Women in Praise of the Sacred

Editorial Reviews

Book Description "Hirshfield's current collection brings together . . . an astonishing array of women writers from the 22nd century BC poet Enheduanna to Nelly Sachs and Anna Akhmatova."--Library Journal

Synopsis This beautiful collection of poems, prayers and songs is by women throughout history, from a wide variety of religious traditions. Biographies and insightful commentary by Hirshfield accompany the poems and illuminate their historical contexts and meanings.

Amazon.com Customer Review

Avg. Customer Rating:

A great way to become familiar with poets all periods! I love this book for a number of reasons. Firstly, a short biography preceeds each set of poems. This lends backround to the art and the effect of such is dramatic and important. Context is everything. Secondly, the selections are awesome and seem to translate well into English. Lastly, a portrait is painted of women *over time* experiencing the many different ways of relating to spirit, from longing to ecstacy to regret. This is one of my all-time favorite books. Even if you have no previous interest in poetry but do in women's spirituality, invest in this one. You won't be disappointed.

December 12, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from Washington State, U.S.A.