In Lincoln and the Civil War; Michael Burlingame explores the experiences and qualities that made Abraham Lincoln one of America’s most revered leaders. This volume provides an illuminating overview of the entirety of the Civil War and Lincoln’s administration; focusing on the ways in which Lincoln’s unique combination of psychological maturity; steely determination; and political wisdom made him the North’s secret weapon that ultimately led to supremacy over the Confederacy. When war erupted in 1861; the North—despite its superior economic resources and manpower—was considered the underdog of the conflict. The need to invade the South brought no advantage to the inefficient; poorly led Union Army. In contrast; Southerners’ knowledge of their home terrain; access to railroads; familiarity with firearms; and outdoor lifestyles; along with the presumed support of foreign nations; made victory over the North seem a likely outcome. In the face of such daunting obstacles; only one person could unite disparate Northerners and rally them to victory in the darkest moments of the war: Abraham Lincoln. While Lincoln is often remembered today as one of America’s wisest presidents; he was not always considered so sage. Burlingame demonstrates how; long before the rigors of his presidency and the Civil War began to affect him; Lincoln wrestled with the demons of midlife to ultimately emerge as arguably the most self-aware; humble; and confident leader in American history. This metamorphosis from sarcastic young politician to profound statesman uniquely prepared him for the selfless dedication the war years would demand. Whereas his counterpart; Jefferson Davis; became mired in personal power plays; perceived slights; and dramas; Lincoln rose above personal concerns to always place the preservation of the Union first. Lincoln’s ability; along with his eloquence; political savvy; and grasp of military strategy made him a formidable leader whose honesty and wisdom inspired undying loyalty. In addition to offering fresh perspectives on Lincoln’s complex personality and on the other luminaries of his administration; Lincoln and the Civil War takes readers on a brief but thorough tour of the war itself; from the motivations and events leading to Southern secession and the first shots at Fort Sumter to plans for Reconstruction and Lincoln’s tragic assassination. Throughout the journey; Burlingame demonstrates how Lincoln’s steady hand at the helm navigated the Union through the most perilous events of the war and held together the pieces of an unraveling nation.
#983977 in Books Edward Faulk 2007-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.96 x .38 x 5.52l; .37 #File Name: 0809144417115 pages101 Questions and Answers on Eastern Catholic Churches
Review
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Travel Guide to the Eastern RitesBy Andy MaxwellLike the previous reviewer; I knew very little about the Eastern Rite Catholics. I was aware of their existence; that they are different from the Eastern Orthodox Church; and I had a general (though inadequate) understanding of their relationship to the Vatican. Unfortunately; what little I knew is probably more than what the vast majority of Latin Rite Catholics know about their Eastern Rite brothers and sisters."101 Questions and Answers on the Eastern Catholic Churches" provides the background information to dispell the lack of education on this topic. The book surveys the wide variety of churches; explaining the different permutations from rite to rite; going over their historical development through the centuries; describing the various liturgical practices and theological approach; and dealing with the ecumenical issues.Although I had difficulty with author Edward Faulk's writing style (I sometimes had to read certain passages multiple times to understand exactly what he was saying); the fact that he swings both ways (he is a deacon in both the Latin and Melkite rites) makes him; perhaps; the only person truly qualified to write such a book. Deacon Faulk's wealth of knowledge and experience plus his affection for the subject make this a valuable resource.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE EASTERN CHURCHESBy Steven H ProppAuthor Ed Faulk wrote in the Introduction to this 2007 book; "I'm going to assume that you [the reader] are probably a Latin or Roman Catholic... I'm also going to assume that you have some interest in the Eastern Catholic Churches. Of course; you could be an Eastern Catholic and are looking at this book for information about churches other than your own. There's also the possibility that you are reading this just to see what I have to say... I think this book can address all these issues." (Pg. 3)He explains; "Following the so-called East-West Schism of 1054; the Churches of the East retained the name 'Orthodox'... while the Church of Rome retained the title 'Catholic'... In some cases; parts of various Orthodox Churches grew discontented with their treatment at the hands of other Orthodox or local authorities; and they petitioned Rome for union... which led to a long period of 'Uniatism.' Those Orthodox Churches that returned to communion with the Church of Rome as part of what we now call 'Eastern Catholic Churches.'" (Pg. 5)He points out; "The term 'uniate' was originally applied and is still in use by the orthodox in a negative sense. It refers to the Eastern Catholic Churches who had unified themselves with Rome at the expense of their union with the Orthodox Church. The term more commonly used is 'uniatism;' which was the designation for how the Church of Rome brought portions of the Orthodox Churches into communion. Uniatism has since been determined to be the wrong approach---and wrong term---to seeking reunion with the orthodox and is no longer pursued by the Church of Rome." (Pg. 37-38)About the question of "Why do Eastern Catholic babies get to go to communion;" he says; "Eastern Catholics wonder why Latin Catholic babies aren't allowed to receive communion! The East cannot understand why Latin Catholic babies aren't allowed to receive communion! The East cannot understand why babies are baptized and then not allowed to receive another sacrament until they are seven years old---and then the sacrament they receive---reconciliation (first confession)---is not one of the 'sacraments of initiation;' which are baptism; confirmation/christmation; and Eucharist." (Pg. 71)He observes; "Eastern Catholics... accept the CONCEPT of Purgatory; but explain it a little differently... For Eastern Catholics; there is an understanding that there is a purgation of all that would separate us from God. How this takes place is not defined... In the end; however; the East simply says that those who will be admitted to God's presence will be purged of what remains of their sinfulness." (Pg. 74)This book will be very helpful for anyone wanting to know more about the Eastern Churches.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE EASTERN CHURCHESBy Steven H ProppAuthor Ed Faulk wrote in the Introduction to this 2007 book; "I'm going to assume that you [the reader] are probably a Latin or Roman Catholic... I'm also going to assume that you have some interest in the Eastern Catholic Churches. Of course; you could be an Eastern Catholic and are looking at this book for information about churches other than your own. There's also the possibility that you are reading this just to see what I have to say... I think this book can address all these issues." (Pg. 3)He explains; "Following the so-called East-West Schism of 1054; the Churches of the East retained the name 'Orthodox'... while the Church of Rome retained the title 'Catholic'... In some cases; parts of various Orthodox Churches grew discontented with their treatment at the hands of other Orthodox or local authorities; and they petitioned Rome for union... which led to a long period of 'Uniatism.' Those Orthodox Churches that returned to communion with the Church of Rome as part of what we now call 'Eastern Catholic Churches.'" (Pg. 5)He points out; "The term 'uniate' was originally applied and is still in use by the orthodox in a negative sense. It refers to the Eastern Catholic Churches who had unified themselves with Rome at the expense of their union with the Orthodox Church. The term more commonly used is 'uniatism;' which was the designation for how the Church of Rome brought portions of the Orthodox Churches into communion. Uniatism has since been determined to be the wrong approach---and wrong term---to seeking reunion with the orthodox and is no longer pursued by the Church of Rome." (Pg. 37-38)About the question of "Why do Eastern Catholic babies get to go to communion;" he says; "Eastern Catholics wonder why Latin Catholic babies aren't allowed to receive communion! The East cannot understand why Latin Catholic babies aren't allowed to receive communion! The East cannot understand why babies are baptized and then not allowed to receive another sacrament until they are seven years old---and then the sacrament they receive---reconciliation (first confession)---is not one of the 'sacraments of initiation;' which are baptism; confirmation/christmation; and Eucharist." (Pg. 71)He observes; "Eastern Catholics... accept the CONCEPT of Purgatory; but explain it a little differently... For Eastern Catholics; there is an understanding that there is a purgation of all that would separate us from God. How this takes place is not defined... In the end; however; the East simply says that those who will be admitted to God's presence will be purged of what remains of their sinfulness." (Pg. 74)
