영어로 읽는 고전 _ 올리버 허포드의 큐피드의 백과사전
"큐피드의 백과사전"은 올리버 허포드와 존 세실 클레이가 함께 쓴 기발하고 유머러스한 모음집으로, 사랑과 로맨스의 예술을 탐구하기 위해 만들어졌습니다. 20세기 초에 쓰인 이 책은 사랑이라는 주제에 유쾌하게 접근하여, 마치 정규 교육처럼 배우고 이해해야 할 삶의 필수 요소로 사랑을 제시합니다. 책의 주요 주제는 사랑의 다양한 측면과 표현 방식을 중심으로, 정의, 일화, 관찰로 가득한 경쾌한 '백과사전식' 안내서를 제공합니다.
이 책의 내용은 사랑과 관련된 주제와 개념들을 알파벳순으로 탐구하는 구조로 되어 있습니다. 각 글자는 로맨스와 관련된 다양한 용어를 소개하며, 재치와 지혜가 어우러진 매력적이고 독특한 정의로 설명됩니다. 예를 들어, 'A'는 숭배(Adoration)와 애정(Affection) 같은 개념을 다루고, 이후 글자들은 애정행각(Flirtation), 결혼(Marriage), 질투(Jealousy) 등의 주제를 논의합니다. 책 전체에는 재미있는 삽화와 유머러스한 해설이 곁들여져 있어, 사랑과 관계의 복잡성에 관심 있는 독자들에게 유익한 안내서인 동시에 즐거운 읽을거리가 되는 경쾌한 내러티브를 만들어냅니다. 전반적으로, "큐피드의 백과사전"은 독자들이 사랑을 추구하는 과정에서 즐거움을 찾으면서 로맨스의 뉘앙스를 감상하도록 장려합니다.
Classics Read in English _ Cupid’s Cyclopedia by Oliver Herford and John Cecil Clay
"Cupid's Cyclopedia" by Oliver Herford and John Cecil Clay is a delightful and humorous compilation that explores the art of love and romance. Written in the early 20th century, this charming book takes a playful approach to the subject of love, presenting it as an essential element of life that should be taught and understood, much like formal education. The central theme revolves around various aspects of love and its expressions, offering a light-hearted "encyclopedic" guide filled with definitions, anecdotes, and observations.
The book is structured as an alphabetical exploration of love-related themes and concepts. Each letter introduces a range of terms associated with romance, illustrated with charming and quirky definitions that blend wit and wisdom. For instance, the letter "A" addresses concepts like Adoration and Affection, while subsequent letters discuss themes such as Flirtation, Marriage, and Jealousy. Throughout the book, playful illustrations and humorous commentary are interspersed, creating a lighthearted narrative that serves as both an informative guide and an entertaining read for anyone intrigued by the complexities of love and relationships.
Overall, "Cupid's Cyclopedia" encourages readers to appreciate the nuances of romance while finding joy in the pursuit of love, offering a timeless perspective on matters of the heart that continues to charm and amuse modern audiences.
Among the contents
A, the first letter, placed by Cupid at the head of his Alphabet, because it stands for Amour, Ardor, Art, Affinity, Affection, Adoration, Affability, Angel, etc.; also A is the easiest word to spell, with the exception of I.
The origin of the form of our capital letter A is supposed to have been an Egyptian symbol (see illustration) representing two people engaged in the ancient pastime called Kyssin, which survives even at the present day. A, by many supposed to be the oldest of the alphabet and constituting, as it does, the initial of Adam’s name, was doubtless the only letter in existence at the time Adam learned to write.
