Lawrence H. Konecny and Clinton Machann take readers beyond the bare facts to the human stories of immigration from the point of view of English and Czech immigrants whose tales provide fascinating counterpoints to each other and to the glowing claims about Texas made in William Kingsbury’s pamphlet. Perilous Voyages combines the original text of Kingsbury’s 1877 pamphlet; a private diary kept by an Englishman named William Wright; and oral histories by descendants of Moravian immigrants to allow modern readers to experience some of the lure that brought people to the state in earlier days.The first part of the book includes a complete reprint of Kingsbury’s pamphlet; today a rare document; giving insight into the historical context and rhetoric of Texas immigration. The realities faced by the early settlers stand in sharp relief to Kingsbury’s sometimes extravagant claims. In the second part; the experiences of the immigrants themselves are illuminated through Wright’s private diary. His 1879 journey began with a shipwreck off the coast of Spain; but; undaunted; he continued in another ship and eventually was able to record his first–hand impressions of the land and people of Texas. The third section of the book narrates the story of a group of thirty-six men; women; and children that left their rural Moravian homeland in 1873 to pursue dreams of prosperity and the good life in Texas. Their ship ran aground in the Bahamas; and they were left to ride out a terrible hurricane before continuing to Galveston and; finally; to the peaceful farmlands of central Texas.The experiences of the English and Czech immigrants are vividly recounted here; the two stories share hopes and perils; hardships and enthusiasms. Kingsbury’s pamphlet gives insight into the sparsely settled region and the dreams that led not only to the cultivation of the land but eventually to the cities that now rise from once-barren plains of Texas.
#2452822 in Books 2011-05-03 2011-05-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.44 x .70 x 5.50l; .55 #File Name: 1582702217256 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A modern view of nonviolent global revolutionBy Baron M.The Dalai Lama is our contemporary Gandhi: his powerful message of nonviolence; peace; and their ability to lead to a sustainable global culture is needed very much.This book not only answered many of my questions about the Dalai Lama; and about the author Robert Thurman; but also inspired me to see how the Dalai Lama's work in the world is so significant and important.This book isn't for or about Buddhists; it's for anyone interested in political science; the relationship between colonialism and commonwealth; and how spiritual worldviews contribute to a cosmopolitan global society.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Rita J. ForscherThis book is a valuable one!18 of 23 people found the following review helpful. Important BookBy MindAlthough the Dalai Lama is almost a household name in the United States; few people have a clear picture of who he is. Robert Thurman has championed the potential of this simple monk to teach the planet how to survive in peace. The ways of war are no longer practical (if they ever were...); and our creative ability to evolve will require a peaceful world. China would be well served to open a dialoge with the Dalai Lama before he dies; if for no other reason than to show it truly is a Great China; not just another despotic communist state.This book should be read widely; especially by the Chinese audience in the United States. Although this book is sometimes critical of China; it is often hopeful that China will soon open its arms in friendship. "No matter what part of the world we come from; we are all basically the same human beings. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. We have the same basic needs and concerns. All human beings want freedom and the right to determine our own destiny as individuals and peoples. That is human nature." from the Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech; December 10; 1989.
