Publisher: BookRix
How to Read a Poem is a hodge podge of the ramblings of my mind. The pieces range from thoughts and images that come to me during my daily meditation, or when I take my morning walk with my wife. There are also my reflections on the events of a very stressful two years in American current events. And, of course, I could not resist a bit of whimsy.
An ancient Mesopotamian epic poem of adventure and the search for eternal life. The oldest surviving literary work in the world, The Epic of Gilgamesh details the journey of Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, and his companion Enkidu as they search for the secret to immortality . . . Dating back to the third millennium BC, this epic poem influenced religion as well as the tradition of heroic sagas like the Homeric epics. Some even regard Gilgamesh as the prototype for Hercules.Show book
This 1 hour, 3 actor, 3 scene comedy is meant to be enjoyed with friends around the dinner table after a good meal and plenty of libations. The premise: The two main characters, Albert and Larry, are 80 year-old twins who have been picking at each other all their lives. They share an apartment, have just purchased a new TV, and are having some difficulty getting it to work. Sounds simple, but things go downhill fast from there and eventually off the cliff when the landlord arrives. The play has a lot of quick back-and-forth dialog so it reads like a comedy routine. It can be performed sitting around the table if someone is reading the stage directions. Actual age of actors is not important. Minimum props required: TV remote, cell phone, two pieces of paper with Awww! and Clap! written on them, two foldout brochures of any kind to function as TV Quick Start Guide and headphone guide. The rest can be mimed. If your plan is to perform it onstage, go for it. You have my blessing as long as you credit the work. Posting a review with a pic of the production would be possibly hilarious, but definitely cool. Reviews: The Lansdowne Times might call Remotely Annoying the funniest thing since sliced bread, but nobody thinks sliced bread is funny and there is no Lansdowne Times. However, this play has been fully tested and approved by 8 brave souls who, shall they rest in peace, died laughing.Show book
John Davidson was born at Barrhead, East Renfrewshire on 11th April 1857. In 1862 his family moved to Greenock and there he began his education at Highlanders' Academy. Davidson would now spend many years at school and the beginnings of a career in various industries before gaining employment in various schools. By now literature was a large part of his activities and his first published work was ‘Bruce, A Chronicle Play’ in 1886. Four other plays quickly followed including the somewhat brilliant pantomimic ‘Scaramouch in Naxos’ (1889). With his reputation gradually providing an income he was also able to explore his true medium; Verse. ‘In a Music Hall and Other Poems’ (1891) together with ‘Fleet Street Eclogues’ (1893) were ample proof that he possessed a quite rare, genuine and distinctive poetic gift. Davidson now turned further and further towards verse. In 1894 he published his most popular volume, ‘Ballads and Songs’ (1894), and this was followed by a further ‘Fleet Street Eclogues’ (Second Series) (1896) and by ‘New Ballads’ (1897) and ‘The Last Ballad’ (1899). As the new century dawned Davidson was hard at work on a series of ‘Testaments’, in which he gave definite expression to his philosophy and were published over a seven year period; ‘The Testament of a Vivisector’ (1901), ‘The Testament of a Man Forbid’ (1901), ‘The Testament of an Empire Builder’ (1902), and ‘The Testament of John Davidson’ (1908). However, on 23rd March 1909, with his finances in ruins, the onset of cancer and profound hopelessness and clinical depression he left his house for the last time. His body was only found on September 18th by some local fishermen.Show book
Embark on a magical journey into the heart of Denmark with "Hamlet," adapted from the legendary William Shakespeare's masterpiece by Jeanette Vigon. This book breathes new life into the classic tale, making it accessible and captivating for young readers. Dive into a world where castles hold whispered secrets, jesters offer riddles that spark the imagination, and young Prince Hamlet confronts mysteries that will test his courage and reveal the essence of true friendship. Key Highlights:Simplified for Young Minds: Jeanette Vigon masterfully adapts Shakespeare's intricate language and complex themes into a format that's engaging and understandable for children.A World of Intrigue and Adventure: Explore the foggy kingdom of Denmark through the eyes of Prince Hamlet, reimagined for kids with ghostly encounters, playful jesters, and secret plots.Lessons in Courage and Integrity: Amidst the adventure, young readers will find valuable lessons about bravery, honesty, and staying true to oneself. Whether you're a parent seeking to introduce your child to the wonders of Shakespeare, or a young reader eager for a tale of mystery and adventure, "Hamlet" offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Join Hamlet, Horatio, and a memorable cast of characters in an unforgettable exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the quest for truth.Show book
Michael Drayton was born in 1563 at Hartshill, near Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. The facts of his early life remain unknown. Drayton first published, in 1590, a volume of spiritual poems; The Harmony of the Church. Ironically the Archbishop of Canterbury seized almost the entire edition and had it destroyed. In 1593 he published Idea: The Shepherd's Garland, 9 pastorals celebrating his own love-sorrows under the poetic name of Rowland. This was later expanded to a 64 sonnet cycle. With the publication of The Legend of Piers Gaveston, Matilda and Mortimeriados, later enlarged and re-published, in 1603, under the title of The Barons' Wars. His career began to gather interest and attention. In 1596, The Legend of Robert, Duke of Normandy, another historical poem was published, followed in 1597 by England's Heroical Epistles, a series of historical studies, in imitation of those of Ovid. Written in the heroic couplet, they contain some of his finest writing. Like other poets of his era, Drayton wrote for the theatre; but unlike Shakespeare, Jonson, or Samuel Daniel, he invested little of his art in the genre. Between 1597 and 1602, Drayton was a member of the stable of playwrights who worked for Philip Henslowe. Henslowe's Diary links Drayton's name with 23 plays from that period, and, for all but one unfinished work, in collaboration with others such as Thomas Dekker, Anthony Munday, and Henry Chettle. Only one play has survived; Part 1 of Sir John Oldcastle, which Drayton wrote with Munday, Robert Wilson, and Richard Hathwaye but little of Drayton can be seen in its pages. By this time, as a poet, Drayton was well received and admired at the Court of Elizabeth 1st. If he hoped to continue that admiration with the accession of James 1st he thought wrong. In 1603, he addressed a poem of compliment to James I, but it was ridiculed, and his services rudely rejected. In 1605 Drayton reprinted his most important works; the historical poems and the Idea. Also published was a fantastic satire called The Man in the Moon and, for the for the first time the famous Ballad of Agincourt. Since 1598 he had worked on Poly-Olbion, a work to celebrate all the points of topographical or antiquarian interest in Great Britain. Eighteen books in total, the first were published in 1614 and the last in 1622. In 1627 he published another of his miscellaneous volumes. In it Drayton printed The Battle of Agincourt (an historical poem but not to be confused with his ballad on the same subject), The Miseries of Queen Margaret, and the acclaimed Nimphidia, the Court of Faery, as well as several other important pieces. Drayton last published in 1630 with The Muses' Elizium. Michael Drayton died in London on December 23rd, 1631. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, in Poets' Corner. A monument was placed there with memorial lines attributed to Ben Jonson.Show book
Cynthia Manick’s poetry collection personifies love of self and culture through fresh observations and bitter truths voiced with breathtaking lyricism. No Sweet Without Brine is both a soulful and celebratory collection that summons sticky sweet memories with an acrid aftertaste of deep thought. Satisfying moments are captured in odes to Idris Elba’s dulcet tones on a meditation app and the satisfaction of half-priced Entenmann’s poundcake; in childlike observations of parental Black love, the coveted female form on Jet Magazine covers, and the desire for Zamunda to be a real place full of Black joy. The sour taps into an analysis of reclusiveness, silencing catcalls from men on the street, and detailed recipes and advice to the Black girls forced to endow themselves with armor against the world. Cynthia Manick’s latest is a playlist of everyday life, introverted thoughts, familial bonds, and social commentary. In piercing language, she traces the circle of life for a narrator who dares to exist between youthful remembrances and adulthood realities. Each poem in No Sweet Without Brine is a reminder that a hint of sorrow makes the celebration and recognition of the glory of Blackness in all ways, and through all people, that much sweeter. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.Show book
