I just finished my third translation/reading of Bulgakov's Master & Margarita, which equals the number of times I started it and put it down. The novels smolders and then ignites into a wild ride toward a mind-blowing conclusion.
I was thinking about adding Master and Margarita to the list. I will have to find a good English translation of the book since my first/second language is Russian. I find it difficult to read books in translation when I can speak the language of the original. :) What translation did you read? Was it good?
I read the Aplin translation, followed by the Burgin/O'Connor translation, then listened to the Naxos audiobook of the Karpelson translation (I think the only one available on audio). For what it's worth, I enjoyed all three. This might help:
I cannot even imagine how breathtaking it must have been to stand in front of Enigma! The sphinx like creature holding an angel in their hands while being surrounded by the horrors of war is just an unforgettable scene.
A great suggestion I will have to dip into it a little bit before launching read-along around it :) Are there editions you would recommend? Maybe there are ones with notes that explain certain scenes?
Hundreds of editions but all the same. Lots of internet stuff too. In my first newsletter there are hints on Reading Moby Dick. From the New Bedford Whaling Museum. It has strong ties with both Melville and Moby!!
I would welcome the chance to delve deeply into any number of books, so I look forward to seeing your itinerary. I'm currently trying to give myself a broad enough background to appreciate such a deep dive, and that means reading and reflecting on a great number of books in my own decade project. I'm glad I come across your substack.
Thank you so much for your warm words Robert and I am so glad to meet you here on Substack! You can find my itinerary below, please let me know if you have any suggestions.
If you're still on the search for more to add to your list, the appendices of How to Read a Book have a loooong list of books to read. Personally, I'm planning to use that list for my future. It has dozens upon dozens of titles.
I have got that book! I have to confess I consulted it when I made my itinerary which you can find below. Thank you so much for your suggestion. I actually made a short review of that book on my YouTube channel if you are interested.
Dear Vashik, you gave me a huge gift, I watched "Kazandzakis", words are poor to express my impression and feelings. I haven't read his Report to El Greco, but will definitely read it. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Ani! Yes, his Report to El Greco is also on my reading list. I am so happy that you enjoyed the film, it is one of the most spiritual films that I have seen this year. There are also so many echoes between the fate of Greeks and Armenians, the parallels are uncanny. I was thinking to include his Christ Recrucified on my reading list.
Such an interesting project you have. It's inspiring. And Goethe's quote is amazing too. I'm now reading Tolstoi's War and Peace. And reading your post makes me wanna slow down and enjoy the reading even more.
Tolstoy was an absolute genius. His essays had a profound influence on me. Especially his 'Life', 'What is Art?' and his series of short stories 'The Letters of a Madman'
Thank you so much Simon! You are a big inspiration. What you create with Hilary Mantel's series and with Tolstoy's War & Peace is amazing. It is exactly what makes internet great. :)
I commend you on such a lofty, and fulfilling, goal! I personally have some of his works on me. He has been a guiding force in my quest for purpose. I look forward to reading more about your future endeavors. IHSV
I just finished my third translation/reading of Bulgakov's Master & Margarita, which equals the number of times I started it and put it down. The novels smolders and then ignites into a wild ride toward a mind-blowing conclusion.
I was thinking about adding Master and Margarita to the list. I will have to find a good English translation of the book since my first/second language is Russian. I find it difficult to read books in translation when I can speak the language of the original. :) What translation did you read? Was it good?
I read the Aplin translation, followed by the Burgin/O'Connor translation, then listened to the Naxos audiobook of the Karpelson translation (I think the only one available on audio). For what it's worth, I enjoyed all three. This might help:
https://welovetranslations.com/2022/10/31/whats-the-best-translation-of-the-master-and-margarita/
This post has really inspired me to think about reading more long term. Thank you. By the way: I went to a Doré exhibition at the d'Orsay, a brilliant virtuoso underrated outside of France. His "Enigma" nearly floored me, I can't forget it
I cannot even imagine how breathtaking it must have been to stand in front of Enigma! The sphinx like creature holding an angel in their hands while being surrounded by the horrors of war is just an unforgettable scene.
During my uni years I visited Strasbourg - Doré's native city - about two dozen times. I was 18 back then and had no clue about Doré's genius. One of the thing I wish I could correct if I had a time machine!
Thank you so much for your kind words about the article! :)
Moby Dick. Every line an adventure
A great suggestion I will have to dip into it a little bit before launching read-along around it :) Are there editions you would recommend? Maybe there are ones with notes that explain certain scenes?
Hundreds of editions but all the same. Lots of internet stuff too. In my first newsletter there are hints on Reading Moby Dick. From the New Bedford Whaling Museum. It has strong ties with both Melville and Moby!!
I would welcome the chance to delve deeply into any number of books, so I look forward to seeing your itinerary. I'm currently trying to give myself a broad enough background to appreciate such a deep dive, and that means reading and reflecting on a great number of books in my own decade project. I'm glad I come across your substack.
Thank you so much for your warm words Robert and I am so glad to meet you here on Substack! You can find my itinerary below, please let me know if you have any suggestions.
https://armenikus.substack.com/p/great-books-only-my-reading-list
If you're still on the search for more to add to your list, the appendices of How to Read a Book have a loooong list of books to read. Personally, I'm planning to use that list for my future. It has dozens upon dozens of titles.
I have got that book! I have to confess I consulted it when I made my itinerary which you can find below. Thank you so much for your suggestion. I actually made a short review of that book on my YouTube channel if you are interested.
https://youtu.be/U4MKjsD1IrU?si=cj5NdbGulAJjtSuI
https://armenikus.substack.com/p/great-books-only-my-reading-list
Dear Vashik, you gave me a huge gift, I watched "Kazandzakis", words are poor to express my impression and feelings. I haven't read his Report to El Greco, but will definitely read it. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Ani! Yes, his Report to El Greco is also on my reading list. I am so happy that you enjoyed the film, it is one of the most spiritual films that I have seen this year. There are also so many echoes between the fate of Greeks and Armenians, the parallels are uncanny. I was thinking to include his Christ Recrucified on my reading list.
Maybe you'll find Cortázar's Hopscotch interesting.
I have heard of Cortazar but not of Hopscotch! I just searched for it and it sounds very interesting! Thank you so much for your suggestion!
I will definitely join, dear Vashik, looking forward to your book list!
Dear Vashik, your enthusiasm is infectious, and I am truly grateful for that. I'm infected :)
Thank you so much Ani jan! :) I am hoping you will join my read-along next year :)
Such an interesting project you have. It's inspiring. And Goethe's quote is amazing too. I'm now reading Tolstoi's War and Peace. And reading your post makes me wanna slow down and enjoy the reading even more.
Tolstoy was an absolute genius. His essays had a profound influence on me. Especially his 'Life', 'What is Art?' and his series of short stories 'The Letters of a Madman'
Doing this for myself. Thank you for this!!! Looking forward to reading your list.
Thank you Sayani! I am hoping you will join one of my read-alongs in the future! :)
Count me in. One great book every year is such a good idea. Will you take a vote from your readers?
I will gladly join this adventure. Sounds fun and enhancing.
Thank you John! What are some of your favourite books that you would like to re-read? :)
And I love these images – I will have to explore more of his work!
This sounds like a fabulous project! I'll make sure to add your readalongs to the directory, and I'll enjoy seeing it unfold.
https://footnotesandtangents.substack.com/p/substack-book-group-directory
Thank you so much Simon! You are a big inspiration. What you create with Hilary Mantel's series and with Tolstoy's War & Peace is amazing. It is exactly what makes internet great. :)
The "best book ever written," Robert Burton's The Anatomy of Melancholy, a Renaissance masterpiece on depression.
I commend you on such a lofty, and fulfilling, goal! I personally have some of his works on me. He has been a guiding force in my quest for purpose. I look forward to reading more about your future endeavors. IHSV