David C Gross

Poets have been writing in Hebrew since Biblical times. One of the oldest tongues known to man, its rich simplicity has inspired poetry whose hallmarks are immediacy and passion. Although much of Hebrew poetry has traditionally focused on the religious and philosophical, the theme of love has remained vivid throughout the centuries of Jewish life. This beautifully illustrated book of more than ninety love lyrics translated from the Hebrew is a celebration of this enduring theme. Ranging from The Song of Songs to poetry from modern Israel, there are poems of praise and devotion, quiet reflection, joyous celebration, carefree humor, and sensuous beauty. Shraga Weil's delicate, evocative illustrations are the perfect complement to the works they accompany. Included are the works of King David, the Psalmist, King Solomon, author of The Song of Songs, Nobel Laureate S.Y. Agnon, as well as Yehuda Halevi, Chaim Nachman Bialik, Saul Tchernikhovsky, Rachel, Uri Zvi Greenburg, Moses Ibn-Ezra, Judah Al-Harizi, Natan Alterman, David Fogel, T. Carmi, Leah Goldberg, and others.