Ecstatic Encounters

by Mattijs van de Port
Ecstatic Encounters
Author: Mattijs van de Port
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
Total Pages: 318
Release: 2011
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9089642986
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"Reality does not comply with our narrations of it. And that is most certainly the case with the narrations produced in academia. An anthropologist in Bahia, Brazil, fears to become possessed by the spirits he had come to study; falls madly in love withan 'informant'; finds himself baffled by the sayings of a clairvoyant; and has to come to grips with the murder of one of his best friends. Unsettling events that do not belong to the orderly world of scientific research, yet leave their imprint on the way the anthropologist comes to understand the world. REflecting on his long research experience with the spirit possession cult Candomblâe, the author shows, in a probing manner, how definitions of reality always require the exclusion of certain perceptions, experiences and insights. And yet, this 'rest-of-what-is' turns out to be an inexhaustible source of amazement, seduction and renewal." --P [4] of cover.

Encountering Water in Early Modern Europe and Beyond

by Lindsay Starkey
Encountering Water in Early Modern Europe and Beyond
Author: Lindsay Starkey
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2020
Genre: Bible
ISBN: 9789462988736
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Both the Christian Bible and Aristotle's works suggest that water should entirely flood the earth. Though many ancient, medieval, and early modern Europeans relied on these works to understand and explore the relationships between water and earth, particularly sixteenth-century Europeans were especially concerned with why dry land existed. This book investigates why sixteenth-century Europeans were so interested in water's failure to submerge the earth when their predecessors had not been. Analyzing biblical commentaries as well as natural philosophical, geographical, and cosmographical texts from these periods, Lindsay Starkey shows that European sea voyages to the Southern Hemisphere combined with the traditional methods of European scholarship and religious reformations led sixteenth-century Europeans to reinterpret water and earth's ontological and spatial relationships. The manner in which they did so also sheds light on how we can respond to our current water crisis before it is too late.

Amsterdam

by Russell Shorto
Amsterdam
Author: Russell Shorto
Publisher: Vintage
Total Pages: 378
Release: 2013-10-22
Genre: History
ISBN: 0385534582
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An endlessly entertaining portrait of the city of Amsterdam and the ideas that make it unique, by the author of the acclaimed Island at the Center of the World Tourists know Amsterdam as a picturesque city of low-slung brick houses lining tidy canals; student travelers know it for its legal brothels and hash bars; art lovers know it for Rembrandt's glorious portraits. But the deeper history of Amsterdam, what makes it one of the most fascinating places on earth, is bound up in its unique geography-the constant battle of its citizens to keep the sea at bay and the democratic philosophy that this enduring struggle fostered. Amsterdam is the font of liberalism, in both its senses. Tolerance for free thinking and free love make it a place where, in the words of one of its mayors, "craziness is a value." But the city also fostered the deeper meaning of liberalism, one that profoundly influenced America: political and economic freedom. Amsterdam was home not only to religious dissidents and radical thinkers but to the world's first great global corporation. In this effortlessly erudite account, Russell Shorto traces the idiosyncratic evolution of Amsterdam, showing how such disparate elements as herring anatomy, naked Anabaptists parading through the streets, and an intimate gathering in a sixteenth-century wine-tasting room had a profound effect on Dutch-and world-history. Weaving in his own experiences of his adopted home, Shorto provides an ever-surprising, intellectually engaging story of Amsterdam.

The Moving Statues of Seventeenth-Century Amsterdam

by Angela Vanhaelen
The Moving Statues of Seventeenth-Century Amsterdam
Author: Angela Vanhaelen
Publisher: Penn State Press
Total Pages: 237
Release: 2022-08-05
Genre: Art
ISBN: 0271091916
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This book opens a window onto a fascinating and understudied aspect of the visual, material, intellectual, and cultural history of seventeenth-century Amsterdam: the role played by its inns and taverns, specifically the doolhoven. Doolhoven were a type of labyrinth unique to early modern Amsterdam. Offering guest lodgings, these licensed public houses also housed remarkable displays of artwork in their gardens and galleries. The main attractions were inventive displays of moving mechanical figures (automata) and a famed set of waxwork portraits of the rulers of Protestant Europe. Publicized as the most innovative artworks on display in Amsterdam, the doolhoven exhibits presented the mercantile city as a global center of artistic and technological advancement. This evocative tour through the doolhoven pub gardens—where drinking, entertainment, and the acquisition of knowledge mingled in encounters with lively displays of animated artifacts—shows that the exhibits had a forceful and transformative impact on visitors, one that moved them toward Protestant reform. Deeply researched and decidedly original, The Moving Statues of Seventeenth-Century Amsterdam uncovers a wealth of information about these nearly forgotten public pleasure parks, situating them within popular culture, religious controversies, global trade relations, and intellectual debates of the seventeenth century. It will appeal in particular to scholars in art history and early modern studies.

Amsterdam's People of the Book

by Benjamin E. Fisher
Amsterdam's People of the Book
Author: Benjamin E. Fisher
Publisher: Hebrew Union College Press
Total Pages: 331
Release: 2020-03-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 0878201890
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The Spanish and Portuguese Jews of seventeenth-century Amsterdam cultivated a remarkable culture centered on the Bible. School children studied the Bible systematically, while rabbinic literature was pushed to levels reached by few students; adults met in confraternities to study Scripture; and families listened to Scripture-based sermons in synagogue, and to help pass the long, cold winter nights of northwest Europe. The community's rabbis produced creative, and often unprecedented scholarship on the Jewish Bible as well as the New Testament. Amsterdam's People of the Book shows that this unique, Bible-centered culture resulted from the confluence of the Jewish community's Catholic and converso past with the Protestant world in which they came to live. Studying Amsterdam's Jews offers an early window into the prioritization of the Bible over rabbinic literature -- a trend that continues through modernity in western Europe. It allows us to see how Amsterdam's rabbis experimented with new historical methods for understanding the Bible, and how they grappled with doubts about the authority and truth of the Bible that were growing in the world around them. Amsterdam's People of the Book allows us to appreciate how Benedict Spinoza's ideas were in fact shaped by the approaches to reading the Bible in the community where he was born, raised, and educated. After all, as Spinoza himself remarked, before becoming Amsterdam's most famous heretic and one of Europe's leading philosophers and biblical critics, he was "steeped in the common beliefs about the Bible from childhood on."

Discovering the Netherlands

by William Jones
Discovering the Netherlands
Author: William Jones
Publisher: Mamba Press
Total Pages: 75
Release: 2023-07-24
Genre: Travel
ISBN:
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Embark on a journey of exploration and cultural immersion with "Discovering the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Travel Guide." This expertly crafted guidebook is your key to unlocking the treasures of a country that seamlessly blends rich history, vibrant cities, and pristine natural landscapes. In this meticulously researched guide, readers will navigate the winding canals of Amsterdam, marvel at the modern architecture of Rotterdam, and bask in the royal elegance of The Hague. Each chapter unfolds a new chapter in the tapestry of Dutch culture, from the iconic tulip fields to the historic streets of Utrecht, providing a comprehensive overview of the Netherlands' diverse and captivating offerings. What Awaits You: Cultural Riches: Delve into the cultural heart of Amsterdam, explore the artistic wonders of Haarlem, and wander through the pottery and palaces of Delft. Uncover the royal elegance of The Hague and witness the culinary delights of Maastricht. Each city and region reveals a unique facet of Dutch heritage. Natural Beauty: Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of the national parks, from the ancient woodlands of Hoge Veluwe to the water wonderland of Weerribben-Wieden. Discover the ecological significance of Oostvaardersplassen and witness the tapestry of forests and heathlands in Drents-Friese Wold. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the diverse ecosystems that define the Dutch countryside. Modern Marvels: Marvel at the modern architecture of Rotterdam, where innovative design and urban planning create a cityscape that echoes the spirit of the future. From the iconic Erasmus Bridge to the bustling Markthal, Rotterdam is a testament to the Netherlands' commitment to embracing the contemporary. Tulip Season: Experience the breathtaking burst of color that heralds the arrival of tulip season. Journey through the tulip fields, from the meticulously landscaped gardens of Keukenhof to the sprawling countryside, and discover the cultural significance of tulips that goes beyond their ornamental beauty. Practical Guidance: Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide offers practical tips on navigating Dutch public transportation, understanding local customs, and savoring culinary delights. From bustling markets to charming cafes, "Discovering the Netherlands" provides insights to make your journey seamless and memorable. Expert Insight: Written in an expert tone, this guide combines historical narratives, cultural insights, and practical advice. Each chapter is crafted to provide a holistic understanding of the Netherlands, ensuring that readers not only visit its landmarks but also connect with the essence of Dutch life. "Discovering the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Travel Guide" is more than a guidebook; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the dynamic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities that define this enchanting country. Whether you seek historical landmarks, artistic masterpieces, or the tranquility of nature, let this guide be your companion on a journey of discovery through the heart of the Netherlands.

Eurasian Encounters

by Carolien Stolte
Eurasian Encounters
Author: Carolien Stolte
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2017
Genre: Asia
ISBN: 9789089648839
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The essays in this volume explore crucial intellectual and cultural exchanges between Asia and Europe in the first half of the twentieth century. Examining the increased mobility of people and information, scientific advances, global crises, and the unraveling of empires, Eurasian Encounters demonstrates that this time period saw an unprecedented increase in the transnational flow of politically and socially influential ideas. Together, the contributors show how the two ends of Eurasia interacted in artistic, academic, and religious spheres using new international and cosmopolitan approaches.

Berlin Like a Local

by DK Eyewitness
Berlin Like a Local
Author: DK Eyewitness
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
Total Pages: 443
Release: 2022-01-13
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 0241569265
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Experience Berlin the local way with this insider's e-guide Home to legendary street food, idyllic swimming lakes and a clubbing scene like no other, this vibrant city is endlessly enticing. But it's not all about the Reichstag and the East Side Gallery. Beyond the well-trodden sights there's a secret side of the city - and who better to guide you to it than the locals? This insider's e-guide includes recommendations from Berliners in the know, helping you to discover all their favourite hangout spots and hidden haunts. Browse long-standing flea markets in Kreuzberg, linger over a drink at the city's oldest beer garden and ponder avant-garde art in Mitte's underground galleries. Whether you're a Berliner looking to uncover your city's secrets or a traveller seeking an authentic experience beyond the tourist track, this stylish e-guide makes sure you experience the real side of Berlin.

Producing Redemption in Amsterdam

by Shlomo Berger
Producing Redemption in Amsterdam
Author: Shlomo Berger
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 253
Release: 2013-01-22
Genre: History
ISBN: 9004248064
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Yiddish was the basic Ashkenazi vernacular in the early modern period. The vast majority of the population was not educated and Yiddish books were printed in order to assist them with keeping a solid Jewish life. Being a basically German language and never being a canonical language as Hebrew, Yiddish also functioned as a buffer language between the internal Ashkenazi Jewish culture and the culture of the environment. Studying the paratexts added to printed Yiddish books may teach us about roles of the printed Yiddish word in Ashkenazi society: contents and forms of books, their contextual framework within Ashkenazi culture, the world of Yiddish book producers on the one hand, and the envisaged readership on the other.