Before the Civil War; Lois Bryan Adamswas a well-known Michigan poet and editorIn 1863 she left Detroit for Washington; D.C.; where she was one of the first women in the federal civil service and one of the first employees of the United States Department of Agriculture. In addition to her government position; Adams was a regular correspondent for the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune.Adams was a concerned and observantreporter whose columns covered politics; war news; hospital and relief efforts; African-American issues; women's issues; the Agriculture Department; and the attractions and amusements of the nation's capital.Adams's descriptions provide a seldom-encountered view of the Civil War era. Her commentaries show her to be an insightful reporter and provide a fascinating look into this important period of history.
#805729 in Books Helen C Rountree 2006-07-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.94 x .66 x 6.00l; 1.09 #File Name: 0813925967304 pagesPocahontas Powhatan Opechancanough Three Indian Lives Changed by Jamestown
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating account from the Powhatan perspectiveBy vonKooskerRoundtree's narrative does something truly remarkable; it uses her extensive understanding of the Powhatan culture of the 17th century to reconstruct their point of view. Always conscious of the limitations of such an act; she nonetheless succeeds brilliantly at her task. Her reconstruction is utterly faithful to everything I have ever read about Algonquian cultural practice. Moreover; she places the story of Pocahontas in context with the larger political struggles of the tribe; as represented through the lives of her father and uncle.What I admire most about her account is its clear depth of knowledge about the various sources she uses; and particularly; her understanding of the complexity of John Smith's accounts (there are more than one; and they all vary) and grasp of the lifeways of the Powhatans of that era. Her approach is informed; balanced; and fair-minded.However; what my students respond to is her engaging; complex story telling. I frequently assign her chapter on the first encounter between the Powhatans and John Smith; it is one of the best texts I have ever found for throwing college students into the conflicting world views in play in the 17th century contact between North American and European peoples.In sum; I recommend this book in the highest terms to anyone interested in a fuller understanding of the conflicts between Algonquian peoples and Europeans in the early phase of colonization; not just to those interested in Pocahontas. It is a fine piece of ethnohistory; and one that demonstrates how much anthropology has evolved from its early attempts to 'speak for the native.'0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. If you like early American history joy will like this bookBy K.EnesAuthor is very knowledgeable on the subject. If you like early American history joy will like this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. EnlighteningBy gbarcThis book is the story of Jamestown from the Native American point of view. It covers lots of the political and social misunderstandings that proved disastrous for both cultures. This is not a light read; but I find it well-written and engaging. I also enjoy the sprinkles of humor the author adds throughout. A good read.
