ON MELANCHOLY the classic essay on creativity and mood swing by Aristotle, now in an accessible standalone version Relevant for artists and creative writers, students in philosophy and the classics, lovers of Greek tragedy and anyone dealing with mood swing. With the explanations by philosopher Marlies ter Borg Aristotle's staccato statements gain in depth and meaning. ON MELANCHOLY answers the famous question: 'Why do all those who have become eminent in philosophy or politics or poetry or the arts turn out to be melancholics ?' Dealing with the two poles of melancholy (hot and cold) he warns talented and sensitive persons that 'If they are not careful, they can become extremely melancholic.' Deep depression and mania can lead to tragedy, as the fate of Ajax and Hercules show. The Greek philosopher urges talented persons to avoid extremes, if need be with medicine. 'If their melaina chole is tempered, they are men of genius.' The ancient essay is surprisingly relevant today, for the debate on creativity and bipolar or manic depressive disorder. In its simplicity it is easy reading for all those dealing or struggling with mood disorder. An encouraging word from long ago. categories: psychology/philosophy/literature undergraduates/ graduates/ general reader

The colorful images in this book show that we have more in common than is generally supposed. They are miniature figures well known from BIBLE AND QURAN. Adam, Noah, Moses, Mary and Jesus, and many others revered by Muslims and Christians alike. Surprising to find them rendered here by Muslim artists Islamic art, admired for its non-figurative beauty, sometimes ventures into the figurative sphere, for educational and illustrative purposes. Tucked discreetly into books, rather than proudly displayed in mosques, they are now buried in the cellars of mainly Western museums. Reason enough to make these jewels available for the general public. For the images show not only similarities with Christian art but also fascinating differences both in content and style. Adam and Eve/Hawwa revered by angels, and then leaving Paradise on a four legged snake; the child Moses on Pharaoh's lap; King Solomon conversing with animals; Jesus on horseback raising Lazarus from the dead; finally Mary, Jesus and Moses depicted together with Muhammad; the last two with discreetly covered faces. Each image is accompanied by a short explanation and relevant Qur'anic texts. Reproductions of the images, stemming from the 16th and 17th century, admired by Christians and Muslims, have been shown in a mobile exhibition. Negotiations are underway for a full fledged exhibition with some if not all of the authentic miniatures. Compiled by Marlies ter Borg, www.marliesterborg.net [email protected] author of Sharing Mary, Bible and Qur'an Side by Side Images courtesy of: The Nour Foundation, Khalili Family Trust, London The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian, Washington D.C. The Topkapi museum, Istanbul The Wereldmuseum, Rotterdam The David Collection, Copenhagen

A non-partial anthology of Bible and Qur'an stories: "timely, unique and astonishing." John Esposito. Symbolized by Mary, the Jewish mother of Jesus loved by Christians and Muslims alike, this rare anthology seeks for common ground in a time of conflict. Placing verses from Bible and Qur'an Side by Side, it shows the Holy Books' commonalities in the stories of Adam in the Garden of Eden; Noah and the Great Flood; David and Goliath and many more. Controversial topics - the subservience of women, war and crime- are not shunned, but the focus is on shared human values. Even God and Allah are shown to have many attributes in common. Illustrated- for a non-illustrated version see Qur'an and Bible Side by Side "A compassionate contribution...preferring dialogue to strife and refusing to claim superiority or blame the 'other' side." Ruud Lubbers A peer reviewed book. " Recommended for lower-level undergraduates through graduate student and general readers." Prof. M. Swartz, Choice, Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, ..".invaluable contribution to dialogue especially that between Islam and Christianity." Muhammad Khan, Muslim News, UK, "Written, not in a polemic spirit of proving one religion to be superior to another, but in the spirit of reconcilliation... " Simon Ross Valentine, Church Times, UK ..".Sharing Mary must be praised for its novel approach...(it) succeeds in awakening curiosity." Diego A Sarrio, Washington, Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, January 2011 "An important anthology... supported by carefully formulated comments by competent Islamic and Christian academics... the stories are shown, in their subtle differences, to possess a spiritual commonality." Revd. Dr Reinhardt Kiste, Dialog der Religionen.