The essayist and cultural commentator Ilan Stavans and the analytic philosopher Jorge J. E. Gracia share long-standing interests in the intersection of art and ideas. Here they take thirteen pieces of Latino art; each reproduced in color; as occasions for thematic discussions. Whether the work at the center of a particular conversation is a triptych created by the brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre; Andres Serranos controversial Piss Christ; a mural by the graffiti artist BEAR_TCK; or Above All Things; a photograph by Mariacute;a Magdalena Campos-Pons; Stavans and Gracias exchanges inevitably open out to literature; history; ethics; politics; religion; and visual culture more broadly. Autobiographical details pepper Stavans and Gracias conversations; as one or the other tells what he finds meaningful in a given work. Sparkling with insight; their exchanges allow the reader to eavesdrop on two celebrated intellectualsmdash;worldly; erudite; and unafraid to disagreemdash;as they reflect on the pleasures of seeing.
2009-11-18 2014-05-25File Name: B00KJNI8Q6
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An edgy play about hereditary disease and an over protective motherBy Chiek"As snug as a yolk in an egg" meaning "being comfortable in a house" is an example of beautiful expressions used by the venerable and brilliant playwright Henrik Ibsen. Ghosts was highly controversial during Ibsens time because of the disturbing themes in this edgy play. Themes like cohabitation; although common as garden variety vegetables today in Norway; challenged the social mores of Norway 150 years ago. Even the then Norwegian king found the play distasteful. The central figure in the play was the poor long suffering Mrs Alvin. Both her late husband and her son were afflicted with the "Benjamin Buttons" disease with her sons condition surfacing only when he turned 16; devastating the poor mother. Despite Mrs Alvins extensive combative measures to shield her son from her husbands sins; we once again witness that man is never master of his destiny. Like hereditary diseases; the sins of the fathers will be felt by the children and their children.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. What? Sexual secrets in families??By doctormamaIm a big fan of Ibsens prescience in writing about issues that are still very current. "Ghosts" is one that explores the sexual secrets in families. The play was considered scandalous in the early 1880s when it first appeared; and the subject matter is scandalous still today.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy FilmGalOne of Ibsens most shocking plays.
