Apocryphal Tales
|
|
|
Apocryphal Tales
by Authors:
Karel Capek , Norma Comrada
Released: 01 May, 1997
ISBN: 0945774346
Paperback
Sales Rank: 167,906
|
List price:
$13.95
Our price:
$10.46
(You save: $3.49)
|
|
|
|
| Book > Apocryphal Tales > Customer Reviews: |
|
|
|
|
Average Customer Rating: 
Apocryphal Tales >
Customer Review #1:
Political satires set safely in the distant past
This is a collection of short pieces from the Czechoslovakian author of "R.U.R." (the futuristic play in which he coined the term robot) who stands out as a calming voice among the chaos of Central Europe in the early 20th Century. The bulk of this volume is comprised of tight, pointed retellings of stories from classical literature: the Greeks, the Bible, and even Shakespeare. By taking a unique slant on some well-known stories, usually with humorous or sardonic overtones, Capek creates modern fables with clearly implied morals that provide practical advice for even the most contemporary readers. Themes range from fear of change, and the importance of the work ethic, to contempt for mob mentality. By placing these tales in the distant past, he is able to present specific political arguments without too openly offending the powers-of-the-moment. With his warm humanism, pointed humor, and continuing sociopolitical relevance, Capek should be a great favorite of fans of such political humorists as Art Buchwald and Jimmy Breslin. With the re-emergence of Eastern/Central Europe from communist domination, its not too much to hope that Capeks work will soon enjoy the reputation it so richly deserves.
Apocryphal Tales >
Customer Review #2:
wonderful
This is terrific!I think Capek is the most underrated writer of the century{at least}.Hes comparatively little known,and seldom given credit even for the word "robot" which he "invented".Hes got it all-humor,lovely language{it even shines through in a translation},delightful stile,and more... And hes not just a great writer,but a great playwright,too-his "Macropulos Affair" and "R.U.R" are classics.Warmly recommended.
|
|
Apocryphal Tales >
Related Products
|
Tales from Two Pockets
|
War With the Newts
|
Toward the Radical Center: A Karel Capek Reader
|
Karel Capek-Life and Work
|
Three Novels: Hordubal, Meteor, an Ordinary Life
|
R.U.R. (Dover Thrift Editions)
|
Cross Roads
|
Prague Tales (Central European Classics)
|
Too Loud a Solitude
|
Love and Garbage
|
|
|
|
|