENTERRADO" ES UN LIBRO QUE NO PUEDES DEJAR DE LEER. TIENES QUE TOMARTE UN TIEMPO PARA LEERLO Y APRENDER DE O RECORDAR LA HISTORIA DE TODO AMERICA.



5. Fuentes dice en el Espejo Enterrado que Rocinante es una yegua y no es cierto. Reto al mismo Carlos Fuentes a que me lo demuestre.

5 comments about Las Venas Abiertas de América Latina (Spanish Edition).

1. Tremenda perspectiva de como Europa y Los Estadounidense han utilizado los recursos de todos los paà ses de América Latina para su beneficio. Y como los pueblos Latino Americanos han participado para permitir estos atreves de las décadas y siglos. Interesante perspectiva de por qué EEUU se le hizo tan fácil convertirse en Independiente. Fácil de leer y un buen nivel de detalle.



2. 
   
   Read the spanish version - Las Venas Abertas de America Latina -
   Excellent read for anyone who wishes to know the story of latin american countries, the horrific effects of colonialism; oppression and slavery.
   Also the ongoing influence of the US in all these countries who just don't seem to come out of poverty.



3. De veras que el libro es Excelente. Me gustaria que todos los hijos de Inmigrantes nacidos en EUA leyeran esta joya. Ya que la mayoria (por no decir todos) no saben lo que este pais le ha hecho, le hace y le continuara haciendo. Todos los hispanos deberian leer este libro. Es mas, creo que en nuestros paises se deberian leer ese libro durante el año en las clases de Historia. Ya entiendo el porque nosotros nunca vamos a salir de donde nos encontramos. Nuestra desdicha (dicha de tener todos los recursos naturales) vino a ser la dicha del Imperio. Los Europeos nunca pusieron sus ojos en EU. No tenian de nada. Ademas, los que vinieron (Los Peregrinos) no eran conquistadores, sino colonizadores que son dos conceptos totalmente muy diferentes. TODO AQUEL QUE PUEDA QUE LO LEA Y LE HABLE A SUS HIJOS NACIDOS AQUI, PARA QUE SE DEN CUENTA LO QUE ESTE PAIS LE HA HECHO AL PAIS DE SUS ANTEPASADOS.



4. Los pretendidos criminales que presenta este libro son los propios antepasados de las pasadas y actuales clases dirigentes criollas. La independencia de los países latinoamericanos no fue mas que una insurrección fiscal, la oligarquía dirigente siguen siendo los mismos, las mismas familias. La corrupción rampante no es culpa de España sino de los propios gobiernos. Podemos compensar la falta de identidad nacional envolviéndonos en banderas y creando leyendas falsas sobre personajes históricos (saludos Mr. Chaves), pero la realidad es tozuda y no se cambia repitiendo ad infinitum la misma mentira. Este libro es dogmático y carente de base.



5. A fantastic book that should be reading requirement of all first year university students in Latin America. Many will feel that the book itself is solely a "bashing" of the United states and other developed nations but in the reality of the history which is carried by the nations of Latin America with regard to their dealings with developed countries the author does an excellent job in presenting the exploitation that has taken, and continues to take place. There will be those that will read it and inmediately will cry foul, communism. Not so. I was an international banker for many years in the region and can attest to the validity of the content.

2 comments about Horizontes: Repaso y Conversacion, 5th Edition.

1. The product I ordered was in good condition, eventhough it was used. It was just as the desription said. It was what I needed for class at a much cheaper price than what it was selling for at the school bookstore.



2. The book came a little slower than I expected but it was still fast and in good condition.

5 comments about Cuando Era Puertorriqueña (Spanish Edition).

1. Compre este libro en el aeropuerto, saliendo de Puerto Rico, en un vuelo que me traería hasta Australia. Desde el momento en que comencé a leerlo, no pude soltarlo. Me encanto! No solo es una buena descripción de la cultura puertorriqueña de antaño, sino que también es una historia que se ve reflejada en muchos de nuestros países de Latinoamérica, a través de muchos de nosotros que hemos salido de ellos. Me identifique con Esmeralda Santiago, por experiencia propia y por historias que mis abuelas y mi madre me han contado de sus vidas.
   
   Este libro se lo he prestado a amistades latinoamericanas en Australia, y a cada persona le ha encantado, impactando a todos de manera diferente. Lo recomiendo a todo el que aprecie la buena lectura.



2. This is a rich and evocative memoir of the author's chaotic childhood. Growing up in rural Puerto Rico, while often living in primitive conditions, the author's lush and lyrical prose paints a vivid picture her early life. The flavor and rythms of her island home come alive under her expert hand, creating an unforgettable picture of her early childhood.
   
   The author grew up in a poor family. During her childhood, she lived in Puerto Rico with her unmarried parents, who were always at war with each other, as her father was a somewhat irresponsible philanderer. It was her mother who centered the family and who always sought a better life for all of her children. When an irrevocable break occurred between her parents, her mother moved to New York during the nineteen sixties, eventually settling with her seven children in the mean streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York City.
   
   The author details her life's journey from rural Puerto Rico to Brooklyn. The author was transplanted to Brooklyn at the age of thirteen, and her description of her life in Brooklyn is every bit as interesting as that of her life in Puerto Rico. Her oftentimes bewildering transition from her native, Spanish speaking Puerto Rico to an English speaking environment is engagingly chronicled. The author takes the reader on her journey through Brooklyn's public school system to the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, where she graduated and went on to attend Harvard University on a scholarship.
   
   This coming of age memoir is so engagingly written that I was left with the desire of wanting to know more about the life of this remarkable woman. I was also very taken with her writing style. So, I went ahead and bought every book that this author has ever written and look forward to reading each and every one.



3. En este excelente libro Esmeralda Santiago nos introduce a sus recuerdos de la infancia en Puerto Rico como se desarrolla hasta su adultes. Utilizando su especial manera de escribir Santiago relata la dura vida que sufrieron miles de puertoriquenos a mediados de siglo, y los eventuales cambios y transformaciones sociales que le precedieron a este periodo. Cualquiera que lea este libro podra imaginarse a Negui y su familia en sus que haceres y ocurrencias. Puerto Rican or not you can read this book. It's excellent. A must read.



4. This is the Spanish text edition of "When I was Puerto Rican", a rich and evocative memoir of the author's chaotic childhood. Growing up in rural Puerto Rico, while often living in primitive conditions, the author's lush and lyrical prose paints a vivid picture her early life. The flavor and rythms of her island home come alive under her expert hand, creating an unforgettable picture of her early childhood.
   
   The author grew up in a poor family. During her childhood, she lived in Puerto Rico with her unmarried parents, who were always at war with each other, as her father was a somewhat irresponsible philanderer. It was her mother who centered the family and who always sought a better life for all of her children. When an irrevocable break occurred between her parents, her mother moved to New York during the nineteen sixties, eventually settling with her seven children in the mean streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York City.
   
   The author details her life's journey from rural Puerto Rico to Brooklyn. The author was transplanted to Brooklyn at the age of thirteen, and her description of her life in Brooklyn is every bit as interesting as that of her life in Puerto Rico. Her oftentimes bewildering transition from her native, Spanish speaking Puerto Rico to an English speaking environment is engagingly chronicled. The author takes the reader on her journey through Brooklyn's public school system to the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, where she graduated and went on to attend Harvard University on a scholarship.
   
   This coming of age memoir is so engagingly written that I was left with the desire of wanting to know more about the life of this remarkable woman. I was also very taken with her writing style. So, I went ahead and bought every book that this author has ever written and look forward to reading each and every one.



5. I bought this book at a fair. There was a "Spanish Only" book stand and I started a conversation with the lady about how homesick I was and she said this is what I needed to read. I'm a younger generation, but I loved it because my Grandmother was not from the city so I read a lof of things that reminded me of her. But there were even some expressions and cultural aspects that have obviously remained the same. The book was extremely interesting and I cried and laughed (and I tend to read in public so I got a couple of weird looks). It really hits home and gives a very accurate view of life in "el campo" in Puerto Rico during the times of depression, but does it in a way that still allows you to notice the beauty of our culture, our people. I am reading the sequel right now and already ordered the last of the three. She's an amazing narrator. Enjoy!
   
   [...]

No comments about Brevisima relacion de la destruccion de las Indias (COLECCION LETRAS HISPANICAS) (Spanish Edition).

No comments about Espana (Spanish Edition).

1 comments about Requiem Por Un Campesino Español (Spanish Edition).

1. I studied and became familiar with the facts and dates asociated with the Spanish Civil War, but I didn't understand it until I read this book. Sender's story is masterful, he carries you into the life of a common Spaniard from birth to tragic death. As I read I became aquinted with the Catholicism that is so Spanish and that faith's integral role in their society. As the story progressed I empathized with the political injustice and circumstances of the times, until ultimately I was heartbroken over the injustice and tragedy with which the story ended.
   Profound, moving, enriching, truly Spanish.

No comments about La verdadera historia del club Bilderberg (Divulgacion Actualidad) (Spanish Edition).