austraLasia #1879

Don Bosco's formative years in historical context: vol 1 now available

ROME: 16th June 2007 -- It was reported in #1868 that Fr Arthur Lenti's monumental collection of work on the theme of 'Don Bosco's formative years in historical context' should begin to see the light of day in September-October.  In fact the first of seven volumes under this title (Don Bosco:History and Spirit), was published this week. The remaining six will be published between now and the end of December 2008.
    Apart from the constant efforts over many years of the author, Arthur J Lenti SDB in researching, presenting and eventually re-writing this material for the purposes of publication, much credit goes to Fr Aldo Giraudo of the Institute of Spirituality at the UPS, for the preparation of the text for publication by LAS, Rome.  A second volume, Birth and Early Development of Don Bosco's Oratory, is now being proofread and should see publication soon.
    The initiative was taken as part of the overall desire, especially by the current Rector Major Fr Chavez, to see that Salesian Studies becomes a major focus of the Congregation, and given the paucity of textual material in English, yet the wide demand for material in this language in the Congregation.  The aim is to furnish a complete and solid set of materials for Salesian teachers and students but also for other members of the Salesian Family, for use especially in courses on Salesianity, focusing in particular on a knowledge and understanding of Don Bosco.
    This latest volume is indeed solid, well produced in every sense, all ca. 500 pages of it!  And it is one of seven such volumes, remember!  Since it was originally written in English, it suffers none of the difficulties usually associated with translation - Arthur has himself translated many original texts included in appendices to chapters, and done this with much care.  The whole has been masterfully edited by Aldo Giraudo.
    Distribution of the books will follow two criteria: the first relative to 'the West' (Europe, North America, Australia-Oceania) with a price established according to the publishing market today - around €30. Distribution for this group is LAS itself (http://las.ups.urbe.it or email las@unisal.it). The ISBN number, incidentally, is 88-213-0645-3.  The second is in reference to Asia and Africa with a price (not yet formalised) which fits in with local economic standards.  LAS has distributed books for this purpose at a reduced cost to Bangalore (cf the relevant news item in ANS recently) for further distribution to these areas.
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