Originally published in 1964; The Struggle for Equality presents an incisive and vivid look at the abolitionist movement and the legal basis it provided to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Pulitzer Prize–winning historian James McPherson explores the role played by rights activists during and after the Civil War; and their evolution from despised fanatics into influential spokespersons for the radical wing of the Republican Party. Asserting that it was not the abolitionists who failed to instill principles of equality; but rather the American people who refused to follow their leadership; McPherson raises questions about the obstacles that have long hindered American reform movements.This new Princeton Classics edition marks the fiftieth anniversary of the book's initial publication and includes a new preface by the author.
#118233 in Books Lawrence Bruce B 2017-06-20Original language:English 7.80 x 1.00 x 4.90l; #File Name: 0691155585280 pagesThe Koran in English A Biography
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Necessary reading for Islamic studiesBy Peter GottschalkFor anyone interested in reading the original who doesn't understand Quranic Arabic; then Lawrence's book is an essential. Even more pointedly – since most Muslims don't speak Arabic (let alone Quranic Arabic) but rely on interpretations or translations of the Qur'an into their own language – anyone trying to understand how Muslims read; interpret; and engage the Qur'an should read Lawrence's book to appreciate the complexities involved with any translation. The author moves deftly between historical; linguistic; political; and religious matters that all play crucial roles in how Muslims and non-Muslims have come to know the Qur'an through English interpretations. It's rather shocking how much is packed into 172 pages of main text without the book ever losing its readability for a general audience.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Scintillating Read!By Mashal SaifHow do individuals that don’t speak Arabic access the Koran? Is the translated Koran the same as the Arabic original? What are the historical and contemporary politics; challenges and delights of translating the Koran into English? These riveting questions are answered by Bruce Lawrence; one of the one of the foremost authorities on Islam; in his masterful new book; The Koran in English: A Biography. This incredibly informative yet accessible text takes the reader on an expansive journey through seventh century Arabia; Muhammad’s birthplace; to the Englishman Robert of Ketton in the twelfth century; who first translated the Koran into Latin. Numerous other destinations and individuals also feature prominently. The book masterfully meanders across centuries and continents; focusing particularly on the modern era. Orientalist translations of the Koran into English in the eighteenth century are put in conversation with those of South Asian Muslim scholars living under colonial rule. The efforts of Muslim converts from across the West; who journeyed to colonial India also feature in Lawrence’s oeuvre.Always attuned to the latest developments; Lawrence spends many pages examining a variety of online Korans. Lawrence’s focus is especially important since Muslim tweens; millennials and everyone in between (like their non-Muslim counterparts) are often glued to their smartphones and turn to the internet for virtually every need; including religious guidance and Koranic knowledge. Refusing to shy away from controversial topics; Lawrence also discusses issues ranging from: contemporary debates over the Koran’s alleged permission of wife-beating; feminist translations of the Koran; Saudi Arabia’s campaign to promote its version of Islam and the Koran; etc.Making sure not to reduce the Koran to a Middle Eastern or non-Western document; Lawrence devotes several pages to an examination of Sandow Birks’ graphic American Qur’an. The visuals in this chapter and others serve as illustrations of the multifaceted nature of translations. They remind the reader that the Koran (translated or in Arabic) is not simply a written text but engenders visual; graphic and aural responses; among others.Despite covering enormous ground in a pithy 175 pages; The Koran in English; is neither densely obtuse nor too flighty to follow. Instead; Lawrence’s engaging writing style and his frequent insertion of himself in the book’s narrative brings distant places and earlier decades to life; making for a scintillating read. This book is a must for all serious students of the Koran as well as interested novices. Sections of the book; or even its entirety; would make for excellent reading in courses on Islam and the Quran.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Clear ProgressBy Todd LawsonEven when reading an "original" language we are translating; how much more and how slippery the process when a second language come in? Bruce Lawrence has given us all a highly estimable resource for thinking about the Quran and the Koran in English. The richness of this contemplation and the information it contains is truly illimunating; even urgent; reading. It will be an essential textbook for university courses on the Quran; from undergrad on. Two major insights: the Koran in English mirrors history and its various avatars emerge as historical documents of the highest value; especially with regard to Muslim/Christian relations. Second; it is the music of the Quran and the Koran that represents its true reality. The text of the Quran is a musical score as much as it is scripture. It's singular beauty must be heard and felt in order for the meaning event to happen. A splendid book (and beautifully produced - how unusual)!
