Jerusalem, Shining Still - Hardcover

Karla Kuskin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060235489 ISBN 13: 9780060235482

Publisher: Harper & Row, 1987

Synopsis

Evokes the spirit of an ancient city, recalling David, Nebuchadnezzer, Herod, Hadrian, Constantine, Saladin, Sulieman, and the many groups who came to conquer; and observes that despite 3000 years of being battered, burned, and rebuilt, Jerusaleum shines peacefully in the moonlight.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

Beautifully crafted, like a piece of radiant sculpture, this is an exquisite hymn to one of the world's great cities. To create mood, Kuskin uses a first person narrative voice and addresses her readers directly, inviting them to "Sit beside me." She then treats them to a poetic rendering of Jerusalem's history, from David, who made shaking sky clouds bump against each other, through the present day paradox of physical magnificence with interfaith tensions. Kuskin uses repetitve phrases to explain the waxing and waning of wealth and ruination, such as "When times are bad they will get better" and its reverse. With rhyme she reinforces the soaring power of the narrative, "You have not forgotten that after the Babylonians came from Babylonia, the Greeks came and then the Romans, those worshippers of Gods and omens. Then the Persians came in troops, Moslems followed, groups and groups, the Fatimid Egyptian forces, Seljuk Turks on foot and horses. After that the Crusaders, Saladin and more Moslems, the Mamelukes and the Ottoman Turks all came to stay, for a while, and went away." Frampton's impressive woodcuts cast the right golden glow, bringing us, just as the author intended, closer to the hills of stone that David saw and we can still. All ages.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1 Up Through lilting poetic prose and glowing woodcuts, Kuskin and Frampton present a hommage to the holy city of Jerusalem, home of the three major religions. Four thousand years of the city's history are described, beginning with King David's conquest over Goliath, continuing through the Six Day War. In spite of all the battles, burnings, and rebuildings, the city stands majestically ``shining still.'' It is to Kuskin's credit that she describes the city's 4000-year history in such a brief form, while still conveying a personal sense of the place. She sometimes interweaves verses with the rhythmic prose. Frampton's woodcuts, in a predominantly golden color accented with other bright hues, are elegantly composed and radiant. This book, beautifully illustrated and well told, conveys strong feelings for the city of Jerusalem. Micki S. Nevett, Temple Beth Emeth Library, Albany, N.Y.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper & Row
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0060235489
• ISBN 13: 9780060235482
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 27
• Illustrator: David Frampton