Hailed as one of the most original works of history in years; America's Prophet reveals how generations of Americans have been inspired by the story of Moses. The pilgrims quoted his story. Franklin and Jefferson proposed he appear on the U.S. seal. Washington and Lincoln were called his incarnations. The Statue of Liberty and Superman were molded in his image. Martin Luther King Jr. invoked him the night before he died. Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama cited him as inspiration. For four hundred years; one figure has inspired more Americans than any other. His name is Moses. Traveling through touchstones in American history; bestselling author Bruce Feiler traces the biblical prophet's influence from the Mayflower through today. Meticulously researched and highly readable; America's Prophet is a thrilling; original work of history that will forever change how we view America; our faith; and our future.
#525558 in Books Simon Schama 2007-05-01 2007-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.28 x 6.00l; 1.38 #File Name: 0060539178512 pagesRough Crossings The Slaves the British and the American Revolution
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A must read.By DJ BOYCEHaving studied aspects of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade at University it is a subject that has continued to interest me. Schama is a writer I enjoy reading across a range of subjects. He does not disappoint here. Well written; fastidiously researched; this book is one the deserves an in depth read. It covers areas that are generally only touched on in passing; or completely ignored by other histories of the era.10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. I absolutely love this bookBy Joan ValI absolutely love this book. It reads like a novel. Schama is a wonderful author. This is the third book of his that I have read; and I have bought 3 or 4 copies of it to give to friends and a couple of libraries. A very intense historical book. I could hardly put it down. I read the book in under a week; and it is over 500 pages long. Spell-binding. A must-read.13 of 14 people found the following review helpful. British Freedom LivesBy ChimonshoHe was a living person: a runaway who; at some point during the Revolutionary era; chose the name British Freedom to express his hard-won new status. Simon Schama tells his story; along with many other compelling ones; in this inspiring book. In the 18-19Cs; many more Blacks saw Great Britain as the true promoter of human liberty; not the USA. It was a long struggle to reach that status; because Britain profited greatly from the slave trade and slavery. But from the 1760s on enlightened Brits (as well as some hard-headed practical soldiers); for varied reasons; became crucial allies of Black freedom seekers. Blacks themselves and their families reached British lines and became laborers; orderlies; even soldiers and sailors; in far greater numbers than those who joined the Patriots. Much of this is familiar; in fact there's little new here; and Schama repeatedly clears debts to pioneers like Quarles; Davis; Frey; Fyfe; Pybus; Walker; Wilson; Wise; et al. Riveting prose distinguishes "Rough Crossings" from most others; making this fundamental aspect of the era of Atlantic Revolutions broadly accessible. The early sections on Granville Sharp not only set the scene; they draw needed attention to this oddly overlooked but great humanitarian; and his family too. Schama offers new insights on British generals long unpopular in US history; notably Henry Clinton and especially Guy Carleton. But the main protagonists are the self-liberated themselves; whose lengthy odyssey took them from bondage through many harrowing experiences to Nova Scotia and Britain; with hundreds finally settling as free founders of Sierra Leone. Readers will love liberty even more because of this book. Cf. G. Horne; "The Counter-Revolution of 1776" for a still more radical; and contested; interpretation of the 1770s.
