The Conference of the Birds

This is a strange take on "The Conference of the Birds." The art work is absolutely breathtaking; I would give it five stars or more if I could. But the overall presentation of the narrative is lacking. Perhaps I simply do not get it and it is too elusive or allusive for me. But I have read both major translations of "The Conference of the Birds" and several essays on it, so I think I have a good understanding of the original. This particular take on it seems a bit more secular than what is intended by the original. I would love to combine these illustrations with a more classic take on the original; that would be a book worth having.It should also be noted that although this illustrated and is by a children's book author, this is not a children's book. The publisher expressly states that it is an illustrated book for adults. There is, however, an excellent children's adaptation that is much truer to the original:  The Conference of the Birds .

This is a beautiful poem of staggering genius. However, I felt the artwork was often too serious and crowded for me to pay attention to the work itself. The artist, who is clearly a master of his craft, took too many liberties with the tone of the story and really went out on a limb. For the most part he did the poem justice; however, I occasionally felt claustrophobic and disappointed in his choices. He's almost there.

Anything that Peter Sis puts his hand, head and heart into. . . is a treasure in whatever way you receive it. The Conference of the Birds is no exception. From the storytelling itself. . in this case an ancient Persian tale from Islamic Civilization. The story of a great quest.. .and the Hoopoe is the leader. From a collector who totes her books across the globe. This family could not more leave behind our Peter Sis collection, than a family member. And if we had to choose?

This version of Conference of the Birds might not make quite as much sense if you are not familiar with the book that it is based on. I recommend getting the version published by Penguin Classics in 1984 if you can find it, the verse in it is very well done. If you already know the story, though, this book is really beautiful!

I don't dislike this book but it wasn't what I was expecting.Nice art and very good condition and pretty much resumes the message of the whole story into a few verses scattered around the drawings.While this book is not for kids considering the author, I would say this book is child friendly.With that been said I was looking into a more extensive literary work from this title.While I found it at the end this book is not a bad place to start with this title.But if youre looking for a complete work of this great Persian work I suggest you look elsewhere.

If you would want to find the Truth of the Universe stated in the most simple, most comprehensible story, then this is it. But, don't be fooled, so much is said here far beyond the comprehension of one reading of this book. Written and illustrated as if to be a children's book, it is the essence of spiritual wisdom for the adult seeker. Maybe as it has been said, "Lest we become like children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." Clear your mind and enjoy the magic of this beautiful story.

This book is beutifully illustrated. I bought it for myself, considered giving it to a 5 year old and kept it for myself. I would recommend it for an older child (7-10). It has a wonderful message wove into the story and the illustrations are so artful they may be lost on a very young child. Worth keeping on an adult's coffee table.

I've been a fan of Peter Sis ever since I came across Tibet Through the Red Box. My 8 year old son and I have enjoyed several of his books for children with equal fervor and appreciation.Imagine my delight when I heard about this book "for grownups" on NPR. I didn't even listen to the full story before I purchased a copy on amazon. It is gorgeous and lush, and thick with illustrations you can sink into and will enjoy again and again.

Makes me want to read the original text.

This is a beautiful modern translation of Attar's Parliament (Conference) of Birds, which symbolizes a journey of personal transformation. What makes this book stand out and so lovely is is Sis's painting that draw you into an imagination of transformation, and each painting is a carefully thoughtout representation of the particular part of the journey it is meant to represent, which deepens the contemplation. I have shared this book with artists I know who have great talent and they have been similarly impressed. I read through the book like a mediation or open like an oracle. Children love it too. A beautiful gift to give to yourself or others. Praise, praises, praises.

Such a beautiful book and the art is so comfortable and soothing. I could read through this every day! Deep truths really creatively shown 🙌🏼♥️

The mostly subtle colored illustrations are wonderful. The text is simple conveying the concepts with an economy of works. Definitely worth returning to and lingering over.

Beautiful book