{"product_id":"9781845490300","title":"The First Testament","description":"2005 marks the centenary anniversary of the birth in Prague of Vladimir Holan (1905-1980). He was one of the great poets of his time, yet is almost unknown to the English-speaking literary world. In the darkest part of the history of his country, he created such graphic poetry, with expressions and imagery so deep and rich, that the two apocalyptic poems in this book seem to be a precursor to the angst of the whole world today, as it struggles with the turmoil of terrorism and aggression.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNever before published in English, the very title of this book \u003cbr\u003emust surely intrigue prospective readers. Does it imply a SECOND \u003cbr\u003etestament, or is Holan appealing to our individual spirituality?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is preceded by a short, almost nightmarish poem, with rather dismal\u003cbr\u003eovertones.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough both works are rich with graphic imagery, portraying a dark period\u003cbr\u003ein Prague's history, we catch glimpses of Holan's irrepressible humour,\u003cbr\u003eoptimism and love of life.  ","brand":"Arima Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47063941316848,"sku":"9781845490300","price":27.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781845490300_p0.jpg?v=1763745079","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781845490300","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}