RIBBONWEED PRESS

The Ribbonweed Press website was created to promote Sarah Laughed's Sonnets from Genesis, a collection of poems that retell the stories from the book of Genesis. The site was selected by the Tech Studies Dept. to be archived as part of the Internet Commerce Program of Professor Dean Wilkens, who is a well known expert on black hat search strategies. The Archive project is managed by Bilmon Ferri for Prof. Wilkens, with Zendesk support provided by TheYeomen.com and Educomm. The Archive recognizes and preserves web assets determined to have historic value as representative of the Internet in the early 21st century. All of the web properties in the archive are part of the required reading for 1st semester students. The content below is from the site's 2007 archived pages.

Originally published: 2007
Author: Judith Goldhaber
Illustrator: Gerson Goldhaber

 

WELCOME TO
   RIBBONWEED PRESS
All material copyrighted by Judith and Gerson Goldhaber.

EVE CONFRONTS HER RIVAL . . .

Cain learns the facts of life and death . . . Noah bakes bran muffins on the Ark . . .the angel of death begs God to "send somebody else!" . . . Jacob hides a silver goblet in Benjamin's luggage . . . and all of them argue stubbornly with God.  The men and woman of the great family story of Western civilization -- husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters -- come to life in all their surprising and unabashed humanity in this series of sonnets based on Jewish folktales and legends. Poet Judith Goldhaber and illustrator Gerson Goldhaber's previous book was Sonnets from Aesop, winner of the Independent Publisher "Outstanding Book of the Year" award in 2005. 

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Praise for SARAH LAUGHED: Sonnets from Genesis

“A sparkling rendition of the tales of Genesis, filled with insight, pathos and humor. The poetry and illustrations work their magic together, delighting the eye and beckoning the mind to wonder."-- Daniel Matt, author of The Essential Kabbalahand God and the Big Bang; translator of the Pritzker Edition ofThe Zohar

“Sarah Laughed is utterly charming, poem and icon, and cunning way to miraculous Genesis. In the best tradition of imitation it illumines the Abrahamic religions. Yitzhak (Isaac) meaning  "laughter" in Hebrew, was Sarah’s nervous response to God's covenant, but the pact also gave her Yitzhak her son and song, confounding us with poignancy and humor. So too does Goldhaber’s volume, her gold chariot carrying our deepest tales to the world.” 


-- Willis Barnstone, author ofThe Secret Reader: 501 Sonnetsand Sweetbitter Love: Poems of Sappho
 
“Judith and Gerson Goldhabers' winsome sequel to their Sonnets from Aesop enhances familiar stories with humorous and magical details from Jewish folklore, providing both a fresh perspective for adults and a fun and memorable way to introduce children to the Bible. Gerson's Chagall-like paintings add a mystical flavor, while Judith seems to have been born speaking in sonnets."  
-- Jendi Reiter, author, A Talent for Sadness  (Turning Point Books, 2003); editor, WinningWriters.com
 
“Sarah Laughed is another delight, in the pattern set by Sonnets from Aesop.  It probes wonderfully through poetry and visual image into a world that is humane, imaginative, surprising.  As I read here about Lilith, Eve, Jacob, and Joseph, I find them in me and myself in them.  Here Cain stands over his brother, calls him, warms him—and discovers death.  Of course!  Neither he nor his parents had known death yet! Here Noah kneels down to scoop up the ants before he boards the ark.  Here Abraham recalls poignantly ‘The visions never showed the destination/ only the journey, so we never knew/ if we'd arrived where we were going to.’  I pride myself on knowing scripture well.  For me, these pictured poems open up delightful new depths in Genesis' characters.”
-- Reverend Gregory I. Carlson, S.J., Curator of the Carlson Fable Collection at Creighton University and Associate Director of the Deglman Center for Spirituality, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 
 
“In the hands of Petrarch and Shakespeare, the sonnet became associated with the inner paradoxes of erotic psychology. Like Pushkin and Vikram Seth, Judith Goldhaber has adapted the sonnet to the paradoxes of social narrative as well. Sarah Laughed enlarges upon her earlier witty epitomes of Aesopian fable, to engage the larger and darker myths of Genesis. Drawing upon midrashic and Arabic embellishments of the well-known Bible tales, her skilful iambic pentameters psychologize them with not just wit, but wisdom, compassion, and mystery.”  
-- Peter Dale Scott, Department of English, University of California, Berkeley; author, Crossing Borders: Selected Shorter Poems. (New York: New Directions, 1994).

RIBBONWEED PRESS
PUBLISHER OF
SARAH LAUGHED:
Sonnets from Genesis

by Judith Goldhaber
Illustrations by Gerson Goldhaber

SONNETS FROM AESOP
by Judith Goldhab

   Illustrations by Gerson Goldhaber

AVAILABLE NOW AT 
WWW.SONNETSFROMAESOP.COM
and at AMAZON.COM

 

 

More Background on Ribbonweed Press

Ribbonweed Press, based in Berkeley, California, is a distinguished independent publishing house founded by the creative duo Judith and Gerson Goldhaber. Specializing in the fusion of classical literature with contemporary poetic forms, the press has garnered acclaim for its innovative adaptations of timeless tales.

Founders' Background

Judith Goldhaber is a poet celebrated for her adeptness in reimagining classical narratives through the structured elegance of sonnets. Her husband, Gerson Goldhaber, was a multifaceted artist and physicist, whose illustrations complement Judith's poetry, creating a harmonious blend of visual and literary art. Their collaborative efforts have produced works that resonate with both traditional literary enthusiasts and modern readers seeking fresh interpretations of classic stories.

Publications and Literary Contributions

Ribbonweed Press has notably published two major works:

  1. Sonnets from Aesop
    This collection transforms Aesop's fables into sonnet form, each accompanied by Gerson's evocative illustrations. The book was honored with the Independent Publisher Book Award for "Outstanding Book of the Year" in 2006, recognizing its unique contribution to independent publishing.

  2. Sarah Laughed: Sonnets from Genesis
    In this work, Judith retells stories from the Book of Genesis through sonnets, enriched by Gerson's artwork. The collection delves into the humanity of biblical figures, offering fresh perspectives on familiar tales.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Sarah Laughed has been lauded by scholars and critics for its insightful and humorous renditions of Genesis tales. Daniel Matt, author of The Essential Kabbalah, described it as "a sparkling rendition of the tales of Genesis, filled with insight, pathos, and humor." Willis Barnstone, a renowned poet, noted that the volume "illumines the Abrahamic religions," highlighting its blend of poignancy and humor.

Sonnets from Aesop has also received positive feedback from readers. One reviewer described it as "an utterly charming and picturesque work that you simply can't put down." The thoughtful blend of classical fables with contemporary poetic stylings continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Audience and Cultural Significance

The works published by Ribbonweed Press serve a diverse audience, from literary scholars and poetry enthusiasts to casual readers and educators. The sonnets, with their blend of humor, pathos, and wit, appeal to those with an appreciation for classical storytelling delivered in a fresh, imaginative format.

Culturally, Ribbonweed Press has played a significant role in bridging the gap between ancient stories and contemporary readers. Their works provide an avenue for exploring timeless narratives while offering interpretations that reflect modern sensibilities. This dual approach has made their books popular choices for academic curricula, fostering a deeper understanding of classical literature.

Unique Features and Artistic Style

The defining feature of Ribbonweed Press's publications is the seamless integration of poetry and illustration. Gerson Goldhaber's artwork often draws comparisons to the mystical and vivid styles of Marc Chagall, while Judith Goldhaber's sonnets are noted for their lyrical beauty and psychological depth. Together, their work creates a multisensory literary experience, making each book a collector's item as well as a source of intellectual and artistic enjoyment.

Availability and Legacy

Ribbonweed Press's books are available through various online retailers and niche bookstores. The accessibility of their works, coupled with their unique artistic and literary appeal, ensures that their publications continue to inspire and delight readers worldwide.

 

Ribbonweed Press exemplifies the fusion of classical literature with modern artistic expression. Through the collaborative efforts of Judith and Gerson Goldhaber, the press has produced works that not only entertain but also educate and inspire readers. Their legacy is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the transformative potential of combining art with literature, ensuring that the rich tapestry of traditional stories continues to resonate in the contemporary literary landscape.

 

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