African American women in the early-twentieth century made significant contributions toward the development of a black feminist tradition; were at the forefront of black nationalism; and challenged the apparent dichotomy between black nationalism and integrationism. Kate Dossett examines the political thought and cultural production of prominent black women leaders in the years between the founding of the National Association of Colored Women in 1896 and the National Council of Negro Women in 1935.
#169807 in Books Roger Crowley 2015-12-01 2015-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.56 x 1.47 x 6.44l; 1.53 #File Name: 0812994000400 pagesConquerors How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire
Review
56 of 57 people found the following review helpful. There are many histories of this but Crowley brings it alive; particularly the remarkable career of Afonso de Albuquerque.By lyndonbrechtThe Portuguese maritime empire has been written about many times; but many of the histories are academic or just not much read. Crowley's book may remedy that; for two reasons. One; he has a large following from previous books and two; this is a rollicking; gory and fascinating tale. Warning: these Portuguese are wonderful soldiers but they are overbearing; and often vicious; in breaking into the Indian Ocean world almost like Vandals breaking into the Roman world.It's not really the Portuguese empire; which lasted until Goa was taken over by India in the 1960s. It tells the story of early Portuguese exploration; the fist few ventures to India and then the book is largely concerned with the quite remarkable career of Afonso de Albuquerque; whose steely determination and ruthlessness (some of his method was simply inflicting terror) was primarily responsible for the consolidation of the empire. Albuquerque conquered Goa; Malacca and Ormuz; with Goa being most important.There's a lot of background information as well; on trade; navigating the monsoons; the effective rule of two Portuguese kings; the royal dream of destroying Islam and taking back Jerusalem; the accidental discovery of Brazil; the Egyptian Mamluks and more. Look at a map of the Red Sea; and see where Mecca and Medina are; the Portuguese knocked at the door of the Red Sea and threatened those holy cities. The Mamluks mounted a naval expedition to India; another quite remarkable story well told in this book. In the background; the gathering storm of the Ottomans ominously arises--they took Egypt just after the years in which this book closes (with Albuquerque's death); and would soon after prove to be powerful enemies; mounting naval challenges as far as India.Crowley has a gift for making the historical personage into a living character; even with all the warts and flaws. Albuquerque and his king come through quite powerfully; but so do dozens of more minor players. The Portuguese come through as ruthless; proud; judgment often clouded by honor; extremely formidable soldiers and extremely fractious; and sometimes quite murderous. Their most formidable enemies were Muslim; and the wars take on the characteristics of Crusade. Crowley also describes at length the arduous and often deadly voyages from Portugal to India and back--the ocean killed more Portuguese than the Muslims did. The men (mostly men) aboard ranged from aristocrats of ancient family to scum culled from jails.There are other situations. The horse trade from Ormuz to India; for example; or the Ethiopian emperor; about to be wiped out by Muslim forces from the Horn of Africa--that is a somewhat later story but a few hundred Portuguese stiffened the Ethiopians and helped them survive; a story I'd love to see Crowley undertake.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A review by SarrailBy Sat railAn excellent; popular history of the Portuguese exploration; conquest; and exploitation of the Indian Ocean region from 1498 to 1550. A well-written and enlightening work. Do not expect an academic history; this book is for the average; interested reader. All in all; a good read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must and fun read: better than a season of Game of Thrones!!!By Paul Chihara; UCLA Visual Media FounderWhat an important; and almost unknown epic of history and discovery! And an incredibly prophetic vision of our contemporary world of East West conflict: religious; military; economic. It is also a fun read; written with the pacing and drama of a novel; while never losing its historic accuracy and perspective.
