Title
The Four Hundred Songs of War and Wisdom,Used
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Two prominent translators present the first complete Englishlanguage edition of one of India's greatest works of classical literature: the Purananuru. This anthology of four hundred poems by more than 150 poets between the first and third centuries CE in old Tamilthe literary language of ancient Tamilnaduwas composed before Aryan influence had penetrated the south. It is thus a unique testament to preAryan India.Beyond its importance for understanding the development of South Asia's history, culture, religion, and linguistics, the Purananuru is a great work of literature, reflecting accurately and profoundly the life of southern India 2,000 years ago. One of the few works of classical India that confronts life without the insulation of a philosophical facade and that makes no basic assumptions about karma and the afterlife, the Purananuru has universal appeal. It faces the world as a great and unsolved mystery, delving into living and dying, despair, love, poverty, and the changing nature of existence.To this hidden gem of world literature George L. Hart and Hank Heifetz add a helpful appendix, an annotated bibliography, and an excellent introduction describing the work and placing it in its social and historical context.
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- Q: What is 'The Four Hundred Songs of War and Wisdom' about? A: This book is the first complete English-language edition of the Purananuru, an anthology of four hundred poems from over 150 poets in ancient Tamil literature, reflecting the social and historical context of southern India from the first to third centuries CE.
- Q: Who are the authors of this edition? A: The book is translated by George L. Hart and Hank Heifetz, who provide insightful commentary and context for the poems.
- Q: What is the significance of the Purananuru? A: The Purananuru is a vital work for understanding pre-Aryan India, offering insights into the culture, religion, and linguistic development of South Asia, as well as universal themes of life and existence.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains 436 pages, providing a comprehensive collection of poems and contextual information.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition features a paperback binding, making it lightweight and portable for readers.
- Q: When was this edition published? A: This revised edition was published on August 15, 2002.
- Q: Is there any additional content in this book? A: Yes, the edition includes a helpful appendix, an annotated bibliography, and an introduction that places the work within its social and historical context.
- Q: What kind of themes can readers expect to find in the poems? A: Readers can expect themes exploring life, death, love, despair, and the complexities of existence, all presented without the philosophical facade typical of later works.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers unfamiliar with Tamil literature? A: Yes, the translation and accompanying commentary make it accessible for those new to Tamil literature while still providing depth for seasoned readers.
- Q: Does this book have any illustrations or images? A: This edition does not focus on illustrations; it primarily features the text of the poems along with scholarly commentary.