This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history and sociology of the black church. It is written from an academic perspective, but -- refreshingly -- is free of academic jargon, and is accessible to the journalist, church member or student. It was written in 1990, so its research is now a bit dated. Nevertheless, it is a comprehensive and thorough introduction to the the major black denominations: the National Baptists, African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Church of God in Christ, etc. It includes such useful information as a denomination's policies on women, politics and church hierarchy. I would eagerly await a new, updated edition.

outstanding work

An examination of the first two huge waves of immigration to the United States. The Irish, Germans, Italians, Jews, and Chinese came for different reasons and with varying resources and talents. Many faced prejudice and even looked down on each other. A chapter on the anti-immigration movement discusses assimilation versus preservation of cultures and the quota system. Useful for reports; recommended for students who know little about this time. Balanced look at several sides of an often controversial topic. Pen and ink illustrations, photos, bibliographies for students and teachers, and index included.

"A Century of Immigration, 1820-1924" is another one of the volumes in The Drama of American History" that really benefits from the "central core" approach used by Christopher and James Lincoln Collier. The idea is "to draw in bold strokes" and "bring out the basic themes of the American story." By focusing on the topic of immigration, without having to entwine it with the other threads of American history, young students will get a much better understanding of what was happening with immigration during this period.

The Colliers quickly break down immigration from 1820 to 1924 into two distinct waves (arguing that a third wave of immigration followed World War II and continues today). Those two waves effectively divide the six chapters of this volume in half: (1) A Nation of Immigrants talks about the uniqueness of the United States in terms of the (general) acceptance of immigrants because of the huge amount of empty land to be cultivated and because of the rise of the industrial city. Within this context the first wave of immigration is presented as having two distinct components. (2) The Irish Immigrants are the largest part of that first wave, unique as well because of their ability to assimilate (most knew how to speak English) and their establishment of the Roman Catholic Church as a socio-political power. (3) The Germans and Other Immigrants of the First Wave are different from the Irish in terms of not wanting to assimilate, but preserve their own culture. The Germans also tended to be more skilled at trades. The contrast in the two dominant groups of immigrants for the first wave is quite striking.

The second wave of immigrant lasted from about 1880 to the time of World War I: (4) The Second Wave Begins draws a contrast between the first wave of mostly Northern Europeans with the Southern and Eastern Europeans who dominated the second wave. The Italians are presented as the paradigmatic example of this wave. (5) The Second Wave: The Jews deals with the second-largest group to come to the U.S. in the late-19th century, as well as immigrants from Asian nations who also found an unfriendly reception in their new nation. By the 20th-century immigrants from Southeastern Europe were the largest percentage of those coming to the U.S., which explains what happened next. (6) The Anti-Immigration Movement resulted from Americans fearing that the newest immigrants were going to replace traditional American ideals with new ways of thinking and behaving. The result was a series of political attempts to not only limit immigration but also curtail the political activities of immigrants already in the country (e.g., keep Catholics out of office so they would not take orders from the Pope).

In this last chapter the Colliers not only cover anti-immigration legislation and the fight against parochial schools, but they also evaluate these efforts in light of what they see to be the American ideal (i.e., it is ironic that a nation of immigrants would be afraid of or dismiss new immigrants). "A Century of Immigration" is illustrated with historic photographs, etching and paintings, from both sides of the Atlantic. One of the strengths of this book is its explanation for how conditions were so bad in the "old country" that many immigrants took horrifically low wages to work in subhuman conditions because it being in America was a better life for them. This is an extremely sobering thought.

I really like these books and fret that the cost of a classroom set would be truly prohibited except for "rich" school districts. However, I still have to think that history teachers, at all levels, not just elementary or secondary schools, could benefit from the approach taken by the Colliers. I can easily see a two day class lecture on these two waves of immigrants; they could even come at two different points in an American history course; even two different semesters, given the standard dividing point in such classes today.

I thought this book contained good information and the drawings are incredible- although confusing at times. There are many steps described in this book, both advanced and beginner. I find this book a great addition to my ballet collection. As a dancer, it is a good reference book for me when I have a question or uncertainty about a step. This book describes in detail how to preform barre exercises, allegros, turns, pointe work, etc. This is a necessity for all dancers and dancer-wannabes.

I have the hard bound edition of this book, published some time ago by Alfred Knopf, and I never tire of looking at the drawings and appreciating the mathematical precision of classical ballet. The reading of this book will be of an enormous assistance to studying ballet, and it is also invaluable if one wants to study the more technical facets of the subject. Ballet is one form of dance that can be mathematically systemaitized and characterized, and this book is a great reference for such an undertaking. Definitely worth having and the paperback edition with its low price makes it completely accessible to all.

Come Retribution is opaque, at times difficult but a wonderfully fresh look at the official role of the CONfederate government in the assasination of Abraham Lincoln. Unlike most works on the Civil War, it is not a re-comilation but a new look at an old subject using new evidence. And the evidence is damning -- the authors, all modern day intelligence experts, argue convincingly that the death of President Lincoln was a runaway operation that was designed to kidnap the president and/or blow up the War department. The authors ability to uncover fresh evidence at so late a date is an indication that modern research and analytical techniques used by the intelligence community have a strong and valuable role in historical reseacrh as well. This book is an absolute must read for anyone interested in the assasination of Lincoln, the Confederate Secret Service or historical detective work. MichShul@aol.com

While not as readable as a novel or even a narrative history, this book is fascinating reading for anyone interested in the subject of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. While everybody and his brother has been accused of killing John F. Kennedy, few have questioned the "lone gunman" theory that John Wilkes Booth was a madman who acted on his own. Some years back there was an inept attempt to blame a conspiracy involving Union secretary of war Edwin Stanton, but no one seems to have thought to explore the obvious possibility of Confederate involvement--at least not since Stanton himself gave up trying to pin it on Jeff Davis shortly after the event. Now this book presents a sizable body of circumstantial evidence to show that, at the very least, the assassination was a last-minute perversion of a Confederate plot to capture Lincoln and thus bargain for its independence, or at least for its soldiers in Federal prisoner of war camps. The book is well written, and the thesis it presents is convincing. No one who has not read this book really understands the end of the American Civil War

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In particular, I thought the author gave us a unigue look into the selection of a President's cabinet. Also, Lincoln's ups and downs with the various General's during the Civil War was clearly depicted. The conversations with approach is a good one that is vastly different than the normal biography.

Charles Segal's book entitled "Conversations with Lincoln" offers a unique view into both our country's early history as well as the personal and political struggles that Abraham Lincoln endured throughout his tenure as our nation's leader. While many authors have explored various aspects of Lincoln and his administration, Segal's innovative approach provides an objective assessment of the political and social dynamics that surrounded Lincoln's decision-making throughout his presidency. By chronologically organizing excerpts from personal interviews and narrative accounts, "Conversations with Lincoln" captures Lincoln's valiant effort of uniting the United States while steadfastly working to protect the integrity of the Constitution. Lincoln's own thoughts provide rare social commentary as well as vivid insight into one of America's greatest leaders. I sincerely recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining a more accurate perspective of both Abraham Lincoln and the United States during this extraordinary time period.

I obtained this out-of-print book based on the one Amazon.com customer review. If you are one of those knitters who lives in a temperate climate, such that wool sweaters are too heavy for most days, I would definitely try to find an inexpensive copy of this book. The thing I liked the best about the book is that there are two or three VERY unusually constructed sweaters, including one that I loved, knit all in ONE piece, which included front, back and cap sleeves - all that's left to do after knitting is to sew up the side seams. What I found disappointing about the book was the lack of specifics about how cotton knitting differs from wool knitting. Wool is a favorite choice for knitters because, of course, wool yarn has that natural elastic quality, something that cotton yarn has less of, though, as a natural fiber, it still has some elasticity. There is also the question about testing swatches for shrinkage, color-fastness, blocking, washing and caring for cotton knits about which the book didn't go into much detail - also disappointing. Basically, the book is a gallery of sweater designs with patterns, line-by-line knitting directions, line drawings and color charts provided. The sweaters are photographed on professional models. I personally found the colors used and knit-in designs rather too bright and flashy, but that is easily changed to suit personal taste. The close-up photos of the patterned swatches are very good and will be a help to the knitter. Although the book doesn't say it, cotton knitting, though challenging, can be quite lovely in some designs. Some lace patterns knit up quite well in cotton, although I have found that cotton yarn does not hold up too well in very intricate twisted stitches - it tends to fray and look battered right away. I also wish the book had explained the differences between cotton yarns, mercerized vs. non-mercerized, for example. However, given the fact that there are few books available for cotton knitters, I think this book is well worth your time and attention.

I can't imagine why this book is out of print. I found it at my local library and instantly wanted it for my own collection. The designs are timeless as well as gorgeous. Even though it was written in 1987, the designs are classically up-to-date. And each design is shown with variations of color combinations. The book is filled with full color photos of every design and the instructions are clear and concise. There are over 30 designs from simple to complex and include vests, long sleeve, sleeveless and even a tank top! What a find!

This book,about the wife of Jefferson Davis-the President of an independent South, is an overlooked masterpiece of an overlooked heroine of the South. It is not the story of Magnolia and moonlight..but is the story of of the wife of a beleagured first lady to the President of a beleaguered and invaded nation at total war in the forlorn fight for independence.There are many commarisons to the spendthrift and mentally ill wife of The Invader, Abe Lincoln And Varina is by far the better woman. Varina's life is that of a true woman of strengh and courage both during the time of war and of defeat. This book deserves to be read by all those who claim feminism as their credo and they will learn what a woman of courage can do an be in a time that most living Americans cannot comprehend.

This is one of the best books on the Civil War era in that it not only tells a part of the story from each "side," it tells it from a woman's point of view. The two first ladies of the time were in some ways very much alike and in other ways very different. I came to care about each of them, but must admit that I felt very close to Varina Davis because she was so REAL. I get the impression that she could make a person feel comfortable, that she did not use her status for personal gain or "look down her nose" at anyone. I will not forget when she walked in the mud carrying a child so that her nurse, who was ill, could ride in the wagon. Varina blossomed from a shy, young and beautiful (second) wife of a very influential man to an outgoing, personable, gracious first lady who remained "human" all the way. She suffered greatly both in her personal life and with her country. I have borrowed this book twice since it has gone out of print. Now I have Amazon tracking it down for me. It's a great read!

Why did black Americans switch from the Republican to the Democratic party in the 1930s? In this book, Weiss argues that it was primarily due to economic, rather than racial incentives. While Weiss' arguement isn't very complex (nor does it need to be), her book provides readable insight into the black experience with FDR's New Deal.

After reading this historical account of the Afican American experience during the 1930's I was taken with its excellent accuracy in these events. We are taught to respect the doctrines brought forth by our political leaders, but this was hardly the case under FDR's New Deal. This book depicts the New Deal as a fully political venture, rather than an honest attempt to help the destitute of our country. Never before has history been shown to me in this way, I respected the author and their findings. Also the book is clear, easy to read and altogether enjoyable. I would recommend it highly!

Neely gives an excellent and detailed review of how civil liberties suffered during the War Between the States. The right of habeas corpus is Neely's main concern, but trials by military commissons and international law are covered among other topics.

If you're not a Civil War buff, this book may seem pretty dry. For example, a lot of space is devoted to evaluating the various claims of how many military prisoners there were. While this is important historical data, it made my eyes glaze over and prompted me to skim several sections of the book.

Given the post-9/11 discussions of military tribunals and other curtailments of the Bill of Rights, this book is more relevant than ever.

This book gives an excellent look into the policies of the Lincoln administration and the effects of these policies on civil liberties in the United States. A common misconception regarding this subject is that the majority of those arrested as a result of the suspension of habeas corpus were political enemies of Lincoln. This book, however, demonstrates how many of the arrests were not based upon politics, but upon how the crimes committed affected the war effort. Most attention in the past has focused on a few famous cases such as Clement Vallandingham, but this book shows that this case was an exception to the rule.

A must-read for anyone interested in the Civil War or Abraham Lincoln. Neely also writes in a clear prose that clearly explains his points and allows the reader to understand what he is talking about even without having an extensive knowledge of Lincoln or the Civil War.

As a Lincoln enthusiast and teacher I found Charlie B's book outstanding. The writing is entertaining, informative, and exudes a love for Lincoln. The cartoon graphics and printing are excellent. I found neither misprints nor factual errors.Overall the treatment of Lincoln is charming without being debasing. It is very readable. I wish I could produce a book as enjoyable as this one.

Honestly Abe: A Cartoon Biography Of Abraham Lincoln is a novel and effective approach to introducing the life and work of Abraham Lincoln, second only to George Washington as America's greatest president to date. This compendium of engaging, challenging, and informative cartoons is further enhanced with a bibliography, a list of outstanding Lincoln web sites, and a glossary of historical and archaic terms. Honestly Abe is a sound and fascinating biography that will fascinate and inform readers young and old. Highly recommended for both school and public library acquisitions, and a "must" for students of the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln.