Both immediate and timeless; Abraham tells the powerful story of one man's search for the shared ancestor of Judaism; Christianity; andIslam. Traveling through war zones; braving violence at religious sites; andseeking out faith leaders; Bruce Feiler uncovers the defining yet divisive role that Abraham plays for half the world's believers. Provocative anduplifting; Abraham offers a thoughtful and inspiring vision of unity that redefines what we think about our neighbors; our future; and ourselves.This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book; including author interviews; recommended reading; and more.
#880356 in Books David S Reynolds 2009-09-29 2009-09-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x 1.08 x 5.31l; .77 #File Name: 0060826576480 pagesWaking Giant America in the Age of Jackson
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Engaging Survey of a Wondrous EraBy William C. BreihanI had thought David Walker Howe's "What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America; 1815-1848" (2007) was the final word on this period of U.S. history. But having read Reynolds' excellent study of Whitman; I decided to give "Waking Giant" a chance. I was not disappointed. Walker's work is more comprehensive than Reynolds' - going deeper into the political and especially economic changes of the period. Reynolds' strong suit is social and cultural history. After reading chapter 4; "God's Many Kingdoms" - a fascinating journey through the religious upheavals of the time - I thought; this is the author's most solid contribution; this chapter alone makes the book. Then I read the following two chapters on reform movements; literature; the arts; fads; inventions - overall; a notably rich cultural survey. This is not to suggest that "Waking Giant" is merely a cultural history of the Jackson era. Over half the book is devoted to politics; and here the treatment is more than just competent. I gained several new insights into the phenomenon that was Jackson. Calhoun and Webster become a little more comprehensible. If Walker leans toward the Whigs; Reynolds is more of a Jackson man; presenting a sympathetic appraisal of a historically controversial figure. I offer one criticism of the book: Reynolds' writing style - though fluid; lively; rich; engaging - could here and there benefit by some minor editing.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. a superb survey book of the first half of the 19th century in AmericaBy John E. DruryDavid Reynolds; a preeminent historian; brings together many of his writings (Whitman; John Brown; George Lippard) in this survey of 19th century America in the Age of Andrew Jackson. Calling the period one of the most culturally rich in our history; while his focus is on presidential politics (Jackson; Van Buren; Harrison; Tyler; Polk); Reynolds also describes the age's pervasive Christian religiosity; its penetrating literature (Emerson; Thoreau; Melville; Hawthorne; Whitman) and its exquisite artistry (Allston; Cole); its eccentricities; foibles and its failed struggle between the abolitionists (Garrison and others); and the Southern leaders (Calhoun and others) to confront and abolish slavery in America. Reynolds is a fine writer; never pushy; never over stressing his points; who cameos many of the major figures between 1815 and 1848. Survey books; like Reynolds'; are launching pads for further reading and study and this book is surely that. He gives the reader an extensive; up-to-date bibliography of other more detailed histories.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good General HistoryBy P. R. SmithIf you are not familiar with the period 1815 to 1848; this is a good general history of the era. Some topics are covered in just a couple of paragraphs; in which cases a bit more detail would have been helpful. I think the author tried very hard to give a balanced view of controversial topics such as Indian removal and slavery; which I think adds to the quality of the book. As a general history this is very informative and a good introduction. I am just starting with the 1815-48 era and am glad I read this book as it has provided topics that I can seek out for greater detail in other books.
