Kirjahaku

This is a concise survey and criticism of Goethe’s work, for the general reader and the student. It is intended as a useful first book from which the reader can proceed to more specialised studies. Here Goethe’s work is seen as a whole, and from the point of view of literary criticism. The first chapter summarises Goethe’s life. The other chapter discuss the works, singly and in groups. Much attention is given to the poems; and there are two long chapters on Faust. Werther, Wilhelm Meister, Elective Affinities, and the Divan are given a chapter each; so are the dramatic works, the autobiographical writings, and the scientific work. A refreshing aspect of the book is that while Dr Gray takes account of earlier criticism he also seeks to see Goethe’s work entirely afresh, and to reappraise it; by questioning the value of some works, he enhances the valuation of others. Quotation is in German, but English translations are given in footnotes. There is a useful comparative table of biographical dates, which shows what was happening, politically and culturally, in Europe while Goethe lived. There are references at the end of the book, a select bibliography and an index. The book can be used in conjunction with Dr Gray’s selection of the poems. The two books together are the best possible introduction to one the greatest European men of letters.

This 1973 text provides a critical introduction to the writings of Franz Kafka. Within it Ronald Gray surveys the novels and short stories, and glances also at the religious or confessional writings. He presents a persuasive and coherent account of Kafka's personal and artistic development and its meaning and value for us. Dr Gray argues that the early short stories are most finished and controlled; here Kafka recognised and managed to find a form exactly fitting his own condition, and the writing is less compulsive and obsessional than it became later. Dr Gray quotes extensively, translating specifically for the purpose. He writes for all whose who read Kafka, especially the many who read him in translation and would like a helpful and shrewd guide to understanding. Kafka's work hauntingly expresses one whole area of the modern mind - its anguish, dissociation and guilt - and this sane and sympathetic book puts him into a humane perspective.

This is a detailed analysis of Kafka's novel The Castle, followed by a note on The Trial which points to the resemblance between the two books. Gray's starting point is the patient investigation of what the novel says and does. His object is to avoid any premature decision about 'what Kafka was driving at', for the result of that decision in previous critics was that, armed with a theological, political or psychoanalytical theory that partly fitted, they violated the delicacy and simplified the complexity of the book's operation on the mind. The Castle is not an allegory in which every component 'stands' for some simple thing or quality; it has to be entered and moved about in, the parts referred to each other, the resonances listened to. The Castle is a great work in itself and also has relationships with others in other languages. Gray's exemplary method makes his book valuable to any serious reader of literature.

Dr Gray aims to encourage in students beginning to read and write about German poetry the skills which will help them to read and write with more insight. After outlining this aim in its introduction, this 1976 book takes the form of a selection of German poems from Luther to Brecht, carefully grouped for purposes of comparison, and with graded questions. Most of the poems are from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but there are also translations from and into German for comparison with the originals, groups of poems on common themes, and different versions of the same poem. It is possible to trace in outline some of the main historical trends of German poetry, and to acquire basic technical knowledge within the book, but its main aim is to guide the reader towards a closer feeling for the words on the page.

In this 1976 introduction to Brecht's theatre and theory, Ronald Gray explores the dramatist's interacting roles as a committed Marxist seeking to influence audiences and as one of the most innovative craftsmen ever to work in the theatre. Dr Gray traces the development of Brecht's dramatic work in the context of his life and time and discussed its significance, devoting chapters to reappraisals of the major plays. Particular attention is paid to Brecht's dramatic theories and their relationship to Hegelian and Marxist philosophy, to the tradition of political theatre in Germany in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and to the influence Brecht had on English and American post-war drama. There are also detailed accounts of how many of the plays appeared in Brecht's own productions, and frequent references to actual performances in widely differing theatrical styles.

For Dr Gray German literature since 1871 has been dominated by one intellectual trend: the tendency to think in polar opposites which are felt to be both diametrically opposed and yet capable of fusion, of synthesis. In tracing this trend in literature, he is led to enquire how far the same preoccupations were linked with the German history of the time. In short, did the main literary tradition help to create an atmosphere in which the tyranny of 1933 to 1945 could establish itself. In this 1965 text, Dr Gray uses a combination of broad survey and detailed analysis. The opening chapters isolate and define the tradition, and in a wide sweep show its influence wherever it is to be found in modern German literature, relating it to contemporary events. There are detailed studies of Thomas Mann and Rilke, Hofmannsthal's Der Schwierige and English resistance to German literature.

The saga continues in the O'Neil family. The adversary never gives up and the deadly spirit of Mr. Bones moves from one host to another to continue its chosen path...deception, destruction and death The enemy knows when, where, and whom to strike at all times and no one is immune to its dangerous reach.The O'Neil's and friends are living a very comfortable life financially and emotionally and never thought they would have to deal with their past tribulations again. Wrong The powerful spirit of lies, deceit, betrayal, sexual perversion, anger, hatred and bitterness attacks them with repeated intensity. Who will fall? Who will stand in prayer as one? And who will cross over to the other side to gain revenge from a devastatingly broken spirit and heart

Revised Edition 08/09/2017The book, "My Call" has a story line combination of the movies; The Ten Commandments, Scarface and New Jack City all rolled into one in modern times.Book Synopsis: This is not Hollywood. This is the real untold story. Until now David and Sheila O'Neil have two daughters six and seven. The doctors have told Sheila she can't have any more children. The Pastor speaks prophetic words to Sheila that she is pregnant with a boy. God has chosen him to be a powerful evangelist giving him spiritual gifts of faith, healing, and working of miracles. But Satan himself has a contract out on him. His obedient servant is a voodoo doctor name; "Mr. Bones" who has spiritual powers to do almost anything. His mission; destroy the chosen one, Ronald Emmanuel O'Neil.Ron tries hard to do the right thing and later falls in love with Diana who is gorgeous and loves God. He and Keith have been friends for years and this changes his life. Ron's heart turns cold and he conspires with Keith to cover up robbery, murder, and get involved in drugs building an untouchable empire. Keith deeply loves and fears his girlfriend Stacy, a true "full seven". She is stunning.The prophecy from God must be fulfilled but not without a price and Mr. Bones is relentlessly persistent to make sure Ron pays that price. Various temptations are sent Ron's way including millions of dollars, expensive cars, and fine ladies. Ron and Keith experience the lifestyle of the rich, the famous, and the powerful on a level that few have ever seen.What would you do if you could make a hundred million dollars a month illegally but couldn't be touched by the law because the devil was protecting you? Drug Lord Victor Augular is and he is unstoppable. What You think this is a game? This aint no game. This is money, sex, drugs, death, and seemingly unlimited power. Behold the story of nonstop action, drama, violence and die hard love.Is this a living dream come true or a living hell? You decide.Ronald Emmanuel O'Neil was chosen and sanctified before his birth by God, but Satan and his demons are the hit men in his life and Satan never gives up

Who exactly is Mr. Bones? Is he just the character that caused Ronald Emmanuel O'Neil and his entire family so much pain and suffering? Along with countless others. Who or what is he? How does a man possess such great powers to do almost anything at any given time? Where does his powers come from and why is he so angry and determined to deceive and destroy everything in his path?Is he really just a man that at one time said and did things that allowed him to receive such abilities and powers? NO Mr. Bones is so much more than that. Read this powerful story about the true origin concerning the spirit of Mr. Bones and how he became who he is, and why his spirit affects our life to this day. Is the spirit good or evil? Love or hate? The origin of Mr. Bones.

Originally published in 1965, this book was written to provide 'a not too obtrusive guide' to German poetry from Luther's time up until Brecht's. For the most part, the text consists of poems followed by questions, whose purpose is not to provoke an interpretation or to test knowledge so much as to suggest possible starting-points from which lines of thought or of imagination may run. On the whole, the questions are not meant to be answered one by one, but rather to arouse a certain kind of interest and appreciation. A glossary and a guide for further reading are also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in poetry and German literature.