Think you know the Civil War?You don't know the full story until you read The Politically Incorrect GuideTM to the Civil War Bestselling author and former Conservative Book Club editor H. W. Crocker III offers a quick and lively study of America's own Iliad--the Civil War--in this provocative and entertaining addition to The Politically Incorrect GuideTM series. In The Politically Incorrect GuideTM to the Civil War Crocker profiles eminent--and colorful--military generals including the noble Lee; the controversial Sherman; the indefatigable Grant; the legendary Stonewall Jackson; and the notorious Nathan Bedford Forrest. He also includes thought-provoking chapters such as "The Civil War in Sixteen Battles You Should Know" and the most devastatingly politically incorrect chapter of all; "What If the South Had Won?" Along the way; he reveals a huge number of little-known truths; including why Robert E. Lee had a higher regard for African Americans than Lincoln did; how; if there had been no Civil War; the South would have abolished slavery peaceably (as every other country in the Western Hemisphere did in the nineteenth century); and how the Confederate States of America might have helped the Allies win World War I sooner. Bet your history professor never told you:* Leading Northern generals--like McClellan and Sherman--hated abolitionists* Bombing people "back to the Stone Age" got its start with the Federal siege of Vicksburg* General Sherman professed not to know which was "the greater evil": slavery or democracy* Stonewall Jackson founded a Sunday school for slaves where he taught them how to read* General James Longstreet fought the Battle of Sharpsburg in his carpet slippers This is the Politically Incorrect GuideTM that every Civil War buff and Southern partisan--and everyone who is tired of liberal self-hatred that vilifies America's greatest heroes--must have on his bookshelf.
#4844 in Books HarperCollins Christian Pub. 2011-08 2011-08-29Format: UnabridgedOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x 1.61 x 5.98l; 1.55 #File Name: 1595552464624 pagesThomas Nelson Publishers
Review
1071 of 1103 people found the following review helpful. Excellent BiographyBy Nowhere TribuneOn the morning of April 9; 1945; German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed at Flossenburg concentration camp. The camp doctor; H. Fischer-Hullstrung; later remembered:[Just before the execution] "I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer kneeling on the floor; praying fervently to God...so certain that God heard his prayer...I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God."Others testified that; up to his last day; the 39 year old Bonhoeffer remained cheerful. He knew what he had to do; was reconciled to God's will; and was able to climb the steps to the gallows "brave and composed."Who was this man who died so bravely--who Hitler himself; from his bunker beneath Berlin just three weeks before his suicide; ordered to be "destroyed?" He's the subject of best-selling author Eric Metaxas's new biography; "Bonhoeffer: Pastor; Martyr; Prophet; Spy."Shortly after his conversion in 1988; Metaxas read Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship and learned the story of the young man who; "because of his Christian faith stood up to the Nazis and ultimately gave his life." From then on; he was determined to tell the story to others. And tell it he has.Metaxas takes readers; in 592 pages; through Bonhoeffer's entire life; from his parent's courtship to his memorial service. No corner of the subject's life is left unexplored. Through the author's use of Bonhoeffer's personal letters to family and friends; earlier biographies; interviews with those who knew Bonhoeffer; and other thorough research; readers get a comprehensive and balanced look into one of recent history's greatest theologians.Appropriately; Metaxas emphasizes Bonhoeffer's theology and how it played out in his life. In contrast to "cheap grace;" Bonhoeffer believed that true grace influences all aspects of a Christian's life. Christianity is more than formal religion; and it requires believers to be willing to sacrifice everything to God. Christianity is also more than legalistic morality. Ethics; according to Bonhoeffer; can't be reduced to a set of rules. These beliefs are what led this humble and devout follower of Christ to be involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler.How Christianity and assassination plots can be reconciled is hard for many to fathom--especially those who have lived only in peace and safety. We must consider Bonhoeffer in the context of his life; his country; and the war that he had no choice but to be a part of. Ethics; once so clear; become unclear. Do we lie to the Nazis; or do we give them information that leads to the deaths of innocents? Do we obey our nation's laws; or do we defy them by leading Jews into safety? Do we fight in Hitler's army; or do we refuse; knowing that we will be beheaded and leave our family destitute? These are some of the questions Bonhoeffer faced.But readers can sympathize with Bonhoeffer. Metaxas masterfully puts us in his world. We celebrate with him in his family's parlor. We study with him in his illegal seminary. We watch with him as his world unravels. And we see him agonize over decisions; decisions that are not so clear; and decisions that he often had to make without the support of others.Metaxas's "Bonhoeffer" will be one of the best books of the year. I've learned; as expected; much about the life of a great and inspiring Christian. But I've also learned about the world; sin and evil; what it really means to be a Christian; and what it really means to live. There are a few books that; years after I have read them; I realize have had a great influence on me. This will be one of them. You can't go wrong with this book; I give it my highest recommendation.I received a free review copy of this book through the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Couldn't finish itBy Larry FoxI was overwhelmed by the historical detail; much of which amounted to trivia. I’m glad so many people enjoyed the book; but I couldn’t finish it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Too MuchBy 4crittersI was not prepared for so many letters to be quoted. I didn't feel they added to the discussion. I read for the historical content and how Bonhoeffer dealt with those events. The events of his last days are inspiring.
