Hamtramck Haunts describes coming of age in a working class family of Polish immigrants; bent on making a living in America. Hamtramck was a bustling city of 50;000 in the 1930s; completely surrounded by Detroit and still is. The personal history gives a picture of neighborhood activities where the parish church and school preserved some of the culture of village life in eastern Europe; and other community institutions aided in acculturation. Coping with illness; tragedy; and heartbreak was not a deterrent to education; a career; and a fulfilling marriage.
#658375 in Books Vintage 2007-10-09 2007-10-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.97 x .68 x 5.18l; .74 #File Name: 1400032636352 pages
Review
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful. Lincoln as Orator and AuthorBy Willis G. RegierLincoln was a great writer but his handwriting was awful. With meticulous attention to Lincoln's handwritten drafts and his corrections on printers' proofsheets; Douglas Wilson reassesses just how great a writer Lincoln was.As a documentary scholar; Wilson cannot be surpassed: he properly acknowledges prior scholars who celebrated the high quality of Lincoln's prose--Jacques Barzun and Don Fehrenbacher; among others. Wilson examines not only Lincoln's own papers; but also relevant correspondence; news reports; and testimony. Lincoln sometimes showed drafts to colleagues; friends; and secretaries; then revised to respond to their criticisms.Wilson takes care to distinguish Lincoln's public oratory from the printed records of it; and shows how--in case after case--Lincoln was sensitive to and took advantage of differences in media. Lincoln knew when his writing should be formal or folksy; terse or expansive; tacit or explicit; congenial or hortatory. No less important; he knew how to seize an opportunity and when to create one. Modern presidents rely on television to reach the citizenry; Lincoln wrote highly influential editorials and public letters. He wrote his own speeches. Then he rewrote them.Wilson shows that Lincoln was a relentless reviser. No matter how well he spoke and how well a speech was received; he would guide it into print with alterations to make it work as well on the page as possible. Wilson probes whether the Gettysburg Address that millions have memorized is what Lincoln actually said.Wilson does not ask us to take him on faith: he includes facsimile reproductions of many key documents as evidence of Lincoln's attentive labor. Readers can see the cross-outs; scribbles; and additions for themselves.Finally; Wilson reminds us of the immense literary work--reading; writing; and revising--that Lincoln did in the course of his presidency. Getting the general sense across was not enough for Lincoln: he sought precision. For any parent or educator who wishes proof of the importance of good writing for good judgment and good effect; there are few better examples than the Lincoln shown here.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great Holiday Gift!By Barbara L. DeanThis book was a gift for our boss who is a Lincolnphile; and we were hard pressed to find a book that he had not read - this was it! He has already told us how much he is enjoying it; and it was timely after he had seen "Lincoln;" the movie. This rekindled his interest; so when we paired it with Lincoln's writings from 1859-1865; it was a perfect set. I also want to compliment brookebooks for their timely delivery of the book; It was in mint condition and saved me a trip to a Chicago-based Lincoln book store. I give this the highest rating on all factors.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. If you enjoy Lincoln; get this bookBy Darrin AndersonIf you enjoy Lincoln; get this book. It has all facts about Lincoln; and his time writing. Great for Lincoln lovers and those who want to know more about Lincoln. Delves deep into his past to shots why Lincoln is Lincoln.
