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Kalila and Dimna: Fables of Friendship and Betrayal
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
12 days and 19:10:09
100 copies available
U.S. only
•Kalila and Dimna• or •The Panchatantra• (also known in Europe since 1483 as •The Fables of Bidpai•) is a multi-layered, inter-connected and variable arrangement of animal stories, with one story leading into another, sometimes three or four deep. These arrangements have contributed to world literature for over 2000 years, migrating across ancient cultures in a multitude of written and oral formats. All our beast fables from Aesop and the Buddhist •Jataka Tales• through La Fontaine to Uncle Remus owe this strange, shape-shifting 'book' a huge debt.
In its original Arabic format, •Kalila and Dimna• (•The Panchatantra• being its Sanskrit precursor), ostensibly constitutes a handbook for rulers, a so-called 'Mirror for Princes' illustrating indirectly, through a cascade of teaching stories and verse, how to (and how not to!) run the kingdom of your life. In their slyly profound grasp of human nature at its best (and worst!) these animal fables, usually avoiding any moralistic human criticism, serve up digestible sage counsel for us all.
Based on his collation of scholarly translations from key Sanskrit, Syriac, Arabic and Persian texts, as well as the 1570 English rendition by Sir Thomas North, this is the first uncompromisingly modern re-telling in either the East or West for over 400 years. In Ramsay Wood's version the profound meanings behind these ancient fables shine forth as he captures a great world classic, making it fresh, relevant, fascinating and hugely readable.
His first volume of fables from •Kalila and Dimna• coves deceit, political skullduggery, murder, enemies, kings, dervishes, monkeys, lions, jackals, turtles, crows and how we all cooperate (or not!), live and die together in peace or conflict. This is a book full of outrageously behaved animals and humans doing the most delightfully awful (yet sometimes gentle) things to each other. These are joyous, sad, amusing and sometimes brutal stories; their function being to educate both king and commoner alike in the ways of the world, the harsh realities that can often lurk beneath the surface of our cozy, everyday subjectivity.
These charming and humorous stories about people and animals have found their way in one form or another into the folklore of every major culture and tradition. What links the fables is the core message about managing power, wise leadership and the value of true friendship.
In his re-writing of this world classic, Ramsay Wood deftly knits several oral story-telling traditions into captivating modern literary style. This version from all major ancient texts is the first new compendium in English since 1570. These beautifully illustrated tales will be treasured by young and old alike.
'Racy, funny, vigorous, contemporary.' DORIS LESSING
'Wood's superb stories should be set aside Italo Calvino's retelling of the folktales of Italy.' CARLOS FUENTES
'Stories as closely interfolded as the petals of a rose.' URSULA LE GUIN
In its original Arabic format, •Kalila and Dimna• (•The Panchatantra• being its Sanskrit precursor), ostensibly constitutes a handbook for rulers, a so-called 'Mirror for Princes' illustrating indirectly, through a cascade of teaching stories and verse, how to (and how not to!) run the kingdom of your life. In their slyly profound grasp of human nature at its best (and worst!) these animal fables, usually avoiding any moralistic human criticism, serve up digestible sage counsel for us all.
Based on his collation of scholarly translations from key Sanskrit, Syriac, Arabic and Persian texts, as well as the 1570 English rendition by Sir Thomas North, this is the first uncompromisingly modern re-telling in either the East or West for over 400 years. In Ramsay Wood's version the profound meanings behind these ancient fables shine forth as he captures a great world classic, making it fresh, relevant, fascinating and hugely readable.
His first volume of fables from •Kalila and Dimna• coves deceit, political skullduggery, murder, enemies, kings, dervishes, monkeys, lions, jackals, turtles, crows and how we all cooperate (or not!), live and die together in peace or conflict. This is a book full of outrageously behaved animals and humans doing the most delightfully awful (yet sometimes gentle) things to each other. These are joyous, sad, amusing and sometimes brutal stories; their function being to educate both king and commoner alike in the ways of the world, the harsh realities that can often lurk beneath the surface of our cozy, everyday subjectivity.
These charming and humorous stories about people and animals have found their way in one form or another into the folklore of every major culture and tradition. What links the fables is the core message about managing power, wise leadership and the value of true friendship.
In his re-writing of this world classic, Ramsay Wood deftly knits several oral story-telling traditions into captivating modern literary style. This version from all major ancient texts is the first new compendium in English since 1570. These beautifully illustrated tales will be treasured by young and old alike.
'Racy, funny, vigorous, contemporary.' DORIS LESSING
'Wood's superb stories should be set aside Italo Calvino's retelling of the folktales of Italy.' CARLOS FUENTES
'Stories as closely interfolded as the petals of a rose.' URSULA LE GUIN
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 300
About the author
Ramsay Wood
12 books263 followersLondon Lecture VIDEO
Extraordinary Voyages of the Panchatantra https://ramsaywood.com/media/
Ramsay Wood is the author of two sui generis modern novels which aim — with inter-connected frame-story narratives — to capture the ancient (pre-literate) oral story-listening drama of multicultural animal fables mimed and declaimed along the Silk Road since the time of the Buddha.
His two books blend The Jatakas Tales, The Panchatantra and the brief (fourth century BCE) role of Alexander the Great's Hellenization legacy in "bringing the Aesopian tradition to North India and Central Asia".
Wood's Kalila and Dimna Vol 1 — Fables of Friendship and Betrayal was first published by Knopf in 1980 as Selected Fables of Bidpai with an Introduction by Doris Lessing (subsequently the 2007 Nobel Laureate).
His Kalila and Dimna Vol 2 — Fables of Conflict and Intrigue was first published by Medina in 2011,
Paperback versions of both titles remain available in Spanish and French locally or via his website. In English and other languages they exist in Kindle or 2nd-hand editions.
******
A Cat May Look at a King & eight other stories too tell your cat was first published as a hardback in 1984 by East-West Publications.
An updated Zirac Press edition (subtitled & SEVEN other stories to tell your cat ) — including one NEW tale and four fresh illustrations — was published (paperback & Kindle) in August 2023.
Extraordinary Voyages of the Panchatantra https://ramsaywood.com/media/
Ramsay Wood is the author of two sui generis modern novels which aim — with inter-connected frame-story narratives — to capture the ancient (pre-literate) oral story-listening drama of multicultural animal fables mimed and declaimed along the Silk Road since the time of the Buddha.
His two books blend The Jatakas Tales, The Panchatantra and the brief (fourth century BCE) role of Alexander the Great's Hellenization legacy in "bringing the Aesopian tradition to North India and Central Asia".
Wood's Kalila and Dimna Vol 1 — Fables of Friendship and Betrayal was first published by Knopf in 1980 as Selected Fables of Bidpai with an Introduction by Doris Lessing (subsequently the 2007 Nobel Laureate).
His Kalila and Dimna Vol 2 — Fables of Conflict and Intrigue was first published by Medina in 2011,
Paperback versions of both titles remain available in Spanish and French locally or via his website. In English and other languages they exist in Kindle or 2nd-hand editions.
******
A Cat May Look at a King & eight other stories too tell your cat was first published as a hardback in 1984 by East-West Publications.
An updated Zirac Press edition (subtitled & SEVEN other stories to tell your cat ) — including one NEW tale and four fresh illustrations — was published (paperback & Kindle) in August 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 15, 2016
When translating a work whose origins are obscure and dissipated, the usual problem of preserving the tone and timbre of the original is much lessened. Ramsay Wood has taken advantage of this agreeable situation to render the ancient and beloved tales of Dr Bidpai (“Kalila and Dimna”) in a light, informal, contemporary style accessible to young and delightful to all readers.
Warnings are built into the stories to remind us not to take them too literally, and the morals are often quite obscure or obliquely rendered. This helps to overcome the difficulty that every situation has unique aspects & has to be tackled accordingly, so tales prescribing universal principles are of limited use (and everyone, especially the British, hates being told what to do) Here there is no necessity to read in search of wise guidance – you can simply enjoy the zany happenings and personalities.
An idiosyncracy of the tales is their chattiness. Dialogues drives the action and are full of demonstrative formalities. There is a sense of deep respect for the spoken word that is foreign to the present age of my faithless culture which has lost the art of conversation.
The book is sublimely presented with small quotes from diverse sources deliciously adorning the margins here and there, while the lovely drawings give the stories an appropriate sense of context. The beauty of the design, especially the fonts, reflects the sensibilities (rather than being recognizable as in-the-style-of) Arabic art, as might be expected from the publisher, the wonderful Al Saqi bookshop, which is close to one of my favourite cafes here in London...
Warnings are built into the stories to remind us not to take them too literally, and the morals are often quite obscure or obliquely rendered. This helps to overcome the difficulty that every situation has unique aspects & has to be tackled accordingly, so tales prescribing universal principles are of limited use (and everyone, especially the British, hates being told what to do) Here there is no necessity to read in search of wise guidance – you can simply enjoy the zany happenings and personalities.
An idiosyncracy of the tales is their chattiness. Dialogues drives the action and are full of demonstrative formalities. There is a sense of deep respect for the spoken word that is foreign to the present age of my faithless culture which has lost the art of conversation.
The book is sublimely presented with small quotes from diverse sources deliciously adorning the margins here and there, while the lovely drawings give the stories an appropriate sense of context. The beauty of the design, especially the fonts, reflects the sensibilities (rather than being recognizable as in-the-style-of) Arabic art, as might be expected from the publisher, the wonderful Al Saqi bookshop, which is close to one of my favourite cafes here in London...
April 3, 2016
Everyone is familiar with Aesop’s Fables or even Uncle Ramos. Yet, these tales aren’t the most famous and are actually based on already-existing fables: those of Bidpai. The Fables of Bidpai date back to 200 B.C. and are some of the most-translated stories known to man. Oddly, translations in English ceased in 1881. Ramsay Wood retells these fables for Western readers in, “Kalilia and Dimna: Selected Fables of Bidpai”.
The Fables of Bidpai have Eastern roots (many are formally recorded in Sanskirt) and focus on a variety of topics, offering lessons in proper living. Wood collects and retells tales centered on friendship, jealousy, betrayal, devotion, and the like in “Kalila and Dimna” streamlining the messages/lessons making it accessible for the reader. Wood’s prose is elegant and classy but also has a modern familiar tone (and jargon) adding to the ease of reading and heightening the pace.
“Kalila and Dimna” is told in a traditional Eastern way building a web of stories in which the main character (storyteller) Dr. Bidpai is telling the tale of “Kalila and Dimna” to King Dabschelim while Kalila and Dimna (brother jackals) tell stories within the story in which the characters also tell stories. It sounds like layers can become confusing to the reader but it is actually quite easy to keep track of.
The remarkable aspect of “Kalilia and Dimna” is its relevance to modern day even being conceived over a thousand years ago. Not to mention, the text will truly make the reader contemplate the manners and respect which has dwindled in human interactions over time. Not only are the fables in “Kalila and Dimna” entertaining and well-written; but they are also deep and educational making the text doubly worth reading. “Kalila and Dimna” simply possess a special spark which makes it stand out and can be compared to classic lit texts.
Also notable is how relatable and emotionally captivating all of the characters are (even those in stories within stories). The reader genuinely ‘feels’ for everyone mentioned in the text, investing in each plot. Therefore, “Kalila and Dimna” reads more like a short novella than simply separate fables.
The second section (“Zirac and Friends”) is not as poignant as the former section of the book and is especially noticeable in it weakness after a strong climax at the end of “Kalila and Dimna” (the first section). Despite this, the plot is still strong in its lesson and reads well.
The conclusion of the text is a cliff hanger in the realm of the reader wanting more tales but Bidpai mentioning that more stories are for another time after letting these current ones sink in. Wood therefore does well enticing the reader to read his second book of Bidpai’s fables.
Overall, “Kalila and Bidpai” is a very special book and collection of fables encompassing magic that simply can’t be described (no wonder it has been passed on for so many centuries). “Kalila and Dimna” is simply wonderful and recommended for young adult readers on up who enjoy fables with depth which are recanted like a short story.
The Fables of Bidpai have Eastern roots (many are formally recorded in Sanskirt) and focus on a variety of topics, offering lessons in proper living. Wood collects and retells tales centered on friendship, jealousy, betrayal, devotion, and the like in “Kalila and Dimna” streamlining the messages/lessons making it accessible for the reader. Wood’s prose is elegant and classy but also has a modern familiar tone (and jargon) adding to the ease of reading and heightening the pace.
“Kalila and Dimna” is told in a traditional Eastern way building a web of stories in which the main character (storyteller) Dr. Bidpai is telling the tale of “Kalila and Dimna” to King Dabschelim while Kalila and Dimna (brother jackals) tell stories within the story in which the characters also tell stories. It sounds like layers can become confusing to the reader but it is actually quite easy to keep track of.
The remarkable aspect of “Kalilia and Dimna” is its relevance to modern day even being conceived over a thousand years ago. Not to mention, the text will truly make the reader contemplate the manners and respect which has dwindled in human interactions over time. Not only are the fables in “Kalila and Dimna” entertaining and well-written; but they are also deep and educational making the text doubly worth reading. “Kalila and Dimna” simply possess a special spark which makes it stand out and can be compared to classic lit texts.
Also notable is how relatable and emotionally captivating all of the characters are (even those in stories within stories). The reader genuinely ‘feels’ for everyone mentioned in the text, investing in each plot. Therefore, “Kalila and Dimna” reads more like a short novella than simply separate fables.
The second section (“Zirac and Friends”) is not as poignant as the former section of the book and is especially noticeable in it weakness after a strong climax at the end of “Kalila and Dimna” (the first section). Despite this, the plot is still strong in its lesson and reads well.
The conclusion of the text is a cliff hanger in the realm of the reader wanting more tales but Bidpai mentioning that more stories are for another time after letting these current ones sink in. Wood therefore does well enticing the reader to read his second book of Bidpai’s fables.
Overall, “Kalila and Bidpai” is a very special book and collection of fables encompassing magic that simply can’t be described (no wonder it has been passed on for so many centuries). “Kalila and Dimna” is simply wonderful and recommended for young adult readers on up who enjoy fables with depth which are recanted like a short story.
December 9, 2017
These books feel so very startingly modern. But not in that jarring, what-is-the-translator-trying-here way, but in the sense of feeling connected to some fundamentals of humanity through millennia. Much less atomised than the Aesops Fables derivatives I was familiar with, these characters argue and roll their metaphorical eyes at each other, battling for perspective and some kind of way to live life, using story to understand experience, more than as simple metaphor.
The stories are very nested: testing modern memories, used to relying on written words, and now omnipresent internet, rather than the discipline of oral-based societal memory making. The nested nature is a wonderful commentary itself on the power of storytelling, drawing the reader in to a process as a new layer, adding to the various existing layers. For the characters in Kalila and Dimna the fourth wall is more of a window, they exist in a world where all experience is a story, that will be retold and examined as necessary by various audiences. An audience for this week, including an audience of children, will feel themselves to be part of this continuum, their own experiences worth examining and thinking about.
This was perhaps the most surprising aspect of the book for me, that it was less a series of lessons, and more an approach to an examined life. The characters solve dilemmas by listening to experiences and then debating, and applying, what that means for them. Kalila and Dimna themselves, for example, differ greatly in their conclusions from their own choices of stories and what they mean. We see the evil that comes from Dimna's approach, but also the self-gain, and the emotional peace, but perhaps naivety of Kalila's approach. The reader can make up their own mind about conclusions to much of this, but the process, of thinking it through, is the point.
Loved the translation, which clearly went for modern examples without being over the top or referencing pop culture, but also didn't heavily remind you that this was based in millenia ago or make an audience look up what a caravanserai was etc.. Obviously, not a scholarly edition, but one designed to transmit culture in a way that fits the popular audience for this.
Just one strong criticism of the edition: the choice to feature quotes relating to views of Kalila and Dimna, and the culture that produced it to start chapters needed some context. The fact that several of the quotes featured were racist, Islamaphobic or just stupid, may have relied on the audience's intelligence to reject, but was just distracting and mildly infuriating. I'm guessing the author's wanted to make a comment about our changing perceptions, but instead it just came across as trivialising the whole.
The stories are very nested: testing modern memories, used to relying on written words, and now omnipresent internet, rather than the discipline of oral-based societal memory making. The nested nature is a wonderful commentary itself on the power of storytelling, drawing the reader in to a process as a new layer, adding to the various existing layers. For the characters in Kalila and Dimna the fourth wall is more of a window, they exist in a world where all experience is a story, that will be retold and examined as necessary by various audiences. An audience for this week, including an audience of children, will feel themselves to be part of this continuum, their own experiences worth examining and thinking about.
This was perhaps the most surprising aspect of the book for me, that it was less a series of lessons, and more an approach to an examined life. The characters solve dilemmas by listening to experiences and then debating, and applying, what that means for them. Kalila and Dimna themselves, for example, differ greatly in their conclusions from their own choices of stories and what they mean. We see the evil that comes from Dimna's approach, but also the self-gain, and the emotional peace, but perhaps naivety of Kalila's approach. The reader can make up their own mind about conclusions to much of this, but the process, of thinking it through, is the point.
Loved the translation, which clearly went for modern examples without being over the top or referencing pop culture, but also didn't heavily remind you that this was based in millenia ago or make an audience look up what a caravanserai was etc.. Obviously, not a scholarly edition, but one designed to transmit culture in a way that fits the popular audience for this.
Just one strong criticism of the edition: the choice to feature quotes relating to views of Kalila and Dimna, and the culture that produced it to start chapters needed some context. The fact that several of the quotes featured were racist, Islamaphobic or just stupid, may have relied on the audience's intelligence to reject, but was just distracting and mildly infuriating. I'm guessing the author's wanted to make a comment about our changing perceptions, but instead it just came across as trivialising the whole.
January 3, 2016
I used to read Aesop's Fables again and again when I was a kid, but I didn't know that I still love fables now.
"Kalila and Dimna" has a lot of fables but it's not just an anthology. The characters are storytellers. This is one of my favorite points of this book.
All stories were entertaining and fun to read. When I was so busy that I didn't have enough time to read it, I was dying to pick up the book. I would make my younger brother read "Chitchat Turtle and the Geese" if he could understand English... Lol
"Kalila and Dimna" has a lot of fables but it's not just an anthology. The characters are storytellers. This is one of my favorite points of this book.
All stories were entertaining and fun to read. When I was so busy that I didn't have enough time to read it, I was dying to pick up the book. I would make my younger brother read "Chitchat Turtle and the Geese" if he could understand English... Lol
February 20, 2018
In the old-fashioned tradition of storytelling, Kalila and Dimna cloak sly morals in the trappings of children’s stories, with animals taking the place of their human counterparts. Aesop clearly based his fables on a lot of these stories (and one or two seem very familiar). While these tales do meander on, with some of the creatures stopping their own story to tell another, they always come back to the main point. Rich in local color and detail, their ethical lessons are easy to swallow and yet have valid points, even applicable to modern-day problems.
I found these stories deeply affecting and managed to finish them in a very short time. In spite of their nature, they don’t come off as puerile or mere stories for children. As the wise man stated to the king in the end, these stories are medicine and need to work a while on the listener. Thus, they work best over time and are worth coming back to whenever you find yourself in a difficult situation.
I found these stories deeply affecting and managed to finish them in a very short time. In spite of their nature, they don’t come off as puerile or mere stories for children. As the wise man stated to the king in the end, these stories are medicine and need to work a while on the listener. Thus, they work best over time and are worth coming back to whenever you find yourself in a difficult situation.
Currently reading
April 19, 2021I was very excited to get an arc of this book BUT didn’t realize it’s in German. Argh. I am so curious about this book that I may buy in English.
September 21, 2017
Kalila y Dimna fue traducida por primera vez del árabe al español en el siglo XIII por orden del rey Alfonso X el Sabio.
Estas fábulas protagonizadas por animales han inspirado a autores tan diversos como Esopo, Llull o Chaucer, por citar algunos, y sus valores siguen vigentes en el siglo XXI.
Los cuentos están narrados como la estructura de una muñeca rusa: un relato principal da lugar a otros muchos que los personajes se van contando entre sí.
Las fábulas nos dan grandes consejos muy útiles y también nos obligan a preguntarnos por qué actuamos de una u otra manera en determinadas situaciones. ¿Qué nos mueve realmente en la toma de decisiones?
Buena parte de los cuentos giran en torno a la amistad. No en vano, nada de lo que poseemos tiene valor sin una amigo como nos cuenta Zirac, el sabio ratón protagonista de uno de los ciclos de fábulas.
También tratan muchos otros temas como la envidia, la avaricia, la deslealtad, la venganza… Todos ellos narrados de una forma amena a través de personajes muy singulares como los chacales Kalila y Dimna, el mono Carayeso o el cocodrilo Dientestorcidos.
Kalila y Dimna y otras fábulas del Panchatantra reúne las revisiones de Ramsay Wood a un lenguaje moderno y ameno tanto de “Kalila y Dimna, fábulas selectas de Bidpai” como de “Kalila y Dimna, fábulas de conflicto e intriga”.
Una edición muy cuidada, con bonitas ilustraciones en blanco y negro y citas célebres que acompañan a cada cuento para viajar a lejanos rincones del mundo y apreciar no sólo las historias sino también el antiguo arte de la narración oral.
Un libro magnífico para disfrutar y leer en más de una ocasión. Kalila y Dimna, dos hermanos chacales, comienzan este ciclo de fábulas que nos sumergirán en un mundo mágico lleno de peligros amigos y decisiones que cambiarán, para bien o para mal, el destino de los protagonistas.
Reseña realizada en exclusiva para Anika Entre Libros.
Estas fábulas protagonizadas por animales han inspirado a autores tan diversos como Esopo, Llull o Chaucer, por citar algunos, y sus valores siguen vigentes en el siglo XXI.
Los cuentos están narrados como la estructura de una muñeca rusa: un relato principal da lugar a otros muchos que los personajes se van contando entre sí.
Las fábulas nos dan grandes consejos muy útiles y también nos obligan a preguntarnos por qué actuamos de una u otra manera en determinadas situaciones. ¿Qué nos mueve realmente en la toma de decisiones?
Buena parte de los cuentos giran en torno a la amistad. No en vano, nada de lo que poseemos tiene valor sin una amigo como nos cuenta Zirac, el sabio ratón protagonista de uno de los ciclos de fábulas.
También tratan muchos otros temas como la envidia, la avaricia, la deslealtad, la venganza… Todos ellos narrados de una forma amena a través de personajes muy singulares como los chacales Kalila y Dimna, el mono Carayeso o el cocodrilo Dientestorcidos.
Kalila y Dimna y otras fábulas del Panchatantra reúne las revisiones de Ramsay Wood a un lenguaje moderno y ameno tanto de “Kalila y Dimna, fábulas selectas de Bidpai” como de “Kalila y Dimna, fábulas de conflicto e intriga”.
Una edición muy cuidada, con bonitas ilustraciones en blanco y negro y citas célebres que acompañan a cada cuento para viajar a lejanos rincones del mundo y apreciar no sólo las historias sino también el antiguo arte de la narración oral.
Un libro magnífico para disfrutar y leer en más de una ocasión. Kalila y Dimna, dos hermanos chacales, comienzan este ciclo de fábulas que nos sumergirán en un mundo mágico lleno de peligros amigos y decisiones que cambiarán, para bien o para mal, el destino de los protagonistas.
Reseña realizada en exclusiva para Anika Entre Libros.
May 29, 2017
Prima de "Le mille e una notte", prima delle favole di Esopo e La Fontaine, c'erano le fiabe di Bidpai. Fiabe di tradizione orale le cui origini si perdono nel tempo, e la cui circolazione ha influenzato autori e testi oggi più famosi, come quelli citati, e di cui in passato son state fatte innumerevoli traduzioni.
Ma di che si tratta? Le storie sono a matrioska, come ne "Le mille e una notte": il dottor Bidpai, stanco della tirannia del re Dabschelim, si presenta a corte per aprirgli gli occhi, e, dopo qualche settimana in cella, finirà per raccontare al sovrano delle storie che illustrano i principi del buon governo. La prima storia è quella dei due fratelli sciacalli Kalila e Dimna, entrambi servitori alla corte del re leone. Dimna a un certo punto si farà prendere dall'ambizione, e il fratello cercherà di farlo tornare in sé raccontandogli a sua volta delle storie, le quali potrebbero a loro volta contenerne altre...
Storie brevi, dalla facile morale, antiche, ma sempre attuali, originali, ma anche famigliari, che trasmettono quel po' di saggezza di cui ogni tanto abbiamo bisogno.
Ma di che si tratta? Le storie sono a matrioska, come ne "Le mille e una notte": il dottor Bidpai, stanco della tirannia del re Dabschelim, si presenta a corte per aprirgli gli occhi, e, dopo qualche settimana in cella, finirà per raccontare al sovrano delle storie che illustrano i principi del buon governo. La prima storia è quella dei due fratelli sciacalli Kalila e Dimna, entrambi servitori alla corte del re leone. Dimna a un certo punto si farà prendere dall'ambizione, e il fratello cercherà di farlo tornare in sé raccontandogli a sua volta delle storie, le quali potrebbero a loro volta contenerne altre...
Storie brevi, dalla facile morale, antiche, ma sempre attuali, originali, ma anche famigliari, che trasmettono quel po' di saggezza di cui ogni tanto abbiamo bisogno.
December 12, 2014
I thought Kalila and Dimna was very well written and the fables were entertaining, yet rich in knowledge and abstract policy advising. However, the most fascinating feature of the book was in my opinion how the author narrates stories within stories. One fable takes you into another story, and sometimes that story takes you even deeper into another fable, until they are all told and the reader is drawn back into the original tale.
Wood's use of this very interesting literal tool keeps the reader in suspense throughout the book. I cannot wait to read volume 2.
Wood's use of this very interesting literal tool keeps the reader in suspense throughout the book. I cannot wait to read volume 2.
April 22, 2015
Kalila and Dimna is written in the great tradition of Arabians Nights and all the fables are well thought and give a great lesson about friendship and especially betrayal. This is a great book for middle school or high school and teaches kids what they can expect later in life so they will not get tricked by bad people. The illustrations are meaningful to the stories and I also liked the famous quotes at the edge of the page. Great book and a must read!
April 17, 2018
I've read the Arabic version a while ago, but I came across this version and decided to read the introduction by Dorris Lessing and compare the stories to the classic version I've read. The book is definitely fascinating in whatever version or language it is written!
May 21, 2023
Ramsay Wood has produced an excellent translation of these ancient fables. It's easy to read and engaging while still feeling true to the original. I first encountered them in my Arabic literature class in college. I look forward to reading more volumes of Wood's translation once I can find them!
February 1, 2017
I didn't know they were translating these stories!! I heard them from my grandmother when I was little
January 15, 2022
Except for the part that I am not really into books of this style, It is a very good book
March 13, 2024
Definitely the Best!!!
April 5, 2024
I am working to improve my Spanish, which is why I wanted this book. I am still reading it, but so far I am learning new vocabulary and really enjoying the stories.
April 24, 2015
I won this book a couple of months back in a giveaway contest held at goodreads.com and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The author wrote a personalized message in the book and also sent a beautiful card. Thanks to the author for both the beautiful card and a delightful message. However, before discussing the book, let us talk something about the Panchatantra.
Who does not know about the Panchatantra (five tantras or principles or techniques), a renowned collection of moral tales and stories? It is a rare piece of literature as it discusses complicated topics of philosophy, politics, psychology and human relationships in an uncomplicated manner. And, this is the reason; the beautiful animal fables of the Panchatantra have delighted not only children but also adults in a similar way for a long time. Additionally, the stories of the Panchatantra have been referred to as the best collection of stories. This is a fact, which can hardly be disapproved.
Another important feature of the Panchatantra is the presence of story within story or the overlapping stories. Got confused? Well! The Panchatantra has five major stories and each of these major stories contain sub-stories. These sub-stories again contain one or more overlapping stories and it seems that the stories will never end. Interesting, isn’t it? Read the book under review and you will actually come to know what I am trying to say. You will definitely enjoy reading these intersecting stories.
The antiquity of these tales has been debated at many times by different scholars in diverse academic journals. However, the ‘so called’ original Sanskrit work is believed to be composed by Pundit Vishnu Sharma around 200 BCE. It is clear, nevertheless, that Vishnu Sharma did not invent these stories. His work, on the other hand, is believed to be based on the oral traditions passed from one generation to the next ones through the words of mouth. So, when did actually such stories come into picture? The oldest evidence of such stories in India comes from one of the Harappan sites in Gujarat, which can be dated 4000 years back. This site has thrown light on two pot shards depicting two stories (The thirsty Crow and The Cunning Fox) in the tongue of animals. Do you remember The thirsty Crow or The Cunning Fox? I hope…you do remember!
The tales of Panchatantra gained popularity and at a later date got translated into many languages all over the world. A Persian Ibn al-Muqaffa translated the Panchatantra from Middle Persian to Arabic as Kalila and Dimna, which is considered as the first masterpiece of Arabic literature. And, this is this Arabic prose, which Ramsay Wood has tried to retell in a refreshing style. At the same time, he has not focused his retelling only on this Arabic book but tried to go back to the original tales of the Panchatantra.
The book under review begins with an introduction by Doris Lessing, who tells us about the ancient art of storytelling. This introduction is as fascinating to read as the book itself. In the old fashioned school of storytelling, Kalila and Dimna takes us back to our childhood when we used to love reading or hearing these animal fables. The incorporation of various illustrations enhances the quality of its reading. The author has researched well and tried to incorporate as much information as possible without making the book a complicated read. The language is easy to follow and the stories are fast paced. The characters in the book speak for themselves and become alive. The author has done full justice to the original tales of the Panchatantra and should be complimented for that.
I do not know whether the children of present world read such stories or not. If not then they should have given the opportunity to read these stories as these may play an important role in their overall development. The moral lessons given in these stories are easier to digest. These stories are still mesmerizing and the ethical values inherent in them still have relevancy. And, this is where the books like Kalila and Dimna become important.
Well! I enjoyed reading each and every page of this book and do hope that you will also enjoy reading it.
Read More On:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2015/0...
Who does not know about the Panchatantra (five tantras or principles or techniques), a renowned collection of moral tales and stories? It is a rare piece of literature as it discusses complicated topics of philosophy, politics, psychology and human relationships in an uncomplicated manner. And, this is the reason; the beautiful animal fables of the Panchatantra have delighted not only children but also adults in a similar way for a long time. Additionally, the stories of the Panchatantra have been referred to as the best collection of stories. This is a fact, which can hardly be disapproved.
Another important feature of the Panchatantra is the presence of story within story or the overlapping stories. Got confused? Well! The Panchatantra has five major stories and each of these major stories contain sub-stories. These sub-stories again contain one or more overlapping stories and it seems that the stories will never end. Interesting, isn’t it? Read the book under review and you will actually come to know what I am trying to say. You will definitely enjoy reading these intersecting stories.
The antiquity of these tales has been debated at many times by different scholars in diverse academic journals. However, the ‘so called’ original Sanskrit work is believed to be composed by Pundit Vishnu Sharma around 200 BCE. It is clear, nevertheless, that Vishnu Sharma did not invent these stories. His work, on the other hand, is believed to be based on the oral traditions passed from one generation to the next ones through the words of mouth. So, when did actually such stories come into picture? The oldest evidence of such stories in India comes from one of the Harappan sites in Gujarat, which can be dated 4000 years back. This site has thrown light on two pot shards depicting two stories (The thirsty Crow and The Cunning Fox) in the tongue of animals. Do you remember The thirsty Crow or The Cunning Fox? I hope…you do remember!
The tales of Panchatantra gained popularity and at a later date got translated into many languages all over the world. A Persian Ibn al-Muqaffa translated the Panchatantra from Middle Persian to Arabic as Kalila and Dimna, which is considered as the first masterpiece of Arabic literature. And, this is this Arabic prose, which Ramsay Wood has tried to retell in a refreshing style. At the same time, he has not focused his retelling only on this Arabic book but tried to go back to the original tales of the Panchatantra.
The book under review begins with an introduction by Doris Lessing, who tells us about the ancient art of storytelling. This introduction is as fascinating to read as the book itself. In the old fashioned school of storytelling, Kalila and Dimna takes us back to our childhood when we used to love reading or hearing these animal fables. The incorporation of various illustrations enhances the quality of its reading. The author has researched well and tried to incorporate as much information as possible without making the book a complicated read. The language is easy to follow and the stories are fast paced. The characters in the book speak for themselves and become alive. The author has done full justice to the original tales of the Panchatantra and should be complimented for that.
I do not know whether the children of present world read such stories or not. If not then they should have given the opportunity to read these stories as these may play an important role in their overall development. The moral lessons given in these stories are easier to digest. These stories are still mesmerizing and the ethical values inherent in them still have relevancy. And, this is where the books like Kalila and Dimna become important.
Well! I enjoyed reading each and every page of this book and do hope that you will also enjoy reading it.
Read More On:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2015/0...
May 10, 2021
Beautifully written! I treasure each story. The history of Kalila and Dimna is so interesting. I did not read Kalila and Dimna all in one sitting but rather read a little at a time. What a treasure to be able to read stories that were once orally told and now we have a perfect version to read. Thank you Ramsay Wood.
February 16, 2018
Not read many books of fables before so was not sure whether it would be for me - but I found that I really liked it. I liked the contemporary style and also the layered linking of stories within stories which then return to the main storyline. The modern, light touch approach to this updated presentation made it fun, and enjoyable to read. It has sparked an interest in me to read more fables -
and to reflect on them for their moralistic content and use them as a way of articulating the lessons to be learned when attempting to influence others/situations. Another reviewer advised against reading this book to children, but I see no problem with this, and think I will let my 7 year old grandson have a go at it.
I was pleased to receive this as a 'Giveaway' and I appreciated the autographed copy, especially with the delightful, personal message on a card inside - which also told me I had been the only person to win it out of 2,140 entrants!
I intend to read the second book.
and to reflect on them for their moralistic content and use them as a way of articulating the lessons to be learned when attempting to influence others/situations. Another reviewer advised against reading this book to children, but I see no problem with this, and think I will let my 7 year old grandson have a go at it.
I was pleased to receive this as a 'Giveaway' and I appreciated the autographed copy, especially with the delightful, personal message on a card inside - which also told me I had been the only person to win it out of 2,140 entrants!
I intend to read the second book.
September 6, 2018
These folk tales have a long pedigree dating back to the Sanskrit and may reflect the oral tradition long before that. Some of the tales are very short, others are much longer. There are two groups of tales, Kalila and Dimna, and Zirac and Friends, bound together by the first tale of King Dabshelim and Bidpai.
I can see a teacher or librarian using them by having students act out the tales or rewriting them in their own words.
Wood has succeeded in putting the tales into modern English and it certainly would appeal to children as the language is very colorful. Anyone with a sibling could relate to the two brothers, Kalila and Dimna.
On the negative side, the occasional profane word would cause its dismissal in some Southern schools, e.g. "good God."
There is no mention of the source of the illustrations but they certainly are fitting.
My favorite tales are those of Zirac and Friends.
I can see a teacher or librarian using them by having students act out the tales or rewriting them in their own words.
Wood has succeeded in putting the tales into modern English and it certainly would appeal to children as the language is very colorful. Anyone with a sibling could relate to the two brothers, Kalila and Dimna.
On the negative side, the occasional profane word would cause its dismissal in some Southern schools, e.g. "good God."
There is no mention of the source of the illustrations but they certainly are fitting.
My favorite tales are those of Zirac and Friends.
April 28, 2020
An adept modernization of ancient stories about
friendship. Delightfully colorful descriptive writing.
The animals in the story come to anthropomorphic
life yet retain their animal characteristics, wonderfully
detailed. I am going to give it four stars just to perhaps
add interest; sort of like someone withholding his
hall-of-fame vote for an obvious unanimous choice.
Let's just say that, here and there, within the stream
of brilliantly original 20th-century-izing of the language
and expression of these stories while still retaining a
sense of 'ancient fable', there is the occasional interjection
of slang that somehow sticks out and doesn't, to my taste,
flow with the rest of the text. This is a minor complaint.
I felt the work was exceptionally admirable as prose, and
a memorably valuable read in terms of substance as well.
friendship. Delightfully colorful descriptive writing.
The animals in the story come to anthropomorphic
life yet retain their animal characteristics, wonderfully
detailed. I am going to give it four stars just to perhaps
add interest; sort of like someone withholding his
hall-of-fame vote for an obvious unanimous choice.
Let's just say that, here and there, within the stream
of brilliantly original 20th-century-izing of the language
and expression of these stories while still retaining a
sense of 'ancient fable', there is the occasional interjection
of slang that somehow sticks out and doesn't, to my taste,
flow with the rest of the text. This is a minor complaint.
I felt the work was exceptionally admirable as prose, and
a memorably valuable read in terms of substance as well.
October 5, 2011
Annoying.
I think, to enjoy this, you must first be a lover of fables and morality tales, which I do not claim to be. I read this book because it was chosen for our Arabic themed book group, and I found it very difficult to get into. I was endlessly frustrated by the stories within stories structure, whereby, rather than ending a tale, the narrator begins another, and another, sometimes up to five times - before winding back down again.
I realise that this is a translation from the original Sanskrit and that it has historical and literary value. I'm not trying to denounce the book, merely to warn others with similar reading tastes to my own, that this may not be to their taste.
I think, to enjoy this, you must first be a lover of fables and morality tales, which I do not claim to be. I read this book because it was chosen for our Arabic themed book group, and I found it very difficult to get into. I was endlessly frustrated by the stories within stories structure, whereby, rather than ending a tale, the narrator begins another, and another, sometimes up to five times - before winding back down again.
I realise that this is a translation from the original Sanskrit and that it has historical and literary value. I'm not trying to denounce the book, merely to warn others with similar reading tastes to my own, that this may not be to their taste.
April 20, 2015
Won his book as part of the good read giveaways. The book itself is beautifully designed. The author wrote a personalised message to me and a little postcard which was a lovely touch.
The book itself was unlike anything I've ever read before. Ive never read a book of fables. This book is a book of fables each interconnected about animals and betrayal. It is very unique as not only is it told through many fables there is also a random quote on different pages and some illustrations too. Certainly a very different book to the usual kind of book I would read but still an interesting read all the same
The book itself was unlike anything I've ever read before. Ive never read a book of fables. This book is a book of fables each interconnected about animals and betrayal. It is very unique as not only is it told through many fables there is also a random quote on different pages and some illustrations too. Certainly a very different book to the usual kind of book I would read but still an interesting read all the same
November 21, 2017
These tales are told with a silver tongue.We hear many tales told and the morals are what we need sometimes more than anything else.This is the way people have learned all through the ages.Lullabys and stories pass on through generations so that hopefully we listen,process the knowledge and learn.Sometimes the hard way,but at least listen to the advice.Whether kings to peasant to animals, we are all the same when it comes to living as best we can.Told very nicely and the book had a great flow to it.
January 31, 2020
I discovered this book thanks to the Museum of Islamic Art Book Club. What a treat! I don't think I would have learned of it otherwise.
What an excellent presentation of fables. I wish I had known of this when my kids were little - I would much prefer to have read these stories to them.
I love the layer upon layer of storytelling. One story leads immediately to the next. It is also fun how a story can be interpreted with two conflicting morals. It reminds me of the Zen koan Perhaps.
A great read for all ages!
What an excellent presentation of fables. I wish I had known of this when my kids were little - I would much prefer to have read these stories to them.
I love the layer upon layer of storytelling. One story leads immediately to the next. It is also fun how a story can be interpreted with two conflicting morals. It reminds me of the Zen koan Perhaps.
A great read for all ages!
August 7, 2018
I obtained this book by winning a giveaway. If you liked the Arabian Nights stories, you might like this. There are some nice b/w illustrations, too. This is a story filled with stories within stories. Often, there are animals instead of people. And always, each story is to illustrate a point, especially as regards a certain King. These are NOT stories for children, nor are they in the style of 'fairy tales'. Perhaps closer to Aesops' fables. In any case, a good read.
February 5, 2017
This book contains tales within tales, involving people and animals. The stories are generally very simple and straightforward, but do highlight a myriad of patterns of deceit, envy, love, cooperation, and sometimes redemption. The stories are for the most part simple enough to be read to the young, but contain many lessons for the older. Definitely worth a re-read.
July 16, 2017
This book is absolutely delightful! A literary nesting doll was stories inside stories as much as 3 deep. The style took a little getting used to but it was really refreshing. It's a simple easy read but it is a well developed story with lots of depth and intelligence to it. I hope to get the rest of the series soon!
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May 2, 2011Ramsay Wood, il curatore di questa edizione del Kalila e Dimna, ce l'ha messa tutta per avvelenare il testo, ma la linfa che scorre fra le fibre di queste storie, nonostante tutto, resta viva e abbondante.
La prefazione di Doris Lessing non ha alcun significato.
La prefazione di Doris Lessing non ha alcun significato.
January 2, 2014
Cerita dalam cerita dalam cerita dalam cerita dalam cerita....
Struktur aneh dalam sastra klasik fabel Kalila dan Dimna.
Tapi ceritanya menarik, lucu, dan kadang 'buas'. Sebenarnya menceritakan diri kita sendiri sih
Struktur aneh dalam sastra klasik fabel Kalila dan Dimna.
Tapi ceritanya menarik, lucu, dan kadang 'buas'. Sebenarnya menceritakan diri kita sendiri sih
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews