Product Description

Presents a new English translation of the centuries-old African interpretation of the Bible.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #133579 in Books
• Published on: 1997-12-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
What did Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley and Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia have in common? A love for the Kebra Negast, holy book of Ethiopian Christians and Jamaican Rastafarians. Contemporary scholars date the Kebra Negast to the 14th century, but it retells the stories of much earlier Biblical times, one very important story in particular. According to the Kebra Negast, the Israelites' Ark of the Covenant was spirited away to the ancient kingdom of Ethiopia by wise King Solomon's own son, offspring of the union between Solomon and the exotic Queen Makeda of Ethiopia (a.k.a. the Queen of Sheba). Gerald Hausman, a consummate storyteller of native traditions, presents the core narrative of the Kebra Negast, from Adam to the rise of Solomonid dynasty. On top of this, he injects his own encounters with Rastafarians during his travels in Jamaica--dreadlocked Rastas as modern-day Samsons, their unwavering faith in Jah, and a rare outsider's glimpse at the Nyabinghi ceremony. The combination of ancient tale and modern belief gives Hausman's Kebra Negast the rich flavour of enduring truth. --Brian Bruya

From the Author
Ziggy Marley's introduction is enlightening.
The power of Ziggy's words corresponds with the quotations from his father, Bob Marley, at the close of the book. In a sense, the two are speaking to each other from the opposite ends of time. My ten year residency in Jamaica provided a rich broth of brotherly and sisterly love, which is also the substance of this book. The passages from "The Kebra Nagast" are the true article and have not lost the flavor of the spoken language from which they came. The story of King Solomon and his son Bayna-Lehkem is a tribute to Ethiopia and to black people throughout the world. Parts of it actually read like an adventure novel--one that was first told in the 6th Century. Today, the words still ring true.

Customer Reviews

Seekers Of Truth
IRIE! This reading of the Kebra Nagast has shown me......A piece of "The Truth". I am greatful for the overstanding. You may be too.....

KEBRA NEGAST A SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING OF ONES OWN SELF
KEBRA NEGAST IS VERY INFORMATIVE BEING A SPIRITUALIST AND WHY I HAVE FELT AN INNER FEELING SINCE CHANGING MY RELIGION TO THE LOVE OF JAH WHO CREATED ALLTHINGS, I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE HAVE TO GO TO CHURCH WHEN THE LOVE THAT CAN BE FELT FROM JAH IS WITHIN, THIS BOOK OPENS MY EYES AND UNDERSTANDING TO RASTAS, THAT WE SHOULD ALL LIVE HAS ONE WITHOUT THE COLOUR OF THE SKIN WE SPIRITS ARE VERY POWERFULL , WE SHOULD ALL COME TOGETHER AS ONE LOVE ,HAS DID THE 20TH CENTURY PROPHET BOB MARLEY SAID IN HIS MUSIC, A MAN WHO INSPIRES I, AND MY CHILDREN ,IN OUR EVERYDAY LIFE, AND WILL ,TO THE TIME COMES TO SIT WITH OUR FAADA IN A DREAMLAND SO FAR AWAY,SELAH". THANKYOU ZOLTAN OF DONCASTER

A very informative book with great stories and history
I consider this one of the best books I have ever written. The Kebra Nagast tells us the biblical background of the Rastafari culture and faith. When I read this book , I was very moved by it and it taught me many things about the Rasta beliefs. It contains great tales of wisdom by Rastas and information of what the Rastas believe in. This book contains information passed down from many generations. I strongly recommend this book to any Rasta or person who is intersted in the Rastafari faith.