Originally published more than forty years ago; this important collection brings together the works and writings of the revolutionary minds behind the Protestant Reformation—and it remains a major resource for teachers; students; and history buffs alike. Over the decades; however; modern scholarship has shed new light on this tumultuous period; raising probing questions and providing new connections that have radically changed our understanding and outlook.With this newly revised and updated edition of this essential work—now including texts written by women as well as entries dealing with popular religion—modern viewpoints are cogently addressed; while the scholarly integrity that has made this book a revered classic has been scrupulously maintained. Throughout; Hans J. Hillerbrand's basic assumption remains consistent: religion—no matter how dependent on societal forces—must be seen as the pivotal element in the story of the sixteenth century.
#254261 in Books Michael Wex 2006-08-15 2006-08-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .76 x 5.31l; .56 #File Name: 0061132179303 pagesBorn to Kvetch Yiddish Language and Culture in All Its Moods
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Beautifully written with a lot of often sarcastic humorBy CustomerThis is an extremely interesting book focusing on deep cultural aspects of Central European Jewish culture that are reflected in the structure and idioms of Yiddish. It is organized in chapters corresponding to various aspects and stages of Jewish life (birth; marriage; money; sex; death etc.)Examples of sayings and expressions are given in (transcribed) Yiddish; translated into English and thoroughly discussed. It is accessible to a reader not knowing Yiddish but it should be interesting to fluent speakers as well; because of the links between culture and language. A real treat for anybody interested in the relations between the two. Beautifully written with a lot of often sarcastic humor.68 of 70 people found the following review helpful. Hits the nail on the headBy moose_of_many_watersEnglish books on Yiddish generally fall into two categories: the oh isn't it a cute colorful language angle; the scholarly tome that sucks the life out of the language.Mr. Wex has done Yiddish a great service and has written a book that avoids both of these pitfalls. Beneath the humor - and this is a very funny; well written book - is a very serious examination of Yiddish as a language inextricably tied to its religion. Very few people could have written a book as insightful as this one and still made it entertaining. Mr. Wex has the background - a Yeshiva bocher turned secularist - and mindset to carry it off with aplomb.Some people might complain that the examination of Yiddish language and culture in this book is too harsh and well... kvetchadik. But there is pride for a language and culture long gone throughout this book. More than any book on Yiddish that I've read; this one rings true. The description of the culture of Chasidic education of children is particularly unflinching and mordantly accurate. Footnotes would help this book a great deal. But this is a fine achievement. Now if only they wouldn't have put someone else's photo next to the NY Times review. ;)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Absolutely the best book available on the "spirit" of YiddishBy Eileen E. FreemanI was first attracted to this book by a review that mentioned Wex's comments on a Jewish prayer that is used to thanks after going to the bathroom! I had no idea there was such a thing. Why should I; a Christian/Buddhist nun? But I have always been attracted to Judaism; particularly its ethical stance; and I love the Yiddish language. So I bought it. I learned right away that this book is no funny book of Yiddish phrases. It's a seriocomic description of the origins of Yiddish and how it has always mirrored the Jewish cultural and religious identity. The bathroom prayer; for example: it acknowleges G-d the almighty and gives thanks for all of the "orifices" that G-d gave the human body; the necessity of having them; and gratitude that this time they worked fine. Wex pusues this until he comes to the conclusion that even a prayer for a successful "pee" recapitulates creation itself; and serves to strengthen Jewish identity. I did wonder if this was a thing of the past; and then one day I was schmoozing with my Jewish rheumatologist and asked him if he knew of the prayer. Without batting an eye; he said that he used it every time he went to the "little room."If you think that's all there is; wait till you get to the chapter about swinging live chickens with diapers over your head!
