Equal parts cultural history and memoir; God; Dr. Buzzard; and the Bolito Man recounts a traditional way of life--that of the Geechee Indians of Sapelo Island-- that is threatened by change; with stories that speak to our deepest notions of family; community; and a connection to one’s homeland. Cornelia Walker Bailey models herself after the African griot; the tribal storytellers who keep the history of their people. Bailey’s people are the Geechee; whose cultural identity has been largely preserved due to the relative isolation of Sapelo; a barrier island off the coast of Georgia. In this rich account; Bailey captures the experience of growing up in an island community that counted the spirits of its departed among its members; relied on pride and ingenuity in the face of hardship; and taught her firsthand how best to reap the bounty of the marshes; woods and ocean that surrounded her. The power of this memoir to evoke the life of Sapelo Island is remarkable; and the history it preserves is invaluable.“A special book that reveals the unconquerable spirit of a people who; though torn from their African homeland; imprinted America with a unique culture that continues to endure.†--Ebony
#306859 in Books Kagan; Donald 1996-01-01 1996-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x 1.30 x 5.20l; 1.12 #File Name: 0385423756624 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Peace Doesn't just happen with good intentions it must be worked forBy John StultsA thoughtful well written piece of historical analysis. The author use five case studies on wars that started or in the case of the Cuban missile crisis did not start as the basis of his study. He also provides a short introduction to each case study for those unfamiliar with the historical event. If you are rushed for time his intro and conclusion do a good job of presenting his conclusions; basically peace is not free and one must work at it to allow peace to continue. Dr Kagan does not play favorites and even such modern day hero's as Churchill and such ancient ones as Pericles (and my personal favorite Alcibiades) come in for some share of criticism. He wrote late enough that many of the "secret" files from the Cuban missile crisis were in the public domain and we get a chance to see early on the falsehoods presented to Congress and the American people by the likes of McNamara and Rusk. A good example that even with all the supposed elements of power to maintain peace lousy leaders can make a difference.I read the paperback version of this book and there were a couple of printing errors (a small portion of one page was blanked out) Also I like a lot of maps and found myself following along on internet maps at times during the reading. For those of you who have attended military schools you will find the format very much like that used at the academies and war colleges.The book is well worth the time to read (as are Dr Kagan's works on the Peloponnesian War).20 of 23 people found the following review helpful. Phenomenally goodBy Michael WendtIf you are at all interested in international relations; politics; or war as subjects for study; why haven't you read this book? Kagan; without ever pressing home some pet thesis; lays out in detail the events leading up to four wars that were and one that wasn't. Aside from learning many lessons from these individual histories - states and individuals almost never truly want war; "honor" construed as a potential or actual presence in international affairs (deference; prestige; etc.) often winds up being crucial in triggering a conflict; wishful and idealistic thinking or a failure to recognize a threat to a rival nation's security or honor have often contributed mightily to growing conflicts; and many others - one will also get a vivid; in-depth account of some critical moments; accounts that are likely to stick in your mind better than a more general history. While some of Kagan's points may seem to lean toward the trivial when taken out of context and looked at in the clear light of day; it is the very fact that over many years and many events; a slow buildup toward war involves these very things - that at the time are much harder to see clearly - that contribute to movements that end in war. To see the many missteps in detail in these cases is fascinating. With the exceptions of Chamberlain and some of his cronies; and especially Kennedy; very few of the men in this book come off as anything approximating downright foolish; nevertheless; in these pages you will find many men; through many small mistakes; leading their nations to war.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An excellent work of history!By Ron J.Easy to read but very insightful on military and diplomatic history as well as human nature. I'll be keeping this book for my own collection.
