From one of our most distinguished historians comes a groundbreaking new examination of the myths and realities of the period after the Civil War.Drawing on a wide range of long-neglected documents; Eric Foner places a new emphasis on black experiences and roles during the era. We see African Americans as active agents in overthrowing slavery; in shaping Reconstruction; and creating a legacy long obscured and misunderstood. He compellingly refutes long-standing misconceptions of Reconstruction; and shows how the failures of the time sowed the seeds of the Civil Rights struggles of the 1950s and 60s. Richly illustrated and movingly written; this is an illuminating and essential addition to our understanding of this momentous era.
#205297 in Books Fenn Elizabeth A 2015-03-17 2015-03-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .33 x .5 x 5.53l; 1.00 #File Name: 0374535116480 pagesEncounters at the Heart of the World A History of the Mandan People
Review
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful. The Helpful Mandan's RewardBy Rob PudimThe Mandan helped Lewis and Clark and Sakajawea joined them there. I have read a number of books on the Native Americans and this is the first on a tribe of farmers and traders. It is a refreshing change from reading about fighters and raiders. The scholarship is superb and it is obvious Elizabeth Fenn spent time there. Of course; it is sad; too; because disease acquired from the whites who they helped so much pretty much wiped them out. For anyone interested in Native American culture this is a book they should have on their library shelf.22 of 23 people found the following review helpful. Elizabeth Fenn is a brilliant and talented writerBy Janet Red FeatherElizabeth Fenn is a brilliant and talented writer. She makes history come alive. She has respect for and spiritual insight into the lives of the Nueta; the Mandan. Every sentence is lovingly crafted. What a joy to read a work where every phrase offers a unique image and not a single word is wasted. Other than Bowers' book; Professor Fenn's seminal work is the definitive contemporary treatise on the history and life ways of the Mandan people. You will love this book!4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Overlooked HistoryBy MDCRABGUYWith minimal documents or artifacts Elizabeth Fenn has written a compelling history of the Madan Indians. Through Mandan interaction with other tribes the book also includes insight portion to the life of the Cheyenne; Sioux; Lakota; and other Plains Indians. The main focus is their agrarian lifestyle; and conducting trade with other tribes. The book presents little known discussed information; and breaks down misconceptions of Indian lifestyle.The Mandan raised a sufficient amount of corn; tobacco; and vegetable for trade. Migratory Plains tribes visited Mandan villages to exchange buffalo meat and hide for agriculture products the Mandan raised. Fenn argues that this trade enabled the tribes to maintain a balanced diet. The Mandan also interacted and traded with the French; British; Americans; and to a very limited degree the Spanish.Each chapter focuses on a particular aspect of Mandan life; housing; raising crops; peace and warfare; introduction of horses; disease etc. within each chapter events are presented in chronological order constructing a full view perspective of their lifestyle; and events that impacted the tribe.Life changed for the Mandan when they were first stricken by smallpox in 1791. The Mandan comprised approximately 13 clans after the plague there were seven. An outbreak of smallpox in 1837 decimated the tribe closing the book.My issue with this book is first Fenn injects her own personal narrative in the early chapters which has no pertinence to her topic. It would have been more appropriate to include these musings in the introduction. Unfortunately there is little historical record to draw from causing the content to be somewhat dry; but also wanting me to know more.Encounters at the Heart of the World needs to be applauded for its contribution for a history that is seldom discussed.
