Customer Reviews

In Praise of Krishna: Songs from the Bengali

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Another reviewer referred to the author as "Edward Dimock, the consummate scholar of Bengali studies". Nothing could be more true. I bought this book 35 years ago when I was a student at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. It was stolen from me back in '73, but I never forgot it. I am so glad that I was able to get it again from Amazon while it is still in print. This book gives the essence of Jayadeva, Vidyapati, Chandidas, Mirabai, et al. If you think that a small paperback lacks intellectual depth, then you are mistaken: this is truly a wonderful book.

The first two paragraphs of the introduction to this book, alone, succinctly summarizes the essence of the theologically-rich devotional cult of Krishna in Bengal.

The reviews say it all. This is a very fortuitous partnership of scholar and poet! The songs come alive in their hands. Makes me want to sing them.

That Edward Dimock, the consummate scholar of Bengali studies, and Denise Levertov, the consummate modern poet, would collaborate together is a match made in heaven. The book is a gem. Give it to someone you love, yet better still, read it to him or her.

Or savor it alone in quiet still moments so delicious that only spiritual erotic love poems, perfectly and sensually rendered, could dare express their rare flavor. That flavor, rasa, is the taste of love, served up authentically and exquisitely, but alas, in far too small a portion.

Nonetheless don't hesitate. Bite