2 comments about Horace Greeley: Champion of American Freedom.

1. Robert C. Williams' "Horace Greeley" is an engaging and very readable historical narrative that is as much about the times and tribulations of mid-nineteenth century America as it is about its underappreciated subject, Horace Greeley. This book will appeal to anyone interested in pre-Civil War America. The decades culminating in the Civil War were extremely turbulent as the nation searched its soul for a consensus on the vaguely- defined "freedoms" promised by our Founding Fathers. Greeley was in the thick of this volatile political and moral debate, earnestly seeking ways to avoid the coming "irrepressible conflict."
   
   Horace Greeley was a kind of 19th century "zelig," an opinion-leader who played an influential role in virtually every political and social movement of the mid-1800s. But Greeley was more than a bit player to the leading actors of his day. He was a bold and innovative journalist who molded the modern newspaper. While considered one of the founders of the Republican Party and a political kingmaker, he ran for president against Grant in 1872 in perhaps one of the most unusual and fascinating presidential elections in American history.
   
   The author deserves high praise for debunking many myths surrounding Greeley's alleged eccentricities, stereotypes that often originated from the distortions of his mudslinging rivals. The author's dispassionate analysis, rooted in a deep understanding of the political and social crosscurrents of the era, succeeds in putting Greeley's seemingly contradictory stances and actions in an understandable context.
   
   This is a very accessible and enjoyable read, betraying none of the dry or plodding style of some specialized history. The author's depth of knowledge and scrupulous research is evident on every page.



2. A fine life of a fascinating and, it seems, often infuriating man. It has fitted in with many of the good American history books I have been enjoying of late.It is well worth any reader's attention- though I find the author at times at little too determined to drive his points home- one gets them the first time!

2 comments about Inventing America: The Life of Benjamin Franklin.

1. I love this item! I purchased it 2 years ago, for personal enrichment.It was such an enlightening read!I wish I had this in High School, perhaps I would have enjoyed American History more! My sister is a school teacher, and I gave her a copy as a gift last week, and she just loves it as well, and is looking forward to using it as a supplement in class, during "history week"!!! Nice investment for you, or for the teacher in your life!!!



2. The removable sketches, letters and historical documents add a wonderful touch to a delightful book. We have over a 100 history books in our personal library for the kids and this one is at the top of good ones.

5 comments about "An Honorable Profession": A Tribute to Robert F. Kennedy.

1. This beautifully written biography of the late Senator Robert Kennedy does an excellent job of focusing on not only the man's career, but the issues and questions he was confronted with, such as civil rights, poverty and the disenfranchised citizens.

   Robert Kennedy had a very impressive resume -- father of 11, an undergraduate degree from Harvard, a law degree from University of Virginia, attorney, Attorney General, Senator and lastly, presidential candidate for the 1968 election.

   This was a man who apparently set high standards for himself throughout his life. The seventh of 9 children, he fought to prove himself among his siblings. As a boy, he strove to develop his physical prowess. One can smile at the young Bobby, then 4 trying to teach himself to swim despite his older brothers' chagrin. The same small boy who kept jumping in deep water would, 35 years later climb a previously unscaled mountain. Robert Kennedy, by then a senator suffered from acrophobia his entire life, yet pushed himself to climb that mountain. In March of 1965 he would table his fear and, with veteran mountain climbers Jim Whittaker and Barry Prather (both of whom had scaled Mt. Everest in 1963) ascend Mt. Kennedy in Canada. He climbed that mountain out of love for his slain brother, the late President. This particular event is inspirational; this man faced his biggest fear and acted out of love.

   As a boy, Robert Kennedy grappled with a mild form of dyslexia. Although by all accounts he learned to read within normal limits and was certainly an intelligent man, he learned early to combine his intelligence with diligence and very hard work. In adult life he would seek solace in classic literature; by 1964 he was able to quote long passages by authors such as Camus and Aeschylus by heart. The title of this book is a nod to the Senator's love of classic literature; "An Honorable Profession" is from "The 39 Steps" by Lord Tweedsmuir.

   Diligence appeared to be the core Robert Kennedy; the man who drilled himself in academic pursuits was the man who would also set high standards for himself throughout his professional/political career. In reading this work one cannot help drawing the conclusion that Robert Kennedy was at core a good man and a sincere man and a man who would stop at nothing to accomplish all tasks he had set for himself. His daughter Kerry Kennedy Cuomo's input provides some enlightening insights into the characteristics of this complex, often driven man.

   In reading this work as with many on Robert Kennedy, one can readily draw the conclusion that this man genuinely cared about people; his work with and for civil rights certainly attests to his deep level of empathy. He appeared to move and blend with equal ease among all people. Robert Kennedy could easily be described as the man for everybody. He was certainly a strong voice and considered by many to be the advocate for all.

   In 1968 Robert Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles, California. His loss leaves the questions open today of what he would have accomplished had he lived to win the 1968 election.




2. There are beautiful poems, touching stories, and inspirational words in this book. I learned a lot about the good and decent man and his course. I sensed the feelings and spirits of so many Americans at that troubled time. There has never been a book of tributes after reading which I have been filled with so many hopes, though so sad at the same time... Robert F. Kennedy died in the course of the honorable profession, but he did not die in vain. His course made the profession an HONORABLE one, and made people believe that we can do better, and that we can also make our profession honorable.



3. "An Honorable Profession" : A Tribute to Robert F. Kennedy, is one of the best memorial book of rfk, there are a lot of picture and some newspapers article.
   the texts are good and interesting, it is never boring.
   I recommend it to all rfk admires



4. It's amazing how a young man (THAT'S WHAT HE WAS WHEN HE DIED) who came from the most wealthiest of surroundings can relate to people from all fronts and walks of life, who could walk to the strongest and hardest of ghettos across this land amongst people less fortunate than he and with sincerity and fearlessness & yet still have an immediate connection with people on the other side of the fence (UPPER MIDDLE CLASS, WEALTHY) Robert Francis Kennedy was perhaps the last white man/ politician who the trust, respect, and effection of the entire human population (with the exception of BIll CLINTON) that's why you can a feel the dispair and sense of loss that people felt when he was murdered. "AN HONRABLE PROFESSION" is more than just a tribute to a man who was coming into his own but it is a tribute to the best and grestest sides of the Human Spirit,.



5. This Book is a must read for all who Loved Kennedy.What a great man and Father.Its great reading.

5 comments about The Unexpected George Washington: His Private Life.

1. Disappointing summary of already-known Washingtoniana. Nothing "unexpected" here at all. Not a full-fledged biography, so of little use to someone looking for an introduction or overview, and nothing to contribute for someone who is already fairly well-versed in GW's life and times.



2. I was anticipating this book as a great summary of the little-known George Washington. As an arm-chair Washington historian I try to read everything I can find to hopefully discover new information, but I've heard many of the things in this book. This book said it was going to discuss the personal and private Washington, yet it was disappointing in that it did not address both slavery and religion in depth; these were only mentioned. What I did discover is some information about the many neices and nephews Washington took care of, and I liked the way the author included many excerpts from letters. I felt like I got to know a little more about the Lafayette/Washington friendship too. Overall, this is a good review and would be a good introduction to the private man for new Washington admirers. ***/*****



3. This is truly a geat book. The title tells so little about what is in store for the reader. These are the kind of stories that should be told to children so that they would REALLY get to know who this great man was. I am glad that I saw this author on C-Span 2.



4. I purchased this book as a birthday gift for a friend who is a major George Washington fan, since I had previously read it and found it to be absolutely fascinating. Most books about him ignore the personal aspects of his life which are featured here and help understand him as a man rather than as a painting or a statue.



5. I loved this book. I have always liked Washington, but after reading this biography, I can honestly say he is one of my favorite people. I can hardly wait to visit Mt. Vernon.

1 comments about Personal Writings Of Eliza Roxcy Snow (Life Writings Frontier Women).

1. This book is a transcription of several of the dairies and journals of the Zion’s Poetess, Eliza R. Snow. She was a plural wife of Joseph Smith, and later headed up the Female Relief Society once Brigham Young and the Saints reached the Great Basin, in Utah. This transcription follow the pattern laid down by “Personal Writings of Joseph Smith,” “Papers of Joseph Smith,” and “Words of Joseph Smith.” Eliza had such a broad and eternal mind, so it is fitting that we have a book devoted to her writings.

   I found Eliza’s trail diary to be the best book. The trail diary covers Eliza’s 111-day pioneer journey across the plains. It records some of the experiences she had along the way, not only being a ministering angel to the sick sisters, but several profound spiritual experiences she had.

   This book is a must for anyone into the original documents. The only problem I have is the price. I thought that University Presses were supposed to provide cheap books! Sheesh!

   Eliza Roxcy Snow Smith was a Wonder Woman. She is one of the greatest women, no only in Momondom, but in American history, and even the world. He greatness is due to her unusual talents. She is an incredible poet, but an incredible woman to boot. She was, in a sense, the female prophet, much like ward-level Relief Society presidents are sometimes called the “Lady Bishops.”

3 comments about Margin Of Hope: An Intellectual Autobiography.

1. Though my own inclinations, politically speaking, trend toward the right, I have nevertheless been impressed by the writings of Irving Howe, a socialist who denounced Stalinism, rejected much of the radicalism of the new left, and stayed true to his literary commitments. In short, Howe was a leftist who did not lose his capacity for self criticism. This memoir is a thoughtful look at his life and his relationships with a great many intellectuals of his time, mainly leftists or reformed communists. As the founder of Dissent magazine, Howe is a major force in the history of American letters. And though I still find his ideas on socialism left rather vague (to create a more just society? How, and what, would that be?)he is nevertheless one of the few leftist voices that does not seek to destroy tradition and the past in the name of constructing impossible utopian visions. He also does not have the knee jerk anti-Americanism so prevalent among his successors on the left. His memoir will take readers through his years as a student in New York and an emerging literary power in the world of New York intellectuals. He touches on writers such as Edmund Wilson, Alfred Kazin, Lionel Trilling (and many others), not to mention the editors at Partisan Review, for whom he wrote at one time. An interesting read.



2. Irving Howe was a man of many accomplishments. He is perhaps best known for his political writing, his founding of Dissent magazine his championing of a Socialism which did not degenerate into radical hatred of the West and of America. For close to forty years he was at the intellectual center of American life. He was also a great Yiddishist one of the main people in presenting the Jewish secular writing of Eastern Europe to the world. And he was a skilled literary critic , a man of broad knowledge and careful judgment whose special understanding was the realm where politics and literature interconnected. As a writer he was clear and competent. This autobiography it seems to me has very much the flavor of his general critical writing. It seems to me it lacks a deeper dimension of confessional feeling that the greatest autobiographies have. But it is a very workmanlike, responsible piece of craftsmanship.



3. This is a superb work examining post-war ideology and political and social thought in the United States. Howe writes with authority as someone who not only watched Socialism evolve and ultimately decline, he also offers a marvellous vantage point for those of us who are fascinated by the rise and fall of American liberalism. You can understand how events both foreign and domestic altered the thinking of so many members of the "New York School" who remain salient and even sagacious voices in modern America: Daniel Bell, Nathan Glazer, Irving Kristol among others. Howe takes you through conversations with Lionel Trilling and Hannah Arendt and you feel as you "listen" that these giants of post-war thought are just a little more human and familiar. In my opinion, that is a gift. There is also a wonderful moment where Howe speaks of discovering the fictional work of Isaac Bashevis Singer while editing a Yiddish literary anthology in the early 1950's. What a discovery! If you have not read either Singer's novels or stories, do!
   
   If you are an aspiring academic or life-long student, Howe's peregrinations through the university environment are thought provoking and his engagement with the New Left vanguard in the 1960's expresses the cultural and intellectual divide between older Leftists (some loyal, some not) and their youthful counterparts. For example, men like Howe found it difficult to relate to the privileged "bourgeoisie" reformism of young lions like Tom Hayden when his own generation had seen first hand the depradations of working poverty. Irving Kristol, notably, has written about how poverty inspired he and his comrades to work harder to pursue and receive the blessings of the system. Kristol has noted, as has Glazer, that their generation saw opportunity in the American business and intellectual communities and pursued it finding redemption in the ability to work toward success. This is borne out by Howe who observes the transition from ther pre-WWII anti-Semitism in higher education toward the more egalitarian epoch that began in the early 1950's.
   
   This is engaging dialogue and I say "dialogue" because Howe has a discursive style prompting you to think out loud and to wish (I did) that the professor was still with us to field questions. I would also add that for liberals like myself, this is an excellent tour of what liberal thought in America was and has become. I have often wished that some scholar would do for the Left what Russell Kirk did for conservatives and that is write an authoritative history making our intellectual "tradition" a heritage waiting to be claimed. As far as I have seen, this is one of the best books we have to do just that.
   
   Whether you are a socialist, liberal, progressive, conservative or none of the above, stumble into this book if you've a moment. It is hardly dry but rather crackles with the wit and avuncularity of its author.
   
   Five stars. This book is a rare breed of intellectual autobiography not to be missed for those who want to become more culturally literate.

4 comments about John Philip Sousa: American Phenomenon.

1. This book is by far and away THE book for the life of John Philip Sousa. Mr. Bierly has researched his subject in depth from help with the Sousa family former sousa Band Members and material in the Library of Congress, Masrine Band Archives, Univ. of Illinois and others. If you want to know Sousa, this is the book Joe L. Norcross



2. This is the definitive bio on J. P. Sousa. The author has lovingly researched his topic, gathering in all sorts of details about the legendary March King. It is sad that most Americans are only familiar with a handful of the great mans works. What this book reveals about Sousa is the great variety of music that he composed. Besides 136 excellent marches, he composed operettas, humouresques, and many other kinds of works. Without a doubt Sousa is our most prolific composer, the sheer volume and qaulity of his works far surpassing all other American composers. Yet the vast majortiy of his music is little heard these days. It is true that Sousa's music appealed to an America of a different time. His marches have all the power of an emerging young United States, just entering into the realm of international politics and industrial might at the turn of the century. In these political correct times Sousa's music might be perceived as being too chauvanistically patriotic in outlook. Hopefully in the post 9/11 world that we live in there is room for a revival of his music to bring back some of the nations pride in itself. Mr. Bierley considers the Sousa band is the greatest of its kind in the world. There is more than a little typical American tendency for overstatement here. Certianly in the States in the latter part of the 19th century there were few rivals for Sousa's band. But in Europe many fine military bands already existed and Sousa, though well received on his numerous tours abraod, faced much more critical acclaim. As director of the US Marine Band, Sousa certainly transformed that musical organization into the top-notch band that it is today. In fact, Sousa probably modelled his own band on the Garde Republicanne of Paris, but also any of the British or Prussian Guards bands could have served as inspiration as well. Mr. Bierley has brought together a number of fine photos of Sousa and his band, and highlights the many well known and famous musicians that served within the Sousa Band during its 40 year life-span. The music of J P Sousa evokes a bygone era in the United States. He was instrumental in both introducing and uplifting the music that was performed in this country. We could certainly use his like again as current music standards and tastes have fallen fall below what they were even in Sousa's day. Let us hope for a healthy re-birth of music and someone like Sousa to inspire us musically once more.



3. There seems to be little in the way of information on this amazing composer. The author, an engineer, writes like one: dry, factual, and with lots of padding -- a trait that the March King himself abhorred. However, as with trying to get the sweet meat out of Dungeness crab, there are some tidbits worth fighting for. On the back, I may have found a reference to what I was really seeking: the stories behind Sousa's music. I guess the best I can say is that, despite pedantic and fussy details, I was able to cull the appreciation of a true musical genius and American. I'll keep looking for a book I can enjoy -- perhaps Sousa's own autobiography, if I can find it.



4. This book is very well written with lots of great pictures of Sousa and people involved in this great
   American's life.
   This is a great book.
   
   Highly recommeded.

No comments about Hero of the Republic: The Biography of Triple Medal of Honor Winner, James Madison Cutts, Jr..

4 comments about Hugh Glass.

1. I imagine few lives have contained so many varied life threatening experiences as Hugh Glass', and few more deserving of legendary status. As sailor, reluctant pirate, honorary Pawnee and fur trapper he time and again escapes death from pirates, cannibals, human sacrifice, Indian ambush, grizzly mauling and frozen wilderness. His fending for himself while dragging his torn broken body hundreds of miles after the grizzly mauling being the most miraculous. The author admittedly takes some liberties in creating a narrative that is much more readable than any recitation of the facts could be. But the essence and significant events are all based on well documented facts. It's a very readable telling of an amazing story.



2. Enjoyable read. I have heard so much about Hugh Glass and knew of his name and some of his history, but not the full account. The man was a true man, with all of the colorful past that most Mountain Men had.
   
   I have a deep love of the mountains and part of this comes from reading books, such as this, about the mountains, men, animals and the forces of nature which is wild and will never be tamed.



3. My husband and I enjoyed the story of Hugh Glass. We purchased the book as a result of seeing a program about him on the History Channel. Lots of those same things were in the book plus lots more. I feel the author took a considerable amount of artistic privilege with some of the items in the book but it was easy to detect the real facts and it all turned out to show that Hugh Glass was an amazingly adventurous, rugged, determined and versatile man. The author lets the reader know that he has taken some artistic license in the writing of the book . My husband and I liked the fact that Hugh Glass was portrayed as a man with a conscience. With all that in mind, I would highly recommend this book.



4. It's a novel.
   
   Don't be fooled (like I was) into believing this is a non-fictional work.
   
   There is not one single footnote a reader can refer to to verify events. Long conversations take place, but only in the mind of the author. Events in the book are in the mind of the author (unless he provides footnotes, and he doesn't) and have no historical value.
   
   This book is fiction.
   
   I recommend that you buy the other book about Hugh Glass.

5 comments about Richard Taylor: Soldier Prince of Dixie.

1. This is a highly readable yet scholarly treatment of an important nineteenth century Southerner. Dick Taylor, son of President Zachary Taylor, was a Yale-educated aristocrat and Louisiana sugar plantation owner when the Civil War broke out. By war's end he was a Lieutenant General. Although he had no pre-war military training, he became one of the Confederacy's most able commanders. Parrish expertly covers Taylor's entire life, but naturally focuses on the Civil War exploits. In addition to being an excellent strategist and tactician, Taylor was colorful, self-confident, oblivious to what others thought of him, and a lifelong practitioner of noblesse oblige. Parrish is clearly enamored of his subject, but this does not stop him from critically examining the contradictions and hypocrisies inherent in Taylor's worldview. The book is free of the anachronisms and politically correct jargon which mar so much recent American historical scholarship.



2. This is a highly readable yet scholarly treatment of an important nineteenth century Southerner. Dick Taylor, son of President Zachary Taylor, was a Yale-educated aristocrat and Louisiana sugar plantation owner when the Civil War broke out. By war's end he was a Lieutenant General. Although he had no pre-war military training, he became one of the Confederacy's most able commanders. Parrish expertly covers Taylor's entire life, but naturally focuses on the Civil War exploits. In addition to being an excellent strategist and tactician, Taylor was colorful, self-confident, oblivious to what others thought of him, and a lifelong practitioner of noblesse oblige. Parrish is clearly enamored of his subject, but this does not stop him from critically examining the contradictions and hypocrisies inherent in Taylor's worldview. The book is free of the anachronisms and politically correct jargon which mar so much recent American historical scholarship.



3. In my humble opinion, Parrish's is one of the best biographies I have ever read. Admittingly, the book is about a fascinating person: the son of a US President and Mexican War Hero who continues his family's military heritage by becoming a Lieutenant General in the Confederate Army without the benefit of a West Point education and becomes power in pre and post Civil War Louisiana. Writing a book about such a person should result in an interesting read!

   Throughout the book, Parrish maintains an excellent balance in presenting Taylor's life, including: early life and pressures as the son of a famous hero, early indifference to formal education, success as a wealthy plantation owner, relationships with slaves, views of slavery, entrance into Louisiana politics, CSA military service eventually leading to the rank of lieutenant general, post Civil War years, and later years. Parrish does an excellent job of covering each area and as a result, the reader learns the many sides of a fascinating character.

   Particularly interesting to me were the descriptions of Taylor's relationships with several noted Civil War personalities: Lee, Davis, Beauregard, Johnston, Jackson, Grant, Sibley, Smith, Forrest, Bragg, and others. With few exceptions, Taylor was able to get along with most of the people he encountered during the war - a rare accomplishment indeed. Parrish does an excellent job or summarizing Taylor's valuable service to the CSA and the book contains excellent maps of the battles Taylor participated in.

   All in all, an excellent and highly recommended read of one of the Civil War's most fascinating personalities!




4. This is the best bio I have read to date of General Taylor, although sometimes one must wonder if Mr. Parrish had much sympathy for his subject, with his sometimes disparaging remarks about Southern patriarchy. Perhaps he was simply trying to be PC on the slavery issue, but this didn't add much to the book for me. Still, serious students of General Taylor's exploits and the Western theater of the war will find this book an excellent resource



5. It is hard to believe that other people have not written about Richard Taylor, but they need not bother now that Parrish has written this book. This book on Taylor is engaging and interesting, but also very scholarly. Although Parrish's writing style can be dry at times, his topic does not allow the book to get mired in details or become boring. Instead, Taylor's life jumps off the pages and Taylor led such a life that we, the reader, get a great overview of pre-Civil War politics, the war in the Trans-Mississippi, and the Reconstruction Era. Normally, I find the pages on the time before and after the war somewhat boring, but this was not the case with this book. The whole book really kept my attention and was very interesting. Thinking back, I really cannot think of any criticisms of this work. Just a good, solid history book.