The Narcissus

In Greek mythology the beautiful Narcissus glimpsed his own reflection in the waters of a spring and fell in love. But his was an impossible passion and, filled with despair, he pined away. Over the years the myth has inspired painters, writers, and film directors, as well as philosophers and psychoanalysts. The tragic story of Narcissus, in love with himself, and of Echo, the nymph in love with him, lies at the heart of this collection of essays exploring the origins of the myth and some of its many cultural manifestations and meanings relating to the self and the self's relationship to the other. Through their discussion of the myth and its ramifications, the contributors to this volume broaden our understanding of one of the fundamental myths of Western culture.

In a time of injustice — when lies become laws, deceit an entitlement, humanity a farce, and democratic rule a tyranny against the nation — people begin to question the causes of the decline. The ancient fresco painting depicts the mythological fate of Narcissus and bears witness to a tragedy that occurred in a similar manner in olden times. The fine layers of watered-down pigments the fresco artist applied to the lime are well embedded into the stucco. The powerful elite consider themselves untouchable as they indulge their decadence and their deviant tendencies. But societal decline also acts as a catalyist for the uprising against despotism.

Striking character portrayals of a Negro seaman and other members of the crew of a sailing ship on a return trip from India to England.

Conrad's hypnotic novel set aboard a merchant ship sailing from Bombay to London. Based on his own personal experiences at sea, it revolves around the escapades of a sailor named James Wait. Truly mesmerizing!

Conrad's hypnotic novel set aboard a merchant ship sailing from Bombay to London. Based on his own personal experiences at sea, it revolves around the escapades of a sailor named James Wait. Truly mesmerizing!

"Narcissus and Goldmund "is the story of a passionate yet uneasy friendship between two men of opposite character. Narcissus, an ascetic instructor at a cloister school, has devoted himself solely to scholarly and spiritual pursuits. One of his students is the sensual, restless Goldmund, who is immediately drawn to his teacher's fierce intellect and sense of discipline. When Narcissus persuades the young student that he is not meant for a life of self-denial, Goldmund sets off in pursuit of aesthetic and physical pleasures, a path that leads him to a final, unexpected reunion with Narcissus.

Often overlooked because of its controversial title, this novel from Joseph Conrad features a black West Indian protagonist, James Wait, who serves as a sailor on the merchant vessel known as Narcissus. Wait is overcome with illness on the voyage from Bombay to London, and the crew's reaction to his condition speaks volumes about differences in social class, psychology, and culture. A must-read for fans of maritime adventure tales, as well as for readers who appreciate Conrad's finely observed insights into human nature.