Mitchell, Stephen

"In The First Christmas, Stephen Mitchell brings the Nativity story to vivid life as never before. A narrative that is only sketched out in two Gospels becomes fully realized here with nuanced characters and a setting that reflects the culture of the time. Mitchell has suffused the birth of Jesus with a sense of beauty that will delight and astonish readers. In this version, we see the world through the eyes of a Whitmanesque ox and a visionary donkey, starry-eyed shepherds and Zen-like wise men, each of them providing a unique perspective on a scene that is, in Western culture, the central symbol for good tidings of great joy. Rather than superimposing later Christian concepts onto the Annunciation and Nativity scenes, he imagines Mary and Joseph experiencing the angelic message as a young Jewish woman and man living in the year 4 BCE might have experienced it, with terror, dismay, and ultimate acceptance. In this context, their yes becomes an act of great moral courage. Readers of every background will be enchanted by this startlingly beautiful reimagining of the Christmas tale"--Provided by publisher.

Presents the English translation to the ancient Babylonian epic poem of Gilgamesh written approximately 1700 BCE about the historical king of Uruk in Mesopotamia around 2750 BCE.

Presents an English verse translation of the Bhagavad Gita, the core text of the Hindu tradition, originally written in Sanskrit.

Presents the English translation to the ancient Babylonian epic poem of Gilgamesh written approximately 1700 BCE about the historical king of Uruk in Mesopotamia around 2750 BCE.

Though the emperor banishes the nightingale in preference of a jeweled mechanical imitation, the little bird remains faithful and returns years later when the emperor is near death and no one else can help him.

Presents an account of the life of Jesus, using what the author considers to be the most authentic sources.

A collection of animal poems from many ages and cultures, arranged chronologically, and including works by John Milton, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Rainer Maria Rilke, and others.

Presents an account of the life of Jesus, using what the author considers to be the most authentic sources.

Though the emperor banishes the nightingale in preference for a jeweled mechanical imitation, the little bird remains faithful and returns years later when the emperor is near death and no one else can help him.