New Keris Book: THE KRIS, A PASSION FROM INDONESIA

ganjawulung · 17th February 2008, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

Yes, I've notice the similarities, with the Van Duuren's books, when I first saw it. However, as the saying goes... "Don't judge a book, by its cover"...

Dear Alam Shah,

I don't have bought yet the newer book. But I've bought the Van Duuren book (easily to get it in Indonesia, just go to any Periplus book shop, then you may find it). Even for an Indonesian like me, I must say "two thumbs up" for all Van Duuren's books. The other valuable Van Duuren's book is "Krisses, A Critical Bibliography" (1998 and 2002), and "The Kris, An Earthly Approach to a Cosmic Symbol" (1998). A good book for them, who are interested in what some keris-people said as "krisology"...

Ganjawulung

A. G. Maisey · 17th February 2008, 03:42 AM

And David van Duuren's translation into English of Groneman's "The Javanese Keris" (Der Kris der Javaner, 1910) is just around the corner, scheduled for release in the European spring.

Alam Shah · 17th February 2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganjawulung

... I must say "two thumbs up" for all Van Duuren's books. The other valuable Van Duuren's book is "Krisses, A Critical Bibliography" (1998 and 2002), and "The Kris, An Earthly Approach to a Cosmic Symbol" (1998). A good book for them, who are interested in what some keris-people said as "krisology"...
Ganjawulung

Hi Pak Jimmy,
I do agree with you... I've got a copy of the books you've mentioned.

Hi Alan,
Good that van Duuren's 'translation' book is coming out soon... at least we don't need to translate... looking forward to it.

Kind Regards,
~ Shahrial ~

Michel · 18th February 2008, 09:32 AM

I have received my copy of The Kris, a passion from Indonesia.
My copy is in English, the original book was written in French and you feel it in English.
Each copy is numbered, mine is N°47/100. This explains the cost of the book which is rather high. But all the books dealing with Kris are expensive due to the small number printed.
I have not yet read the entire book and I cannot give a judgment on its content in particular as the author, knows certainly much more than I do on Kris and other edge weapons.
To check all the information of the book against other publication is also not possible in such a short time.
I have a problem with the photos. I first though they were not sharp but my son told me it was my eyesight, I should utilize a magnifying glass ! The author cannot do anything about that ! Well, than it is the background which is very often red or reddish that disturbs me, there again, the author is not to be blamed as it is just a matter of taste. Finally I guess that it is the size of the photos that can explain why this book did not bring me the same intense pleasure that the Invincible Krises 2 or Keris Jawa Antara mystic dan Nalar did.
The text gives a lot of valuable information among which one concerning the Hulu Kocet-Kocetan that was discussed in an other thread.
All in all, buy it you may not be as nit picking as I am about illustration !
Michel

18th February 2008, 09:32 AM	#4
Michel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Switzerland Posts: 139	The Kris, a passion from Indonesia I have received my copy of The Kris, a passion from Indonesia. My copy is in English, the original book was written in French and you feel it in English. Each copy is numbered, mine is N°47/100. This explains the cost of the book which is rather high. But all the books dealing with Kris are expensive due to the small number printed. I have not yet read the entire book and I cannot give a judgment on its content in particular as the author, knows certainly much more than I do on Kris and other edge weapons. To check all the information of the book against other publication is also not possible in such a short time. I have a problem with the photos. I first though they were not sharp but my son told me it was my eyesight, I should utilize a magnifying glass ! The author cannot do anything about that ! Well, than it is the background which is very often red or reddish that disturbs me, there again, the author is not to be blamed as it is just a matter of taste. Finally I guess that it is the size of the photos that can explain why this book did not bring me the same intense pleasure that the Invincible Krises 2 or Keris Jawa Antara mystic dan Nalar did. The text gives a lot of valuable information among which one concerning the Hulu Kocet-Kocetan that was discussed in an other thread. All in all, buy it you may not be as nit picking as I am about illustration ! Michel

17th February 2008, 03:42 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	And David van Duuren's translation into English of Groneman's "The Javanese Keris" (Der Kris der Javaner, 1910) is just around the corner, scheduled for release in the European spring.