The Song of Bernadette

By: Franz Werfel and Ludwig Lewisohn

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Synopsis: "This book is the fulfilment of my vow. In our epoch an epic poem can take no form but that of a novel. The Song of Bernadette is a novel but not a work of fiction. In face of the events here delineated, the sceptical reader will ask with better right than in the case of most historical epic narratives: 'What is true? What is fiction?' My answer is: All the memorable happenings which constitute the substance of this book took place in the world of reality. Since their beginning dates back no longer than eighty years, there beats upon them the bright light of modern history and their truth has been confirmed by friend and foe and by unbiased observers. My story makes no changes in this body of truth. I exercised my right of creative freedom only where the work, as a work of art, demanded certain chronological condensations or where there was need of striking the spark of life from the hardened substance. I have dared to sing the song of Bernadette, although I am not. a Catholic but a Jew; and I drew courage for this undertaking from a far older and far more unconscious vow of mine. Even in the days when I wrote my first verses I vowed that I would evermore and everywhere in all I wrote magnify the divine mystery and the holiness of man - careless of a period which has turned away with scorn and rage and indifference from these ultimate values of our mortal lot."

Book Quality:: Excellent
Book Size:: 446 Pages
Publisher:: N/A
Date of Addition:: 01/03/06
Copyrighted By:: The Viking Press, Inc.
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: History, Biographies and Memoirs, Literature and Fiction, Religion and Spirituality
Submitted By:: Carrie Karnos
Proofread By:: Lena
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.