Reviews

New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Talmud Torah Congregation, Amsterdam, July 27, 1656 by David Ives

jadag88's review against another edition

5.0

I listened to this audio play shortly after I read Baruch Spinoza: The Giants of Philosophy written by Thomas Cook and narrated by Charlton Heston. This presentation added even more depth of understanding to Spinoza's philosophical ideas. The voice acting really painted a vivid picture of the proceedings.

For more on my thoughts regarding these presentations and Baruch Spinoza, see Getting to Know Baruch Spinoza.

mr_plumley's review against another edition

4.0

A few historical inaccuracies, the part of Baruch's sister was much more annoying than funny, but the reading of the writ of cherem was powerful - worth the price of admission. The interview with Steven Nadler was great too. I would have liked a blurb on how Spinoza lived a secular life after the cherem. All in all, a worthwhile listen.

llu343's review

3.0

New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Talmud Torah Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656 by David Ives
Usually I’m interested in plays that take place in a court house as we get glimpses into the flaws of the legal system. Ives is more known for his comedic pieces so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this play. To be honest, Ives is highly praised by many, but he’s just not my cup of tea. It was interesting to see Ives tackle something else, but I wasn’t too interested in the events. I had trouble getting invested to Baruch de Spinoza’s circumstances. This wasn’t awful by any means, but not something I would read on my own. It’s not something I would recommend my friends read either.

I am interested in finding out more about Baruch de Spinoza, though.

koohzad's review against another edition

از خواندن این نمایشنامه به این نتیجه رسیدیم که این مقامات جمهوری آمستردام بودند که اسپینورزا را در دادگاه تفتیش عقاید یهودی محاکمه کردند و مقصر اصلی تکفیر و طرد او از جماعت یهودی هلند، نه مفتشان و کاهنان یهودی بلکه حاکمان مدنی شهر بودند که پیش از آن یهودیان آواره اسپانیا و پرتغال را به شهرشان راه داده بودند! در همین حد!

ariejoy's review

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition

4.0

The question of what or who to believe is difficult, disturbing, and thought provoking. This play concerns those questions while centering around the questioning and trial of Spinoza in Amsterdam. His enemies and friends aren’t as clear as they should be. Well performed and thoughtfully written.


Crossposted at Booklikes.

caitlin_bookchats's review

2.0

Not quite sure what to rate this. I loves the audio version because it's a plan and is a great performance that was recorded, but I don't know if I would have really cared for or finished if I'd just read the play. I cannot remember why this was on my TBR and to be honest I probably would have taken it off without reading if it weren't available via m library's overdrive.

If you like philosophy/etc. and are considering reading this definitely find an audio-copy but I wouldn't go out of my way to read this. If that makes any sense at all.