
Words Like Arrows
A Collection of Yiddish Folk Sayings
University of Toronto Press
Published on 15. December 1984
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-4875-7231-0 (ISBN)
Description
'A word and an arrow are the same -- both deliver with speedy aim.' From this saying comes the title of this entertaining collection of lively and engaging adages, bons mots, maxims, and proverbs -- an attractive sampling of the accumulated wisdom of the past.
The timeless Yiddish sayings in this volume -- some 1800 of them -- paint a verbal picture of the long and varied experience Jewish life in Eastern Europe and later in immigrant North America. They reflect religious, moral, and political concerns as well as the daily struggle for survival. They range from statements of the obvious to profound commentaries on subjects as varied as arranging a marriage, bearing and raising children, education them, earning a living, growing old, and dying.
In her introduction Shirley Kumove provides a concise description of the Yidding language and its development, the historical and social context in which these folk sayings were created, and an explanation of folk sayings as a form of education as well as encapsulated philosophy.
More than 50 delightful illustrations by Frank Newfeld accompany the text which is presented in Hebrew letters, in transcription for those interested in the sound of Yiddish, and in English translation.
The timeless Yiddish sayings in this volume -- some 1800 of them -- paint a verbal picture of the long and varied experience Jewish life in Eastern Europe and later in immigrant North America. They reflect religious, moral, and political concerns as well as the daily struggle for survival. They range from statements of the obvious to profound commentaries on subjects as varied as arranging a marriage, bearing and raising children, education them, earning a living, growing old, and dying.
In her introduction Shirley Kumove provides a concise description of the Yidding language and its development, the historical and social context in which these folk sayings were created, and an explanation of folk sayings as a form of education as well as encapsulated philosophy.
More than 50 delightful illustrations by Frank Newfeld accompany the text which is presented in Hebrew letters, in transcription for those interested in the sound of Yiddish, and in English translation.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Toronto
Canada
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
408 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4875-7231-0 (9781487572310)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
FRANK NEWFELD is one of Canada's foremost book designers and illustrators, and the winner of a score of international awards for his work. Among the books he has illustrated is Bernard Suit's The Grasshopper: Games, Life, and Utopia.
SHIRLEY KUMOVE was born in Toronto. Her first language was Yiddish and her adult life has centred around teaching the language, performing in Yiddish plays, giving readings of Yiddish poetry and literature, translating Yiddish materials into English, and speaking across the country on Jewish subjects, especially Yiddish folklore.
SHIRLEY KUMOVE was born in Toronto. Her first language was Yiddish and her adult life has centred around teaching the language, performing in Yiddish plays, giving readings of Yiddish poetry and literature, translating Yiddish materials into English, and speaking across the country on Jewish subjects, especially Yiddish folklore.