Let Us Compare Mythologies

Let Us Compare Mythologies is Leonard Cohen’s first book, published when he was only twenty-two years old back in 1956. Similar to Book of Longing, there is a very sensual element to Cohen’s poetry in this collection. But, Cohen was also grappling with an element of devastation and sense of loss being felt by the world in the decade following World War II. Cohen of course was Jewish, so he was uniquely feeling that pain, and some of that was certainly present in this collection.Sometimes he combines the two elements in the same poem. For example:During their first pogrom theyMet behind the ruins of their homes—Sweet merchants trading: her loveFor a history-full of poems.And at the hot ovens theyCunningly managed a briefKiss before the soldier cameTo knock out her golden teeth.And in the furnace itselfAs the flames flamed higher,He tried to kiss her burning breastsAs she burned in the fire.Later he often wondered:Was their barter completed?While men around him plunderedAnd knew he had been cheated.I’d love to hear any interpretations of this poem in the comment section. I think this poem is about something that I’ve been reading, writing, and thinking about a lot lately, and that is the capability of humankind to commit acts of equal parts good and malevolence. Great love, in this case, is being ripped apart by the great malevolence of the Nazi final solution.This poem reminds me of other great thinkers who I’ve studied (and recently reviewed their books if you’re interested in going back and reading those) lately who have also grappled with recognizing man’s great capacity for both good and evil:“…inasmuch as I become conscious of my shadow I also remember that I am a human being like any other.” -Carl Jung via Modern Man In Search of a Soul“The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.” -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn via The Gulag ArchipelagoLet Us Compare Mythologies marks the second book of poetry I’ve read by Leonard Cohen. The first was the famous Book of Longing, which was written in the 1990s, by a much older man than the one who wrote Let Us Compare Mythologies. I rather enjoyed reading Book of Longing, even upon the first reading; but it wasn’t until the second reading that I really fell in love with it and decided that I wanted to read all of Cohen’s books.It’s funny how that works sometimes; music can be like that, too. Maybe you’re not sure after the first listen, but you’re completely hooked after the second or third.I don’t need a second reading of Let Us Compare Mythologies to be convinced that what I was reading was near-perfection. Another way that I thought about describing this collection was that the poetry within it’s pages is not unlike trying to interpret the narrative of a dream; there were times that I didn’t have any idea what Cohen was writing about, but the proper emotion was still conveyed… And that’s kinda’ the whole point of poetry.Final say: If you like poetry, and you find the poem above fascinating, this is a beautiful collection of poetry and I highly recommend it.

Leonard Cohen is an amazing Poet . I am loving his books 📚

Arrived in good condition

My family loves Leonard Cohen. He such a great song writer and singer. His music soothes me and makes me think. He has so much symbolism and stories pored into everything he does. This book is very interesting and I am buying it for my Dad for Father's Day. I don't think he has this one and it is often sold out! If he does have it, I will keep it. I love it.

It was supposed to be a Christmas surprise for me son a writer and Cohen fan. However, because it took 3 weeks to arrive - and his visit only lasted 2 weeks - he had already left when it FINALLY arrived. Good Lord !I have no idea what took it sooooooo long! When it did arrive the condition was perfect - that's the best I can say. Now I need to re-ship it to my son as a LATE Christmas present. Sigh!

Nothing He does whether songwriting, Prose, Poetry or just an interview on you tube is Bad or in poor taste! He is a living legend and if you don't go see him on his current tour - it is truly your loss. He's pushing 80 years old and still has relevant perspective to contribute to our dying culture !! Love you Leonard xoxo this book is excellent !!

Leonard Cohen is an awesome poet. His work is deep and rich. Even mystical. Glad to include these early works in my collection.

love leonard cohen and the book is beautiful

This book was bought for my nephew's 21st birthday. He very much enjoys Leonard Cohen's poetry so this was a perfect gift. It arrived in a very short amount of time and in perfect condition.

I have long been a fan of Leonard Cohen and have considered purchasing this for a while. I am really pleased that I did. Thought provoking.

This collection of poems, first published when he was only twenty- two years old, clearly illustrates Leonard Cohen's poetic genius in embryonic form.

How could someone so young have such depth of understanding? And then for decades he continued to produce the most sensuous work.

Excellent. A very young Leonard Cohen, some good poems included in this his first book. Over time Leonard’s poems, like fine wine, matured.