Eyewitness accounts of the American Civil War; told through the viewpoints of a Confederate husband and wife. Providing a unique perspective on the American Civil War; this book weaves together the diaries of Lt. Col. John Withers; an Assistant Adjutant General for Jefferson Davis; and his wife; Anita Dwyer Withers. Reports of battles fought meld with domestic life in these journals; creating a multi-dimensional picture of the Withers’ lives together during the “War Between the States.†Jointly; their diaries encompass the entire length of the Civil War; from May 1860 – September 1865. A West Point graduate; John Withers served as an officer in the U.S. Army. Anita Dwyer Withers was the daughter of a distinguished citizen of San Antonio; Texas. In September 1860; Withers was ordered to Washington; D.C.; and assigned duty as an Assistant in the Adjutant-General's office. As Anita was very close to her family in Texas; she was deeply troubled by the move. She wrote; “I regret it mightily.†In Washington; John served under General Samuel Cooper’s command until March; 1861; when he resigned his commission in the U.S. Army and came south to join the Confederate cause. Because of the nature of his job in the Confederate capitol of Richmond; Lt. Col. Withers and his wife were closely acquainted with many of the notable figures of Civil War history; including Jefferson Davis; his wife; Varina Davis; and the Secretary of War. John and Anita recorded Civil War events as they happened; including the Seven Days Battles. Each also wrote of the more personal aspects of their lives; such as Anita’s near fatal illness and the agony of their young son’s death. Lt. Col. John Withers and Anita were ordinary people living in extraordinary times. Their story is timeless; and well worth being remembered.
#1336014 in Books Abdelhamid 2008-05-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .46 x 5.50l; .65 #File Name: 0981547109201 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Still RelevantBy C. PhillipsDr. Hamid's book was written and published more than six years ago yet is still just as relevant in present day. It helped me sift through much of what has been put forth by various news outlets but which never quite rang true. I would strongly recommend this to anyone; whether or not you believe yourself to have a clear understanding of Islam. As Hamid explains it; there are nuances involved that are unique to the religion (and its history) which make it near impossible to draw direct parallels to Christianity or Judaism.Part of what motivated me to read this was the year and a half I spent living in a small town in the UK where there was a large Muslim community (typically referred to locally as Asian); and the overall impression I got that assimilation with British culture was something many people in these communities awkwardly resisted. Tension between Asians and British whites was often noticeable; though I never witnessed any violence. Overall; it was an odd experience for me being that I've spent most of my life in southern California; USA; and have become accustomed to pretty vast ethnic and cultural diversity. I confess I also returned to the states with a mostly vague; homogenized understanding of mainstream Islam and little to no idea of what a true "moderate Muslim" is. This book helped give context to ALL of that. Dr. Hamid also helps clear up any potentially lingering questions the reader might have as to why 9/11 happened in the first place.It's worth noting that although the subject matter is indeed disturbing; there was nothing that came across as sensationalized in Hamid's writing. In fact it may actually be the most even handed; down to earth critique of Radical Islam to date; and thanks to his chapter on ideas for reform it also provided a sense of hope as well. The passages I found especially helpful and eye opening were the author's account and description of his own indoctrination; and the comparison he drew between the violent teachings in mainstream Islamic texts and cancerous cells in the human body (leave it to an M.D.!). What I would love to see is a reissue with some type of updated passage from the author that addresses various events since its original publication; but in the meantime I see no reason for any curious reader NOT to dive in sooner rather than later. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Read this book!By Adolph EvangelistaThis book is very good at explaining the why; and how; of the importance of the history of Islam and Sharia Law and their relationship to current radical Islam. The implication of the book is that the current U.S. policy; derived from the belief that the terrorists' actions are not Islamic; will not work-no matter how many individual Jihadists-or even groups of Islamists-are killed.This is because the Jihadists are; in fact; historically Islamic. Their actions reflect a purpose that is not new. It is the Islam of the 8th-15th centuries: They are spreading Islam to the rest of the world by the sword. This is why they feel righteous in murdering; not just Christians and Jews; but other Muslims; as well (so-called “apostatesâ€; homosexuals; and others).It is in this sense that they are seen; by idealistic young Muslim men and women; as heroic; and even saintly; followers of true Islam. The fact that they control land; and have declared the so-called “Caliphateâ€; gives them; they (and their followers) believe; the authority to demand the allegiance and support of every Muslim-and; if you don’t give that allegiance and support; you’re an apostate-and subject to be killed.It’s a pretty frightening story; but there is hope for change. Unfortunately; that change cannot come from outside Islam. Bombs will not do it! It has to come from within Islam itself; and that’s the trick.Read this book!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. On the Mark!By Laurie M CoreyThe books were for my husband and the following remarks are his; though I do agree with him wholeheartedly." I found Dr. Hamid's book to be the most knowledgeable; informative and honest evaluation and analysis of "lesser" Jihad and its justification in the Qur'an; Haddith; and biographical narrative of Muhammad. Dr. Hamid demonstrates for all doubters that Jihad is Mainstream. It is so right on the mark that my wife and I have purchased a dozen copies between us to "gift" to others with one proviso: They must share what they learn." Lance Corey
