Holy Week Sonnets [Hardcover]

Philip Rosenbaum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2004

A rarity in American letters, "Holy Week Sonnets" offers a cycle of sacred verse. Further, this new collection of 24 sonnets by Philip Rosenbaum evokes the last worldly experiences of Jesus Christ and those who knew him, as described in the New Testament. It is sublime reading for Lent, Holy Week and Easter.

The foreword, by the noted evangelist Joni Eareckson Tada, highlights the importance of this book for active Christians. She writes, "Poetry may demand our intellect, but these poems command our undivided heart. 'Holy Week Sonnets' speak to our innermost being, revealing the beauty and brilliance of our Savior in the most unexpected way."

"Holy Week Sonnets" describe such moments as Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, Martha’s devotion to Jesus, His Passion itself, and Thomas the doubter’s conviction. The book, deftly designed by the distinguished graphic designer Kathleen Sims, displays each poem on a right-hand page, with relevant Bible citations printed in red on the facing page. Complete Bible passages appear in an appendix. Hardbound in red and smaller than standard size, the lovely volume sits lightly in the hand and has a ribbon bookmark.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This elegant hardback collection... is a rare treat... These are beautiful poems to read aloud... that can bear repeated reading. -- Skyer Harrison Burris Website

About the Author

Working in the tradition of 17th century poets John Donne and Andrew Marvell, Rosenbaum admits his sonnets have been more than 20 years in the writing. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised by secular parents, he attended St. Albans School, and sang in the choir at the Washington National Cathedral. After graduating from Harvard with honors in English, he became a dedicated Christian in his middle twenties.

Rosenbaum was a counselor and director of a wilderness school for delinquent boys before he began writing—mostly prose—for publication. After an evangelical ministry in California, he returned to the east and now works as an art consultant. His previous books, both nonfiction works, are "How to Enjoy the Boring Parts of the Bible" and "The Promise." He lives in rural Virginia with his wife and five children

Product Details

• Hardcover: 105 pages
• Publisher: Posterity Pr Inc (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889274216
• ISBN-13: 978-1889274218
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,795,073 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Devotional Reading, February 17, 2005

By 

Skylar Hamilton Burris "Skylar" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holy Week Sonnets (Hardcover)

This elegant hardback collection of sonnets is a rare treat. Well-written formal poetry, complete with meter and rhyme, is like a swift breeze of invigorating air in a world that all too often scorns the riches of tradition. And these sonnets are indeed well-written: the alliteration, rhythm, and imagery work together to move the reader to reflection, as he or she embarks on a Holy Week journey from the costly anointing of Christ, through the crucifixion, to the resurrection. I could name many favorites in this volume, but I will content myself with a few. "A Single Stone" inspires empathy for the often overlooked Martha; "Good Friday, 1987" shows how intellectual confusion can be happily consumed by childlike faith; and "The Signature" reminds us of the beautifully brutal way Christ sealed His contract with us. These are beautiful poems to read aloud, and this is the kind of collection that can bear repeated reading each year during Lent. The poems are complemented by scripture references, which are printed in their entirety in the second half of the book, so that you may use the volume as a kind of devotional.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even non-poetry fans will enjoy, April 12, 2011

By 

C. Nolan "Carol" (Allentown, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Holy Week Sonnets (Hardcover)

I must confess I am not a fan of poetry and when I received this book as a gift I was not very excited about it. However, the poems were so well written and moving that I loved every page. The word pictures sprang off the page and into my heart. It has become a MUST read every Easter season. Highly recommended.