Mahakavi K. V. Simon

The first English study of poet K. V. Simon (1883-1944), with sample translations, including of his 12,000-line epic Vedaviharam , and a critical biography. Opening with the story of South Indian poet laureate (or mahakavi ) K. V. Simon''s heroic life, this book escorts its global reader through the legendary Malabar Coast, transiting into the densely rich Simon verse in translation, and closing with a comparative reading of a rewarding range of texts from Simon and Milton. When Simon''s epic Vedaviharam, a verse rendition of The Book of Genesis, appeared in the Malayalam language in 1931, The Guardian hailed the multifaceted Simon as "India''s veritable Milton." Like Milton, Simon was a polymath, poet, hymnodist, composer, religious reformer and an educator. Like Milton, he was a man of immense learning, writing prose and verse with equal brilliance. As a result of his writings - in which he exhorted the Church of his era to seek scriptural literacy rather than uphold uncritical traditions - Simon was catapulted into public life as a reformer, apologist, and a nationally known prophetic figure. In Mahakavi K. V. Simon: The Milton of the East , translations of Simon''s works cover a range, from purpose-driven topic studies to interpretive Bible commentaries, poems, and hymns. Scholarship has so far placed Simon''s poetical work on par with the bhakti classics of Ezhuthachen, the Father of modern Malayalam, and of Poonthanam, a Hindu metaphysical poet, both household names in India. But in this study, Varghese Mathai shows how Simon distinguishes himself by his contributions to numerous knowledge fields that bridge him to world literature, modern history, colonial studies, religion, apologetics, rhetorical studies, and more.>

Auteur
Varghese Mathai is Benjamin P. Browne Professor of English at Judson University, USA, and author of The Malabar Mandate: A Life of Volbrecht Nagel (2013). A former Fulbright Scholar, Mathai lectures internationally on classics, literature of spirituality, and literature of translation.

Contenu
List of Figures ForewordMahakavi K.V. Simon: Kerala's Reformer Laureate by A. J. Thomas Acknowledgments Timeline IntroductionMahakavi K. V. Simon: A Prophetic Legacy by Reverend Valson Thampu 1. The Life and Times of K. V. Simon An Overview Simon's Childhood A Lay Launch of Reform Debates and Disputations The Viyojitha Sabha [The Separatists] Vedaviharam, Simon's Epic Poem No Good Deed Goes Unpunished The Last Lap Resting Where the Cradle Rocked 2. Malayalam: K. V. Simon's Language A Brief History 3. Simon Verse in Translation: Selected Pieces and Portions Songs and Hymns -Pahimam Deva Deva [Entreat thee I] -Manuvel Manujasutha [Manuvel, ManSon] -Paadum Ninakku Nityavum [I will sing unto thee all days] -Thenilum Madhuram [Sweeter than honey] -Devajana Samajame [The Gathered Elect] -Amba Yerusalem -Poorna Hridaya Seva Venam [Wholly given to serve] -Thunga Prathaapamaarnna Sri Yesu [Of glory utmost] -Paramaathmaav Ura Cheyyum [Listen to what the Spirit has to say] -Ariya Babylon Nadikkarike [Exiles on Babel's banks] -Nallarin Sundari [Starlet Virgin!] -Aadyantamillatha Nityante [Eternal One, to this comely pair] -Vandaname Deva! [Honor to thee, Lord] -Paadum Paramanu Parichodu [The Song of Moses] -Yeshunayaka Sreesha Namo [Jesu, Lord, hail to thee] -Salomiye Varikente Priye [Come away my beloved] -Smarna Sabha Doothu [Letter to Smyrna] -Sardis Sabha Doothu [Letter to Sardis] -Paramadeva Vandana [To the God of gods] Portions from Simon's Epic, Vedaviharam -*Invocation -The House of Abraham -Jacob's Years in Paddan Aram Wisdom Passages in *Vedaviharam 4. K. V. Simon and John Milton: Two Epic Stars of the East and the West The Times and Home Grounds of Simon and Milton Vedaviharam and Paradise Lost: Concordant Contents The Songs of Simon Simon, a Lover of Peace A Sage of Letters Appendix Bibliography Index