From the "preeminent historian of Reconstruction" (New York Times Book Review); the prize-winning classic work on the post-Civil War period which shaped modern America.Eric Foner's "masterful treatment of one of the most complex periods of American history" (New Republic) redefined how the post-Civil War period was viewed. Reconstruction chronicles the way in which Americans—black and white—responded to the unprecedented changes unleashed by the war and the end of slavery. It addresses the ways in which the emancipated slaves' quest for economic autonomy and equal citizenship shaped the political agenda of Reconstruction; the remodeling of Southern society and the place of planters; merchants; and small farmers within it; the evolution of racial attitudes and patterns of race relations; and the emergence of a national state possessing vastly expanded authority and committed; for a time; to the principle of equal rights for all Americans. This "smart book of enormous strengths" (Boston Globe) remains the standard work on the wrenching post-Civil War period—an era whose legacy still reverberates in the United States today.
#130892 in Books Telushkin Joseph 2016-06-14 2016-06-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.34 x 6.00l; .65 #File Name: 0062318993672 pagesRebbe The Life and Teachings of Menachem M Schneerson the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History
Review
91 of 99 people found the following review helpful. inspirationBy YYSAn amazing book for every Jewish ( non Jewish) home. Will change your life just like it did for the author. You will think speak behave differently. How one person can be so great; and influence presidents; yet never loosing site of the individual even a child.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great Historical StoryBy JacquelineIf you enjoy biographies; you may find this one even better than the usual accounts of a life.This book states its purpose is to reveal how The Rebbe expanded the small Chasidic Sect of Chabad into a gigantic worldwide presence.I saw a newspaper article in 2017 that said Chabad is now the largest Jewish group. I am not sure I believe that.Most people don't know how recently it was negligibly tiny among Jewish movements; but take its ubiquitous presence for granted; as if it has always been everywhere.This book does not solve the mystery of how that was done; but it does lay out the chronology; so those who are startled by the success of tiny Chabad startup communities may theorize for themselves about why those people are so successful at what they do.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One of the best biographies of the yearBy Douglas GoldsteinIt’s not often that you read a book and as you’re going through it; you say to yourself; “I should write about this topic; too.†Apart of the excellent and inspirational writing style (which is a given with author Joseph Telushkin); the “Rebbe†book shared so many outstanding characteristics of one of the world’s greatest leaders; that I started taking notes so that I could write some articles on leadership. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson was not only a leader of the Jewish world; but presidents and prime ministers; business leaders; and people of all faiths sought his counsel and followed his ideas.Each chapter of the book highlights specific leadership traits of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and illustrates them with intimate details of personal stories. There’s no better way to learn ideas of leadership than to watch a master in action. The Rebbe’s hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of admirers will benefit from stories such as when the Rebbe stopped being able to see visitors for one-on-one meetings; he refused to see anyone on the grounds that he did not want to insult anyone's feelings. The governor of New Jersey; Thomas Kean; asked to meet the Rebbe; but was told; “I am bound by [a] basic tenet of our Torah which requires us to be extra careful in showing respect to all; including those who are less privileged in terms of stature and the like; and they would be embarrassed if they had the feeling that they have been discriminated against.†His thoughtfulness for each individual is highlighted in many stories in the book. But the Rebbe could also see the big picture and consult with; for example; military leaders about war strategies; community leaders about bringing morality back to schools; and with all that; his attention to detail was unparalleled.The Rebbe exuded optimism as well; even in his language. He explained; “I have stopped using the word “deadline;†substituting instead “due date;†the first term—which is so widely used—connoting the end of life and the second; life’s beginning.â€The Rebbe’s respect for his own teachers also shows an amazing sense of humility. He often quoted his father-in-law; the previous leader of Chabad; as saying; “When two people meet; it should bring benefit to a third.†Imagine if more people had that outlook on life!I am happy that over twenty-five years ago my college Chabad rabbi insisted that I drive to Brooklyn to meet the Rebbe and get a dollar; which was a gift the Rebbe gave to people to encourage them to give charity.Telushkin’s book will be a wise addition to anyone’s reading list.
