The last quarter of the twentieth-century saw a renewed interest in the hammered dulcimer in the United States at the grassroots level as well as from elements of the Folk Revival. This book offers the reader a discussion of the medieval origins of the dulcimer and its subsequent spread under many different names to other parts of the world. Drawing on articles the author has written in English as well as articles by specialists in their own languages; Gifford explains the history and evolution of the instrument. Special attention is paid to the North American tradition from the early 18th-century to the 1970s revival. Drawing from local histories; news clippings; photographs; and interviews; the book examines the playing of the dulcimer and its associated social meanings.
#1798555 in Books 2015-11-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .80 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 0809334569288 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful and authentic historyBy Derrell SweemDividing the Union goes into great detail about the twists and turns which led to the approval of the Missouri Compromise by Congress. Along the way the book also enlightens the reader about the complexities of our nation’s expansion into the wilderness of Ohio; Indiana; Illinois and Missouri and how those territories developed and became states. The book shines a light on slavery; the problems of which were not confined to the South; on our inescapable conflicts with Indians; and on the establishment of law and order in the new territories. It also details the little known political shenanigans by which our Congress works; making the reader realize that crafting legislation has never been easy and in many ways was even more difficult and challenging in the past than it is today. The author utilizes the life of a little known politician of the day to argue that compromise requires a set of political skills and a certain political temperament. The book is based on exhaustive research of the time period and is an invaluable resource for serious historians; at the same time; it is written with such clarity that it can be enjoyed by the average reader.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Gem of HistoryBy lakeloverMatt Hall's Dividing the Union is a thoroughly researched and sensitively written account of Jesse Burgess Thomas and his pivotal role in making the Missouri Compromise.Hall provides a quiet; thoughtful analysis supported by facts with an emphasis on the people and their changing relations with one another as well as the politics of a fledgling nation as it comes to terms with the divisive issues of slavery and western expansion. His style is fresh and succinct with a human touch while he provides fact-based insights into the significance of events at their time and over time.Dividing the Union holds particular appeal for readers with a serious interest in American history during the formative early 19th Century.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Slavery wasn't only a Southern practice...By CustomerFascinating politics and social history of the widespread divided views on the extension of slavery in the first third of the 19th century. Shows how compromise can happen! Very well researched...
