Perseus in the Wind (The Century Travellers): Stark, Freya: 9780712603638: Amazon.com: Books (original) (raw)
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Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
Freya Stark is one of my favorite writers, not only for her depth of thought, but also for her elegant prose. Reading her is a real treat. She teaches one new things about the world and inspires one through her insight, while simultaneously uplifting one through the beauty of her writing. And of all her many marvelous books this one is now my favorite. One can dip into it anywhere to find glorious prose that will stimulate one's mind while uplifting one's heart.
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
I love this rich beautiful tapestry of a book. I don't know how I lived this long without reading Freya Stark's work.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2014
Genius writer and traveller, wonderful book. In the early-mid 1900s, Freya Stark ventured where others didn't dare, most especially women. I also read her biography (great) and will continue to read other works. Her glittering perceptions, her original thoughts, well I certainly don't have the words to do her justice.
11 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2013
Freya traveled some interesting places and wrote about them as well or better than anyone. The best kind of history lessons.
2 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2013
This is a philosophy book. It conveys Ms. Stark's aesthetic and views of life. She has an amazingly lyrical style that evokes nuances with a clarity I've not encountered elsewhere. Her descriptions are layered in an Asian-esque manner and offer a view similar to mirroring mirrors.
As with most art, it depends on your aesthetic; your mileage may vary. You may want to peruse some of my other reviews to see what trips my trigger; but Ms. Stark is (now) among them. I've purchased several copies....one for myself, the other's as gifts.
4 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2006
Although more famous because of her extensive travels in Arabia, the British writer Freya Stark must not be overlooked for this wonderfully exquisite collection of essays.
"Perseus in the Wind" is organized by devoting an essay to a single Platonic Form such as Love, Beauty, Death, Sorrow, and Memory: those primary ideas which serve as a backdrop to modern-day Jungian archetypical motivations. Do not be intimidated by the subject matter breaching on philosophical technicalities, hoever. Stark's prose is fluid, rich, and emotional and she is comparable to the great American novelist Edith Wharton in her skills with diction.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good writing and finds themselves contemplating the more sublime aspects of human consciousness.
10 people found this helpful
Top reviews from other countries
5.0 out of 5 stars arrivato nei tempi previsti ottimo articolo
Reviewed in Italy on January 15, 2023
Consiglierei un imballo più resistente perché chi consegna non presta molte attenzioni (almeno dalle mie parti).......a me lo hanno infilato a forza nella cassetta della posta☹️ Il venditore ha fatto tutto bene ed il libro è veramente tenuto egregiamente. Acquisterò di nuovo.
5.0 out of 5 stars Freya Stark's books instruct and delight.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2017
Without exception, Freya Stark's books instruct and delight.
2.0 out of 5 stars Anachronistic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2024
I admire Freya Stark and enjoy her exploits however, this book contains largely anachronistic twadle. A great many words, jumbled in overly flowery ramblings, to say something which is neither thought provoking or insightful.