This Web series will review forgotten books from my library. In fact, all libraries hide glittering diamonds. I realise now, “Triond Jewels,” lie in plain sight. Please accept my, "Diamond Necklace," of reviews of forgotten books.
A Rediscovered Book Review
I can’t remember when I found this marvellous little collection of Russian sayings. Hidden under a pile of dollar-books in the local second-hand bookstore I recall snatching it. It perhaps was five years ago that she became mine. I’ve but glanced at this little book since, rediscovering it just last Sunday, during a heatwave all racked with ennui. What a joy it was to come across this book of 1200 Russian aphorisms again!
These Russian proverbs were carefully translated, in 1960, in New York. It’s that type of book that you pore over for its’ sheer sagacity. Also, I so needed to banish writer’s block, here and now, for Triond and, “1200 Russian Proverbs,” did the trick.
I can imagine that every library hides some future Triond jewel. Why not dig them up? Indeed, they make for the perfect, “Eureka Moment.” Indeed, old tomes are ideal candidates any Triond site. “1200 Russian Proverbs,” compiled in 1960, by I. Langnas, are a wonderful collection of Russian quips that are sure to thrill you as much as they did me. These proverbs reveal Russia.
Here is a mere one percent of the wisdom contained in, “1200 Russian Proverbs,” – translated by I. Langnas – in 1960.
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Twelve Russian Proverbs
1. Good fortune wears a pretty dress but its’ underclothes do not bear investigation
2. There are more dusty Bibles than dusty books of pornography
3. Every writer praises his pen
4. The ferryman asks for his fare on THIS shore
5. The clock of love is always behind time
6. Love likes to take the middle way
7. With time the lake becomes swamp, the swamp – moor, the moor – field, the field – garden, the garden – wood; but then comes a cloudburst and we have a lake again
8. Wisdom is born, stupidity is learned
9. One lie, seven lies; seven lies, seventy lies
10 Courage is the best defence
11 Fortune favours the clever
12 The poet sows silver for others and earns lead for himself.
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Conclusion
These are but a taste of Russia contained in that tiny tome. The full collection leaves you in awe at the Russian mind. Indeed, many have already found their way into everyday-English. For instance, one common variation in English is, “Fortune Favours the Bold.”
This great read “1200 Russian Proverbs,” is one that keeps you begging for more. This tiny tome, this diamond, dazzles to this very day.
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Source
Langnas, I. A (1960) trans. 1200 Russian Proverbs. New York. The Philosophical Library.
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