The Very Lowly A Meditation on Francis of Assisi
By Christian Bobin
A lyrical and mystical book that will teach your soul to sing!
Book Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Every once in a while a book comes along that takes your breath away, leaving you dizzy and delirious. The Very Lowly by Christian Bobin is one of those books. It is a lyrical and deeply mystical celebration of the 13th century "servant and friend of the Most Low." The French author imagines Francis as a baby and as a child buoyed by the love of God: "I loved you before you were born. I will love you well after the end of time. I love you in all the eternities."
Bobin puts himself in the psyche of Francis the merchant's son and is there when he walks away from a pampered life: "He is seeing the abundance that no amount of money can provide."
Francis the useless one becomes Francis the saint when he drinks deep from the well of joy and begins to see God in everything. He's a madman who kisses lepers, communes with birds, talks with trees, and befriends death as a sister. Bobin pays tribute to the feminine spirit of Francis that mothers and nurtures the unlovable, the lost, and the left out. The author characterizes Francis and his monastic sister Clare as "two nomads on the invisible estates of God."
Read this book and you'll see why mothers "hold the eternal element that holds the world and man." Read this book and you'll understand the importance of paying humble attention to humble things. And finally, read this book because it will teach your soul to sing!
New Seeds, 03/06
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리스티앙 보뱅 (지은이),이창실 (옮긴이)
(English and French Edition) Later Printing Edition
French Edition by Christian Bobin (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 146 ratings
132pages. poche. broché.
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
«L'enfant partit avec l'ange et le chien suivit derrière. Cette phrase convient merveilleusement à François d'Assise. On sait de lui peu de choses et c'est tant mieux. Ce qu'on sait de quelqu'un empêche de le connaître. Ce qu'on en dit, en croyant savoir ce qu'on dit, rend difficile de le voir. On dit par exemple : Saint-François-d'Assise. On le dit en somnambule, sans sortir du sommeil de la langue. On ne dit pas, on laisse dire. On laisse les mots venir, ils viennent dans un ordre qui n'est pas le nôtre, qui est l'ordre du mensonge, de la mort, de la vie en société. Très peu de vraies paroles s'échangent chaque jour, vraiment très peu. Peut-être ne tombe-t-on amoureux que pour enfin commencer à parler. Peut-être n'ouvre-t-on un livre que pour enfin commencer à entendre. L'enfant partit avec l'ange et le chien suivit derrière.»Christian Bobin.
“The child went with the angel and the dog followed behind. This phrase suits Francis of Assisi wonderfully. We know little about him and that's good. What we know of someone prevents us from knowing him. What we say about it, believing we know what we are saying, makes it difficult to see it. We say for example: Saint-François-d'Assise. We say it like a somnambulist, without coming out of the sleep of the tongue. We don't say, we let it be said. We let the words come, they come in an order that is not ours, which is the order of lies, of death, of life in society. Very few real words are exchanged every day, really very few. Maybe you only fall in love to finally start talking. Perhaps we only open a book to finally begin to hear. The child left with the angel and the dog followed behind.» Christian Bobin.
Product details
Publisher : Gallimard Education; Later Printing edition (January 9, 1995)
Language : English, French
Mass Market Paperback : 129 pages
4.4 out of 5 stars 146 ratings
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Luca turin
1.0 out of 5 stars Christian treacleReviewed in the United States on February 28, 2016
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Bobin is a treacly sentimental writer and a passable stylist. Reading more than three pages of him is as hard as swallowing a whole pot of Nutella, and even more nauseating.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A very readable French poetReviewed in the United States on May 1, 2016
Christian Bobin is a believer. He pays attention to characters whose lives he considers inspiring, and writes about how they inspire him. I'm not a believer, but I discovered a very inspirational portrait of a saint in this book. If you take the time to read his poetry, savour it, word by word, you will realise that although what he describes is not physically present around you, he somehow reveals what you haven't paid attention to. You read his words, and life runs through you. It might be worth a read...
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lucien
5.0 out of 5 stars Christian Bobin, the Enchanter.Reviewed in France on September 7, 2019
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“You Tube” helping, one can easily approach the major themes of the thought of this Burgundy writer who, in the course of his works, has composed an original score and a new delicacy.
He did not lack the Literary Prizes, including that of the Deux Magots and the Prix de l'Académie française.
Neither is praise. François Busnel (host of the television show “La Grande Librairie”) places it “at the highest level of contemporary literature.” We also noted “the sparkling thought” of C.Bobin.
“ I am not from any church, “he asserts sharply.
Alzheimer's disease has been one of his interests and he shows a particular admiration for Jean GROSJEAN and RYOKAN.
The striking formulas often come in his pen: “the human is a sun” or “there are higher than Jean Sebastian Bach:The song of a sparrow”.
His works are publishing successes.
A literary critic thought he could synthesize his work in a striking formula: “The praise of the lack”.
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citadelle 36
5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful philosophical discoveriesReviewed in France on June 3, 2017
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What a feather, that Christian BOBIN! How to say in clear and precise terms, in short phases, the mysteries of human thought, about Faith and religion, the gospel. It's perfect and very rewarding. The philosophical level is within everyone's reach.
But the reader must be warned that it is above all a personal view of the philosopher on the life of St. Francis of Assisi and nothing else. For lovers of Bobin, it is jubilation to read. For the Christian in search of the gospel, Bobin simplifies, explains, deguilts, and sets the clock on time.
To be recommended to many clergymen and people of the Church. Unless Bobin is already on the index...
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NonoSoso
5.0 out of 5 stars Bobin where the magic of simple wordsReviewed in France on August 30, 2021
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I love Christian Bobin and his prose poetry. With him there is poetry in everything, every element.
a blade of grass, a drop of rain, a passing cloud. If you like poetry, you cannot fail to appreciate this great man who sublimates every word... his prose is tasted with flavor... and life only becomes lighter.. and so sweet. To consume without moderation!
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Gerard Müller
5.0 out of 5 stars a jewelReviewed in France on November 27, 2011
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The Most Low/Christian Bobin
C.Bobin offers us here a magnificent dotted but essential biography of Saint Francis of Assisi, in a fluid, poetic, imagery and stripped style. He knows how to chisk phrases that touch like a goldsmith and it is a real jewel that is thus delivered to our reflection. Because from this opus imbued with spirituality from which a great piety emanates, the author engages in a more general reflection on various subjects: mother and child, father and son, love, God etc.
Francis of Assisi was born around 1181 and died in 1226.
“ The merchant, the warrior and the priest: these three share the thirteenth century' These three hope for something in reward of their work: fortune, glory or salvation.”
His childhood and adolescence, divided between trade with his father and war for his prince, are told to us until this revelation in San Damiano which will lead to the renunciation of earthly wealth and entry into orders. Then he founded his own order, that of the Franciscans dedicated to prayer, poverty and respect for life.
Magnificent comments have been written by readers: Margot, Dominique, Droopy and others, all of them have analysed this story perfectly. It is ipso facto difficult for me to add something.
I would simply say that I particularly liked the passage of the lawsuit brought by the father against the son for a few ducats diverted for a good cause yet. When François leaves his clothes and gives them to his father with a few ducats left to him, one feels a particularly dramatic atmosphere.
And Francis concluded without detour his speech by addressing his father: “The trial you are making me free of you.
Though I am not Catholic or even a believer, I discovered an exceptional wealth in this book. I was touched by this spiritual melody.
Read and reread
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Vincent
1.0 out of 5 stars Maybe interesting, but...Reviewed in France on March 3, 2019
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The author only writes for himself. His text gives the impression of an incessant babil from which no consistent and consistent argument emerges. The buyer of the book is totally forgotten. I am very surprised that Folio publishes this kind of thing and I wonder about the nature of their selection criteria.
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Francis the useless one becomes Francis the saint when he drinks deep from the well of joy and begins to see God in everything. He's a madman who kisses lepers, communes with birds, talks with trees, and befriends death as a sister. Bobin pays tribute to the feminine spirit of Francis that mothers and nurtures the unlovable, the lost, and the left out. The author characterizes Francis and his monastic sister Clare as "two nomads on the invisible estates of God."
Read this book and you'll see why mothers "hold the eternal element that holds the world and man." Read this book and you'll understand the importance of paying humble attention to humble things. And finally, read this book because it will teach your soul to sing!
New Seeds, 03/06
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Martin
A really special book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2014Verified Purchase
Lifespurly
A beautiful, beautiful read
Reviewed in the United States on 20 February 2016Verified Purchase
herb sharp
Two Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 12 October 2015Verified Purchase
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Top reviews from the United States
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2016
A perfect combination of art and information. Beautifully written and full of inspiration. A must read for all Christians...
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2014
Original thoughts, creatively expressed, inspirationally revealing. This is a translation from French which also brings a different cultural awareness and beauty.
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2000
In general, we human beings will do nearly anything in response to our spiritual teachers - except pay attention to what they do and say. Brother Francis, like his master Jesus of Nazareth, is a perfect example. We have made Francis a saint, built a basilica to house his body, and have sentimentalized him into a quaint animal-lover, a medieval nature mystic, or a proto-flower child. We've even sold his image (in the form of concrete garden ornaments) around the world - but listen to him? We'd much rather create a Francis we can live with: one that edifies and amuses, without disturbing how we live our lives.
Christopher Bobin's book is the latest development in this fine, old tradition. Here, the historical Francis is so submerged by a tidal wave of literary rhapsody that he would scarcely recognize himself were he to read the book by some miracle. Francis will be scarcely more recognizable to those of you who know the historical sources - and this is the heart of my criticism. Bobin's treatment of the Francis stories is cavalier and irresponsible. Many events and episodes essential for understanding him are omitted and those included are edited freely to serve the author's purposes, which are purely literary, not biographical, historical, or even religious. Worse, the author adds much nonsense that cannot be countenanced by anything we know about the real Francis. The result is a false portait of the Poverello that leaves out nearly everything that is puzzling, inconvenient, and challenging for a modern audience, and includes much that is misleading or just plain wrong. Playing so fast and loose with the facts may be acceptable in the realm of creative literature, but it is it a major disservice to Francis himself - for whom the truth ALWAYS mattered - and to those of us who wish to get to know him.
Christopher Bobin's book is the latest development in this fine, old tradition. Here, the historical Francis is so submerged by a tidal wave of literary rhapsody that he would scarcely recognize himself were he to read the book by some miracle. Francis will be scarcely more recognizable to those of you who know the historical sources - and this is the heart of my criticism. Bobin's treatment of the Francis stories is cavalier and irresponsible. Many events and episodes essential for understanding him are omitted and those included are edited freely to serve the author's purposes, which are purely literary, not biographical, historical, or even religious. Worse, the author adds much nonsense that cannot be countenanced by anything we know about the real Francis. The result is a false portait of the Poverello that leaves out nearly everything that is puzzling, inconvenient, and challenging for a modern audience, and includes much that is misleading or just plain wrong. Playing so fast and loose with the facts may be acceptable in the realm of creative literature, but it is it a major disservice to Francis himself - for whom the truth ALWAYS mattered - and to those of us who wish to get to know him.
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2000
This is an amazing book that sparked a wonderful peace deep within me. I would describe this book as an epiphany between two covers. It is written in the style and beauty of a poem that speaks very deeply to the soul. Do not buy this book if you are looking for a historical account of the life of st. francis. This book is a meditation. Do not read this book with a critical heart, the truth it speaks of isn't historical it's spiritual.
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2011
Where did Christian learn to write like this? The fact that this is a translation makes the prose even more astounding. Truly a contemplation on the mystery of life itself, using Francis as the anchor for a rhapsody of wonder, finding the sacred in rapt attention with the secular.
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The Very Lowly: A Meditation on Francis of Assisi
by
Why have we come to revere Francis of Assisi, a simple thirteenth-century Italian merchant's son, as a saint? Why has his appeal endured over eight hundred years and even expanded beyond the world of Catholicism to make him one of the most beloved religious figures of all time? This penetrating meditation on Francis's life gently but sure-handedly cuts through every pious legend to uncover what is timeless and universally true about him. Christian Bobin's unexpected and thoroughly original work presents a compelling image of a man whose power is found in humility, whose radical casting aside of wealth, honor, and even personal identity is inseparable from his overwhelming intimacy with God. Poetic, luminous, utterly hypnotic, The Very Lowly is a unique modern variation on the saint's life that will entrance everyone, whether "religious" or—almost especially—not. (less)
Paperback, 120 pages
Published March 14th 2006 by New Seeds (first published September 9th 1992)
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Displaying 1-13 of 13 reviews in English.
Le tres-Bas, Eloge Darien, l' Autre visage = The Secrets of Francis of Assisi: A Meditation, Christian Bobin
Saint Francis of Assisi (Italian: San Francesco d'Assisi, Latin: Sanctus Franciscus Assisiensis), born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, informally named as Francesco (1181/1182 – 3 October 1226), was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon and preacher. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of Saint Clare, the Third Order of Saint Francis and the Custody of the Holy Land. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سال 1997 میلادی
عنوان: رفیق اعلی: روزنه ای به زندگی فرانچسکوی قدیس؛ نویسنده: کریستیان بوبن؛ مترجم: پیروز سیار؛ تهران، طرح نو، 1375، در 143 ص؛ چاپ دوم 1378؛ در 143 ص؛ عنوان دیگر: روزنه ای به زندگی فرانچسکوی قدیس؛ عنوان دیگر: چهره دیگر؛ عنوان دیگر: ستایش هیچ؛ یادداشت: بخش آخر ضمیمه ای است با عنوان: «کلام زنده»، که مصاحبه با کریستیان بوبن است. چاپ چهارم 1381؛ شابک: 9647134606؛ چاپ هفتم 1384؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، فرهنگ نشر نو، 1395، در 206 ص؛ شابک: 9786007439876؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، نشر نو، آسیم، 1397؛ در 206 ص؛ شابک: 9786007439876؛ موضوع: زیستنامه و سرگذشت قدیس فرانچسکو آسیزی - از سال 1182 میلادی - تا سال 1226 میلادی - سده 20 م
تفسیر زندگی فرانچسکو (سال 1182 میلادی - تا سال 1226 میلادی)، قدیس مشهور ایتالیائی، بنیانگذار یکی از بزرگترین فرقه های مذهب: کاتولیک (فرانسیسکنها)، و پایه گذار نوعی مشرب عرفانی، در آیین مسیحیت، و پیام آور عشقی الهام گرفته، از احساس عاطفی مادر، نسبت به فرزند است. ا. شربیانی (less)
Saint Francis of Assisi (Italian: San Francesco d'Assisi, Latin: Sanctus Franciscus Assisiensis), born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, informally named as Francesco (1181/1182 – 3 October 1226), was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon and preacher. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of Saint Clare, the Third Order of Saint Francis and the Custody of the Holy Land. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سال 1997 میلادی
عنوان: رفیق اعلی: روزنه ای به زندگی فرانچسکوی قدیس؛ نویسنده: کریستیان بوبن؛ مترجم: پیروز سیار؛ تهران، طرح نو، 1375، در 143 ص؛ چاپ دوم 1378؛ در 143 ص؛ عنوان دیگر: روزنه ای به زندگی فرانچسکوی قدیس؛ عنوان دیگر: چهره دیگر؛ عنوان دیگر: ستایش هیچ؛ یادداشت: بخش آخر ضمیمه ای است با عنوان: «کلام زنده»، که مصاحبه با کریستیان بوبن است. چاپ چهارم 1381؛ شابک: 9647134606؛ چاپ هفتم 1384؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، فرهنگ نشر نو، 1395، در 206 ص؛ شابک: 9786007439876؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، نشر نو، آسیم، 1397؛ در 206 ص؛ شابک: 9786007439876؛ موضوع: زیستنامه و سرگذشت قدیس فرانچسکو آسیزی - از سال 1182 میلادی - تا سال 1226 میلادی - سده 20 م
تفسیر زندگی فرانچسکو (سال 1182 میلادی - تا سال 1226 میلادی)، قدیس مشهور ایتالیائی، بنیانگذار یکی از بزرگترین فرقه های مذهب: کاتولیک (فرانسیسکنها)، و پایه گذار نوعی مشرب عرفانی، در آیین مسیحیت، و پیام آور عشقی الهام گرفته، از احساس عاطفی مادر، نسبت به فرزند است. ا. شربیانی (less)
An ethereal, too-short contemplation of poverty and spirituality, with Francis of Assisi more a point of departure than a subject. Bobin's poetic language creates an internal space of quiet, and some single sentences tilt the world a few degrees to the side, so that your view when you look up from the page is better than it had been before. (less)
The first book that I have read of Bobin's works... the little book that I never thought can be a new start to change in my attitude and the way I used to look to the world... ...more
3.5 stars
I love the lyrical writing of this author. To quote
"Today's books are made of paper. Yesterday's books were made of skin. The Bible is the only book made of air."
I love it!!!! ...more
"Today's books are made of paper. Yesterday's books were made of skin. The Bible is the only book made of air."
I love it!!!! ...more
This book, changed me. I cried and cried reading it over and over. So beautifully and poetically written.
I'm quickly becoming a devoted fan of Christian Bobin, most of whose books seem to be available only in French. He's a unique observer of all things created, especially in the times in which we live, and a master wordsmith in describing them. What you get from him is unvarnished truth.
If you knew nothing about Francis of Assisi, this would be the little gem I'd recommend for examining in order to learn about this 13th century free spirit & apostle of love. (less)
If you knew nothing about Francis of Assisi, this would be the little gem I'd recommend for examining in order to learn about this 13th century free spirit & apostle of love. (less)
This is a profound and strange little book. At times, it left me bewildered. At the next turn, I would find myself sitting in stunned silence. Christian Bobin continues to astonish me. I debated on the number of stars for my rating because it is not the most accessible text. Then I realized that I close the pages of this book with a deep desire to be a different kind of person, to live a life saturated in real love, the kind Bobin describes as “a fullness of absence”.
snappy poetic little book.
I wasn't familiar with Christian Bobin at all, till one of my best friends Shandiz gave me 5 of Bobin. After that I fell in love with his hand-pen. I don't know their French name,none-translated in English, "DIVANEH VAR","Isabel Bruje", ......I love it (less)
Such a beautiful little book. Abbey, you'd love it! ...more
Felt somewhat like a chore to read, which is very unfortunate - considering the book's small size. Nevertheless, poetically, it had some good moments. ...more
What should I do.. Why are you always there, on every page I read, in every book I pick.. why are you there? who are you? what are you to me... I miss you. I l...
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아시시의 프란체스코
크리스티앙 보뱅 (지은이),이창실 (옮긴이)마음산책2008-11-25
원제 : Le Tre-Bas
양장본136쪽
책소개
프랑스의 시인이자 에세이스트인 크리스티앙 보뱅이 800년 전에 살았던 아시시의 성인 프란체스코의 삶을 풀어냈다. 13세기의 성인 프란체스코의 삶과 함께 세상을 향한 그의 사랑을 책 속에 담았다. 이 책은 1993년 카톨릭 문학대상, 되마고상, 조제프 델타이상을 수상했다.
13세기의 성인 프란체스코는 자신이 가진 모든 것을 던지고 믿음과 종교적 신념을 삶에서 실천했다. 부유한 상인의 아들로 태어나 젊은 시절에는 세속적인 명예와 성공을 추구했지만, 깨달음을 얻은 후 평생 청빈한 삶을 살았다. 프란체스코는 평생을 가난한 자들의 친구로, 기도하고 명상하며 청빈과 형제애를 실천하였다.
목차
답변이 불가능한 질문 하나
실제로 성인聖人은 존재하지 않는다
부드러운 무無
일각수, 도롱뇽, 귀뚜라미
그림자로 가득한 몇 마디 말
보세요, 전 떠납니다.
사천 살, 그리고 먼지
내 형제 당나귀
여자들의 진영, 하느님의 웃음
노쇠한 하느님
당신들은 저를 사랑한다 말하면서 제 마음을 슬프게 합니다
추한 이미지, 거룩한 이미지
옮긴이의 말
책속에서
하느님 곁에서 짐승들은 이름과 상관없이 살았다. 그들 안에는 최초의 침묵과도 같은 무엇이 깃들어 있다. 한편으로는 하느님을, 다른 한편으로는 사람을 닮은 그들은 겁먹은 표정으로 둘 사이를 방황한다. 아시시의 프란체스코는 새들에게 설교를 하며 바로 이 태초의 시간으로 돌아온다. 인간은 그들에게 이름을 줌으로써 자신의 개인사, 삶과 죽음의 재앙 속에 그들을 가둔다. 그러나 프란체스코는 그들에게 하느님에 대해 이야기함으로써 그들을 이런 운명으로부터 해방시키며, 절대적인 것으로 되돌려 보낸다. - 본문 86쪽 중에서 접기
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저자 및 역자소개
크리스티앙 보뱅 (Christian Bobin) (지은이)
프랑스의 대표 시인이자 에세이스트. 동시대에서는 찾아볼 수 없는 독특하고 맑은 문체로 프랑스의 문단, 언론, 독자들 모두에게 찬사를 받으며 사랑 받는 작가. 1951년 프랑스 부르고뉴 지방의 크뢰조에서 태어났다. 평생 그곳에서 글쓰기를 하며 문단이나 출판계 등 사교계와는 동떨어진 생활을 하는 고독한 작가다. 대학에서 tpourpre』를 출간했고 아시시의 성인 프란체스카의 삶을 유려한 문장으로 풀어낸 『가난한 사람들Le Tr?s-Bas』이라는 작품으로 세간에 자신의 이름을 알렸다. 유서 깊은 프랑스 문학상, 되마고상 및 가톨릭문학대상, 조제프 델타이상을 수상한 바 있다.
접기
최근작 : <환희의 인간>,<그리움의 정원에서>,<작은 파티 드레스> … 총 10종 (모두보기)
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이창실 (옮긴이)
이화여자대학교 영어영문학과를 졸업하고, 프랑스 스트라스부르대학 응용언어학 과정을 이수한 뒤, 이화여자대학교 통번역대학원 한불과를 졸업했다. 이스마일 카다레와 실비 제르맹의 소설들을 비롯해, ‘너무 시끄러운 고독’ ‘글렌 굴드, 피아노 솔로’ ‘세 여인’ 및 크리스티앙 보뱅의 ‘아시시의 프란체스코’를 우리말로 옮겼다.
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출판사 제공 책소개
13세기의 성인과 21세기 시인의 만남, 숨이 멎을 만큼 아름다운 문장들
―프란체스코의 성스러운 삶을 크리스티앙 보뱅이 감미롭게 노래한다
프랑스의 시인이자 에세이스트인 크리스티앙 보뱅이 아시시의 성인 프란체스코의 삶을 유려한 문장으로 풀어냈다. 이 책은 프란체스코의 감동적인 삶을 보여줄 뿐 아니라 세상을 향한 그의 신비스럽고 은은한 사랑을 느끼게 해준다. 800년 전에 살았던 한 이탈리아 성인의 모습은 숨 가쁜 현대를 사는 독자들의 지친 마음을 위로하고 생명에 대한 경외심을 갖게 하기에 충분하다.
프란체스코(1182~1226)는 「평화의 기도」「태양의 노래」로 유명한 카톨릭교회의 성인이다. 청빈을 주지로 프란체스코 수도회를 창립했다. 그는 만년인 1224년에 자신의 몸에 성흔(聖痕. 그리스도가 십자가에 못 박혔을 때 옆구리와 양손·양발에 생긴 5개의 상처)을 받기도 했다. 프란체스코는 수련 도중 환상을 보았는데, 하느님이 그의 위에 서서 십자가에 못 박혀 있는 환상이었다. 이 환상이 있은 후에 십자가의 성흔을 몸에 지니게 되었다고 한다. 1226년 10월 3일 운명하였고, 1228년 교황 그레고리우스 9세에 의해 시성되었다. 또한 1979년 교황 요한 바오로 2세는 그를 생태학자들의 수호성인으로 선포하였다. ‘성 프란체스코 성당Chiesa di San Francesco’은 프란체스코가 서거한 지 2년 뒤 기공하여 1253년에 완성되었는데, 2000년 세계문화유산으로 지정된 ‘성 프란체스코의 바실리카 유적’ 중 하나다.
<아시시의 프란체스코>는 출간 당시 ‘숨이 멎을 만큼 아름다운 문장’이라는 극찬을 받았다. 1993년 카톨릭 문학대상Grand Prix Catholique de Litterature, 되마고상Prix des Deux-Magots, 조제프 델타이상Prix Joseph Delteil을 수상했다. 크리스티앙 보뱅은 ‘있는 그대로의 내면의 흐름’을 보여주는 간결하고 아름다운 문체로 프랑스에서 큰 사랑을 받고 있다. 르 몽드는 크리스티앙 보뱅을 문학을 하지 않음으로써 문학의 새 풍토를 열어가는 ‘새로운 문학의 대변인’으로 평가하기도 했다. <아시시의 프란체스코> 역시 성인의 삶을 다루었지만 소설보다 감동적이고 한 편의 시처럼 아름답다. 이 책의 원제는 ‘Le Tres-Bas’로 ‘지극히 높으신 하느님’을 뜻하는 ‘Le Tres-Haut’와 대응되는 ‘지극히 낮으신 하느님’이다.
이 책은 일종의 독특한 명상 훈련이다. 크리스티앙 보뱅은 이 책을 통해 자신만의 고유한 음악을 탄생시키고 있다. 우리는 이 명상 속으로, 인간적인 친밀함 속으로 들어가, 그 행복을 함께 나누어 갖는 경험을 하게 될 것이다.
―르 몽드
이 책에서 보뱅은 성 프란체스코의 생애를 객관적으로 나열하거나 교훈을 전달하려고 하는 대신 성인의 삶에 끼어드는 사건과 장면들을 포착해 윤곽을 그리며 가볍고 정확한 터치의 언어로 그 안에 담긴 은총을 전달한다. 그리하여 짧은 숨결의 문장이 동심원을 그리며 물결처럼 다가와 우리 안에 스며든다. (「옮긴이의 말」에서)
가난한 자들의 친구, 환경의 수호 성인 프란체스코
―진리는 가장 ‘낮은 곳’에
13세기의 성인 프란체스코가 21세기의 우리들에게 여전한 감동을 주는 이유는 자신이 가진 모든 것을 던지고 믿음과 종교적 신념을 삶에서 실천했기 때문이다. 부유한 상인의 아들로 태어나 젊은 시절에는 세속적인 명예와 성공을 추구했지만 깨달음을 얻은 후 평생 청빈한 삶을 살았던 것이다. 사람들도 그가 전하는 말보다는 그것을 실천에 옮기는 삶 때문에 감명받아 뒤를 따랐다. 프란체스코는 평생을 가난한 자들의 친구로, 기도하고 명상하며 ‘청빈’과 ‘형제애’를 실천하였다. 그의 그런 사랑과 믿음은 인간을 비롯한 모든 만물에게까지 미쳤는데, 성 프란체스코 성당의 벽화 중 하나인 작은 새에게 설교하는 프란체스코를 보면 이를 잘 알 수 있다. 일찍이 자연과 조화를 중시했던 프란체스코는 오늘날 ‘환경의 주보主保’로도 불린다.
하느님 곁에서 짐승들은 이름과 상관없이 살았다. 그들 안에는 최초의 침묵과도 같은 무엇이 깃들어 있다. 한편으로는 하느님을, 다른 한편으로는 사람을 닮은 그들은 겁먹은 표정으로 둘 사이를 방황한다. 아시시의 프란체스코는 새들에게 설교를 하며 바로 이 태초의 시간으로 돌아온다. 인간은 그들에게 이름을 줌으로써 자신의 개인사, 삶과 죽음의 재앙 속에 그들을 가둔다. 그러나 프란체스코는 그들에게 하느님에 대해 이야기함으로써 그들을 이런 운명으로부터 해방시키며, 절대적인 것으로 되돌려 보낸다.(86쪽)
위기의 시대, 위안을 주는 따뜻한 이야기
―세상을 향한 신비롭고 은은한 사랑
전 세계적인 금융 위기 상황과 맞물려 한국 경제도 침체를 벗어나지 못하고 있다. 불황으로 살기가 점점 더 팍팍해졌고 ‘묻지마’ 살인, ‘생계형’ 범죄, 자살 등 나날이 범죄의 수위는 높아지고 사건은 끊이지 않는다. 이렇듯 극단적인 경우가 아니더라도 대부분의 현대인은 불안함과 공허와 결핍감, 만성적 우울증에 시달린다. 오늘을 사는 것이 어제보다 더욱 상처 입는 것뿐이라는 생각이 드는 것이다. 지금 우리에게 필요한 것은 삶의 기쁨을 찾고 생명을 존중하며 자신을 치유하는 것. 신비롭고 은은한 성인의 이야기를 듣다 보면 가슴이 따뜻해지고 생명에 대한 관심과 감사하는 마음을 갖게 될 것이다.
오히려 잠든 이의 귓속에 대고 속삭이는 지극히 낮으신 분, 아주 낮은 목소리로밖에는 말할 줄 모르는 분이다. 한 편의 꿈. 참새의 지저귐. 프란체스코가 정복의 야망을 포기하고 고향 집으로 돌아오는 데에는 그것으로 족했다. 그림자로 가득한 몇 마디 말이 한 사람의 삶을 바꿀 수 있다. 하찮은 사건이 우리를 생명에 내어주며, 하찮은 사건이 우리를 거기서 떼어놓는다. 하찮은 사건이 만사를 결정한다.(54쪽) 접기
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그러므로 진리는 낮은 곳에 있고 충족보다는 결핍 속에 있음을, 프란체스코는 본능적으로 감지한다. P135 구매
니체 2022-02-18 공감 (5) 댓글 (0)
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크리스티앙 보뱅을 왜 이제야 알게 되었을까! 감탄을 자아내는 책. 구매
minjiapple1254 2021-10-19 공감 (0) 댓글 (0)
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[국내도서] 환희의 인간
[국내도서] 작은 파티 드레스
[국내도서] 그리움의 정원에서
[국내도서] 인간, 즐거움
[국내도서] 아시시의 프란체스코
리스티앙 보뱅 (지은이),이창실 (옮긴이)
미(English and French Edition) Later Printing Edition
French Edition by Christian Bobin (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 146 ratings
132pages. poche. broché.
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
«L'enfant partit avec l'ange et le chien suivit derrière. Cette phrase convient merveilleusement à François d'Assise. On sait de lui peu de choses et c'est tant mieux. Ce qu'on sait de quelqu'un empêche de le connaître. Ce qu'on en dit, en croyant savoir ce qu'on dit, rend difficile de le voir. On dit par exemple : Saint-François-d'Assise. On le dit en somnambule, sans sortir du sommeil de la langue. On ne dit pas, on laisse dire. On laisse les mots venir, ils viennent dans un ordre qui n'est pas le nôtre, qui est l'ordre du mensonge, de la mort, de la vie en société. Très peu de vraies paroles s'échangent chaque jour, vraiment très peu. Peut-être ne tombe-t-on amoureux que pour enfin commencer à parler. Peut-être n'ouvre-t-on un livre que pour enfin commencer à entendre. L'enfant partit avec l'ange et le chien suivit derrière.»Christian Bobin.
“The child went with the angel and the dog followed behind. This phrase suits Francis of Assisi wonderfully. We know little about him and that's good. What we know of someone prevents us from knowing him. What we say about it, believing we know what we are saying, makes it difficult to see it. We say for example: Saint-François-d'Assise. We say it like a somnambulist, without coming out of the sleep of the tongue. We don't say, we let it be said. We let the words come, they come in an order that is not ours, which is the order of lies, of death, of life in society. Very few real words are exchanged every day, really very few. Maybe you only fall in love to finally start talking. Perhaps we only open a book to finally begin to hear. The child left with the angel and the dog followed behind.» Christian Bobin.
Product details
Publisher : Gallimard Education; Later Printing edition (January 9, 1995)
Language : English, French
Mass Market Paperback : 129 pages
4.4 out of 5 stars 146 ratings
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Luca turin
1.0 out of 5 stars Christian treacleReviewed in the United States on February 28, 2016
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Bobin is a treacly sentimental writer and a passable stylist. Reading more than three pages of him is as hard as swallowing a whole pot of Nutella, and even more nauseating.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A very readable French poetReviewed in the United States on May 1, 2016
Christian Bobin is a believer. He pays attention to characters whose lives he considers inspiring, and writes about how they inspire him. I'm not a believer, but I discovered a very inspirational portrait of a saint in this book. If you take the time to read his poetry, savour it, word by word, you will realise that although what he describes is not physically present around you, he somehow reveals what you haven't paid attention to. You read his words, and life runs through you. It might be worth a read...
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lucien
5.0 out of 5 stars Christian Bobin, the Enchanter.Reviewed in France on September 7, 2019
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“You Tube” helping, one can easily approach the major themes of the thought of this Burgundy writer who, in the course of his works, has composed an original score and a new delicacy.
He did not lack the Literary Prizes, including that of the Deux Magots and the Prix de l'Académie française.
Neither is praise. François Busnel (host of the television show “La Grande Librairie”) places it “at the highest level of contemporary literature.” We also noted “the sparkling thought” of C.Bobin.
“ I am not from any church, “he asserts sharply.
Alzheimer's disease has been one of his interests and he shows a particular admiration for Jean GROSJEAN and RYOKAN.
The striking formulas often come in his pen: “the human is a sun” or “there are higher than Jean Sebastian Bach:The song of a sparrow”.
His works are publishing successes.
A literary critic thought he could synthesize his work in a striking formula: “The praise of the lack”.
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citadelle 36
5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful philosophical discoveriesReviewed in France on June 3, 2017
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What a feather, that Christian BOBIN! How to say in clear and precise terms, in short phases, the mysteries of human thought, about Faith and religion, the gospel. It's perfect and very rewarding. The philosophical level is within everyone's reach.
But the reader must be warned that it is above all a personal view of the philosopher on the life of St. Francis of Assisi and nothing else. For lovers of Bobin, it is jubilation to read. For the Christian in search of the gospel, Bobin simplifies, explains, deguilts, and sets the clock on time.
To be recommended to many clergymen and people of the Church. Unless Bobin is already on the index...
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NonoSoso
5.0 out of 5 stars Bobin where the magic of simple wordsReviewed in France on August 30, 2021
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I love Christian Bobin and his prose poetry. With him there is poetry in everything, every element.
a blade of grass, a drop of rain, a passing cloud. If you like poetry, you cannot fail to appreciate this great man who sublimates every word... his prose is tasted with flavor... and life only becomes lighter.. and so sweet. To consume without moderation!
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Gerard Müller
5.0 out of 5 stars a jewelReviewed in France on November 27, 2011
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The Most Low/Christian Bobin
C.Bobin offers us here a magnificent dotted but essential biography of Saint Francis of Assisi, in a fluid, poetic, imagery and stripped style. He knows how to chisk phrases that touch like a goldsmith and it is a real jewel that is thus delivered to our reflection. Because from this opus imbued with spirituality from which a great piety emanates, the author engages in a more general reflection on various subjects: mother and child, father and son, love, God etc.
Francis of Assisi was born around 1181 and died in 1226.
“ The merchant, the warrior and the priest: these three share the thirteenth century' These three hope for something in reward of their work: fortune, glory or salvation.”
His childhood and adolescence, divided between trade with his father and war for his prince, are told to us until this revelation in San Damiano which will lead to the renunciation of earthly wealth and entry into orders. Then he founded his own order, that of the Franciscans dedicated to prayer, poverty and respect for life.
Magnificent comments have been written by readers: Margot, Dominique, Droopy and others, all of them have analysed this story perfectly. It is ipso facto difficult for me to add something.
I would simply say that I particularly liked the passage of the lawsuit brought by the father against the son for a few ducats diverted for a good cause yet. When François leaves his clothes and gives them to his father with a few ducats left to him, one feels a particularly dramatic atmosphere.
And Francis concluded without detour his speech by addressing his father: “The trial you are making me free of you.
Though I am not Catholic or even a believer, I discovered an exceptional wealth in this book. I was touched by this spiritual melody.
Read and reread
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Vincent
1.0 out of 5 stars Maybe interesting, but...Reviewed in France on March 3, 2019
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The author only writes for himself. His text gives the impression of an incessant babil from which no consistent and consistent argument emerges. The buyer of the book is totally forgotten. I am very surprised that Folio publishes this kind of thing and I wonder about the nature of their selection criteria.
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