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The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine (The Political Philosophy of the American Founders)
by Jack Fruchtman Jr.A study of the work, philosophy, and life of the influential eighteenth-century American writer.This concise, thoughtful introduction to the work of Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense and Rights of Man, explores the impact of one of the most influential minds of the American and French Revolutions and the sources from which his thinking evolved.In Jack Fruchtman Jr.’s helpful interpretation, Paine built his argument for radical revolution in 1776 on a study of nature and Providence and a belief in natural rights. Men and women owed it to themselves to break the chains of rank, hierarchy, and even organized religion in order to live freely, embracing the possibilities of invention, progress, and equality that lay ahead. In 1793, at the height of the French Revolution and its secularizing fury, Paine reminded readers that it was nature's God who created natural rights. The rights of man thus held out both the great potential of freedom and the requirement that human beings be responsible for those who were the least fortunate in society. On balance we may think of Paine as a secular preacher for the rule of reason.“A compelling portrait of Thomas Paine as a serious, complex, and often surprising writer. . . . This is a very useful volume for new students of U.S. political thought, as well as for scholars seeking a quick but illuminating overview of Paine’s writings and philosophy.” —Choice“A great way for the newcomer to appreciate the range, diversity, and raw power and brilliance of Paine's ideas.” —Claremont Review of Books“Fruchtman’s concise analysis is tightly focused. . . . A coherent vision of Paine’s work, encompassing his many contradictions.” —Times Literary Supplement (UK)
The White Rose: Munich 1942-1943
by Inge SchollA powerful account of the resistance group made up of German students who opposed Nazism, written by the sister of two members who were killed.The White Rose tells the story of Hans Scholl and Sophie Scholl, who in 1942 led a small underground organization of German students and professors to oppose the atrocities committed by Hitler and the Nazi Party. They named their group the White Rose, and they distributed leaflets denouncing the Nazi regime. Sophie, Hans, and a third student were caught and executed. Written by Inge Scholl (Han&’s and Sophie&’s sister), The White Rose features letters, diary excerpts, photographs of Hans and Sophie, transcriptions of the leaflets, and accounts of the trial and execution. This is a gripping account of courage and morality.&“A sad and beautiful book; timely and timeless.&” —The Wall Street Journal&“The existence of an organized resistance in Germany during the Third Reich has often been glossed over or ignored . . . Now for the first time this fascinating story, told by the surviving sister of two of the students, is available in accurate and readable English.&” —Library Journal
The Rolling Stones 1972
by Jim MarshallA pictorial chronicle of the Stones’ classic summer concert tour from the Life magazine photographer who followed them—with a foreword by Keith Richards.In 1972, the Rolling Stones marked their first decade as a band with the release of Exile on Main St. and a summer concert tour of America that set new standards for magnificence in live performance. Covering the tour for Life magazine, photographer Jim Marshall captured indelible moments of the Stones in their glory onstage, as well as the camaraderie behind the scenes. Featuring a foreword by Keith Richards, this volume presents Marshall’s shots alongside dozens of never-before-seen frames. Stones fans will revel in this unprecedented look at one of the biggest rock bands of all time from the photographer who captured them best.“The stunning images in this collection show the Stones in all their strung-out Exile on Main Street-era splendor—recording in Los Angeles, chilling backstage and strutting across some very lucky concert stages.” —Rolling Stone
The Political Philosophy of George Washington (The Political Philosophy of the American Founders)
by Jeffry H. Morrison&“A delight . . . rewarding insight into Washington and his times . . . and an illuminating section on the religious outlook of this American founder.&” —Journal of American History George Washington is revered as the father of his country, a clever and skilled general, and a man of restrained principle—but not as a political thinker. This short introduction to Washington&’s political philosophy reveals him as a thoughtful public intellectual who was well equipped to lead the young United States. Though Washington left little explicit writing on political philosophy, Jeffry Morrison examines his key writings, actions, education, and political and professional lives. He finds that Washington held closely to a trinity of foundational principles—classical republicanism, British liberalism, and Protestant Christianity—with greater fidelity than many of the other founding fathers. In unearthing Washington&’s ideological growth, Morrison reveals the intellectual heritage of his political thought and shows how these beliefs motivated him to action. This insightful, concise story makes clearer the complexities of the revolutionary era and shows how the first president&’s political ideas shaped governmental institutions and instantiated the nation&’s foundational principles. &“Those who accept the &‘dumb general&’ caricature should be chastened by Morrison&’s elegant and concise sampling of Washington&’s writings . . . This work deserves to be studied and debated by political scientists, historians, and public intellectuals concerned with America&’s fundamental political principles and those of liberal democracy.&” —Review of Politics
Kimberly's Flight: The Story of Captain Kimberly Hampton, America's First Woman Combat Pilot Killed in Battle
by Ann Hampton Anna Simon“The story of an outstanding young woman who realized her ambition to rise in military, fly helicopters and lead soldiers into combat.” —Independent MailU.S. Army Captain Kimberly N. Hampton was living her dream: flying armed helicopters in combat and commanding D Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry, the armed reconnaissance aviation squadron of the 82nd Airborne Division. An all-American girl from a small southern mill town, Kimberly was a top scholar, student body president, ROTC battalion commander, and highly ranked college tennis player. In 1998 she was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. Then, driven by determination and ambition, Kimberly rapidly rose through the ranks in the almost all-male bastion of military aviation to command a combat aviation troop. On January 2, 2004, Captain Hampton was flying an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter above Fallujah, Iraq, in support of a raid on an illicit weapons marketplace, searching for an illusive sniper on the rooftops of the city. A little past noon her helicopter was wracked by an explosion. A heat-seeking surface-to-air missile had gone into the exhaust and knocked off the helicopter’s tail boom. The helicopter crashed, killing Kimberly. Kimberly’s Flight is the story of Captain Hampton’s exemplary life. This story is told through nearly fifty interviews and her own e-mails to family and friends, and is entwined with Ann Hampton’s narrative of loving and losing a child. “This inspiring story of self discipline, leadership, patriotism and sacrifice should be required reading for a country far removed from the concept of total war. Even the war’s staunchest critics will enjoy this unromanticized picture of heroism.” —On Point: The Journal of Army History
African Market Women: Seven Life Stories from Ghana
by Gracia C. Clark“A wonderfully evocative compilation of seven life histories from Kumasi, Ghana, of women Gracia Clark encountered in the course of a lifetime of fieldwork.” —African Studies ReviewIn these lively life stories, women market traders from Ghana comment on changing social and economic times and on reasons for their prosperity or decline in fortunes. Gracia Clark shows that market women are intimately connected with economic policy on a global scale. Many work at the intersection of sophisticated networks of transnational commerce and migration. They have dramatic memories of independence and the growth of their new nation, including political rivalries, price controls, and violent raids on the market. The experiences of these women give substance to their reflections on globalization, capital accumulation, colonialism, technological change, environmental degradation, teenage pregnancy, marriage, children, changing gender roles, and spirituality. Clark’s commentary illuminates the complex historical and cultural setting of these deeply revealing lives.“Shows, in direct speech, how family, kinship, marriage and age/generation work together in a daily life which is shaped by political, demographic, cultural, and wholly accidental change in people’s circumstances.” —Jane Guyer, Johns Hopkins University“Overall, this is an excellent book: it will be useful in undergraduate teaching and makes an important contribution to our understanding of the richness and variety of women’s lives in West Africa.” —Journal of Africa“Clark . . . offers intriguing insights into the lives of seven Akan women traders . . . Recommended.” —Choice
The Kingdom Began in Puerto Rico: Neil Connolly's Priesthood in the South Bronx
by Angel Garcia&“A story of how a priest struggled to live the call of the Second Vatican Council, and . . . worked alongside laypeople for social justice in the Bronx.&” ―National Catholic Reporter South Bronx, 1958. Change was coming. It was a unique place and time in history where Father Neil Connolly found his true calling and spiritual awakening. Set in the context of a changing world and a changing Catholic Church, The Kingdom Began in Puerto Rico follows Fr. Neil Connolly&’s path through the South Bronx, which began with a special Church program to address the postwar great Puerto Rican migration. After an immersion summer in Puerto Rico, Fr. Neil served the largest concentration of Puerto Ricans in the Bronx from the 1960s to the 1980s as they struggled for a decent life. Through the teachings of Vatican II, Connolly assumed responsibility for creating a new Church and world. In the war against drugs, poverty, and crime, he created a dynamic organization and chapel run by the people, and supported Unitas, a unique peer-driven mental health program for youth. Frustrated by the lack of institutional responses to his community&’s challenges, he challenged government abandonment and spoke out against ill-conceived public plans. Ultimately, he realized that his priestly mission was in developing new leaders among people, in the Church and the world, and supporting two pioneering lay leadership programs, the Pastoral Center and People for Change. Angel Garcia ably blends the dynamic forces of Church and world that transformed Fr. Connolly as he grew into his vocation. This book presents a rich history of the South Bronx and calls for all urban policies to begin with the people. It also affirms the continuing relevance of Vatican II and Medellin for today&’s Church and world, in the US and Latin America. &“Garcia captures the spirit of the era, and the spirit of the man.&” —James Martin, S.J., author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage
Wrestling Hurricanes: Navigating Life's Relentless Storms for God's Glory
by Tiffany HainesAn honest and incredible account of one family’s journey through a medical mystery and raising kids with special needs.It is a journey that led Tiffany Haines to the answer for every one of life’s “why” questions. And, spoiler alert, the answer is simply the glory of God. For parents of atypical children, Wrestling Hurricanes speaks to the highs and lows of a chaotic life, which no one else can understand. For the Church, it provides an authentic example of how Christ followers can choose to react to life’s storms. For every person who has asked why, it provides a clear, compelling, and biblical answer. In the end, Wrestling Hurricanes can be a foundational, modern story of resilience by which small group and ministry leaders can teach not just the Gospel, but also share God’s ultimate plan for now and eternity.“A compelling story of faith, courage, and perseverance of how one woman battled her storms by following Jesus.” —Dennis Rainey, cofounder of FamilyLife“Ms. Haines writes in a way that few of her contemporaries have yet to capture. Wrestling Hurricanes enlightens the mind, inflames the heart, and engages the will. That is why it is not only a map into the peaceful eye of the hurricane but also a truly life-changing experience.” —Dr. Barry R. Leventhal, distinguished senior professor, Southern Evangelical Seminary, and Mary P. Leventhal, leader of women’s church ministries“This book will inspire, bring answers, and give renewed faith to parents of children with emotional struggles and women dealing with cancer.” —Lana Bethune, family advocate, former member of House of Representatives
Jack Kennedy: The Illustrated Life of a President
by Chuck WillsThe presidential scholar shares an intimate visual biography of JFK through personal photos, diary entries, and other rare memorabilia. Until his inspiring life was tragically cut short, John F. Kennedy commanded the world’s attention. Today, his legacy is still very much alive. In this fascinating volume, Chuck Wills presents an inspiring and uniquely personal chronicle of the president’s life. Jack Kennedy includes everything from doodles and diary entries to drafts of major addresses. Hundreds of photographs and a compelling narrative uncover the remarkable tale of an intensely private man, from his rivalry with his older brother and his persistent courtship of Jackie to the inner workings of a historical presidency.
The Who, the What, and the When: 65 Artists Illustrate the Secret Sidekicks of History
by Matt Lamothe Julia Rothman Jenny VolvovskiStories and portraits of sixty-five unsung heroes behind some of history’s greatest achievements in the arts, politics, science, and technology.Explore the secret stories of the individuals behind some of the most legendary figures in the arts, politics, science, and technology in this fascinating compendium of historical fact and biographical trivia. Learn about Michael and Joy Brown, who gifted Harper Lee a year’s worth of wages to help her write To Kill a Mockingbird. Meet Thomas A. Watson, the assistant who built the telephone Alexander Graham Bell invented. And read about Sam Shaw, the man whose iconic photographs helped make Marilyn Monroe the enduring legend she is today. Each individual’s incredible story is told by a noted historian and illustrated in a sumptuous portrait by one of today’s hottest artists. History has never been so captivating or looked so good.Featuring Artwork By:Wendy MacNaughtonSamantha HahnLaura CallahanThomas DoyleAnd Text by:Jessica Lamb-ShapiroMark BinelliManuel GonzalesJosh Vierteland many more . . . “Sixty-five illustrators and as many writers collaborated for these surprising, fun bios of history’s secret sidekicks, including Mrs. Warhola, who inspired her son Andy’s fascination with groceries.” —mental_floss magazine“A charmingly illustrated compendium of history’s most fascinating—and largely unknown—sidekicks.” —Entertainment Weekly
General Erich Hoepner: A Military Biography (Die Wehrmacht im Kampf)
by Chales de BeaulieuWritten by Hoepner's chief of staff on the Eastern Front, this military biography of the German WWII general is available in English for the first time.This biography of Erich Hoepner was written by Walter Chales de Beaulieu, a general staff officer who fought alongside him. It examines his leadership of panzer formations in Poland in 1939, France in 1940, and Russia in 1941. Hoepner was one of the most competent tank commanders of World War II, playing a significant role in Germany’s early successes. As the commander of the XVI Panzer Corps in 1939, Hoepner carried out the main thrust towards Warsaw, reaching the outskirts of the city in only eight days. With the same formation, he fought the French Cavalry Corps in Belgium, partook in the encirclement of Allied forces near Dunkirk, and advanced southwards over the Weygand Line deep into French territory. In 1941, Hoepner became the commander of Panzer Group 4, the main attack formation for the advance on Leningrad. In this book, Walter Chales de Beaulieu provides insight into Erich Hoepner’s ability as a panzer commander, painting a picture of a man who was committed to the military profession.
The Selected Letters of John Cage
by John CageThis annotated selection of more than five hundred letters by the groundbreaking composer and avant-garde icon covers every phase of his career. This volume reveals the intimate life of John Cage with all the intelligence, wit, and inventiveness that made him such an important composer and performer. The missives range from lengthy reports of his early trips to Europe in the 1930s through his years with the dancer Merce Cunningham. They shed new light on his growing eminence as an iconic performance artist of the American avant-garde. Written in Cage&’s singular voice—by turns profound, irreverent, and funny—these letters reveal Cage&’s passionate interest in people, ideas, and the arts. They include correspondence with Peter Yates, David Tudor, and Pierre Boulez, among many others. Readers will enjoy Cage's commentary about the people and events of a transformative time in the arts, as well as his meditations on the very nature of art. This volume presents an extraordinary portrait of a complex, brilliant man who challenged and changed the artistic currents of the twentieth century.
Recipes for Good Luck: The Superstitions, Rituals, and Practices of Extraordinary People
by Ellen WeinsteinA visual compendium of good luck habits implemented by influential people from history.What did Maya Angelou do to keep the words flowing? How do NASA engineers ensure a successful launch? What was Audrey Hepburn’s lucky number? How does Thom Yorke get ready for a concert? How did Björn Borg prepare for Wimbledon?This charmingly illustrated book reveals the real-life creative processes, superstitions, curious practices, and performance routines of influential leaders from every walk of life—artists, writers, scientists, politicians, musicians, actors, and more—who forged their own path and left an indelible mark on the world. It is a celebration of all the many weird and wonderful ways we find the courage to boldly go forth. So, get out there and start making some good luck of your own!
Serial Killers & Mass Murderers: Profiles of the World's Most Barbaric Criminals
by Nigel CawthorneShocking true stories of the world’s most notorious criminals from the author of Prince Andrew: Epstein, Maxwell and the Palace.Serial Killers & Mass Murderers takes you into the minds of the criminals who committed the world’s most notorious and horrifying crimes. Each of the sadistic murderers profiled here was once known simply as someone’s neighbor, co-worker or child. What turned them into killers? In one chilling chapter after another, this book profiles a terrifying succession of homicidal maniacs and asks the question, “What makes them tick?”Through the pages of this haunting book, you’ll delve into the psyches of . . . Jeffrey DahmerThe Zodiac KillerDr. Harold ShipmanSon of SamThe Columbine KillersCharles MansonThe Night StalkerThe Yorkshire RipperTed BundyCharles StarkweatherThe Boston StranglerAnd more“The refrigerator contained meat, including a human heart, in plastic bags. There were three human heads in the freezer. Two more skulls were found in a pot on the stove. Another pot contained male genital organs and severed heads, and there were the remains of three male torsos in the trash.”
Rainy Lake House: Twilight of Empire on the Northern Frontier
by Theodore Catton“Focuses on three men from vastly different backgrounds and serves as a vehicle for exploring the rigors of the fur trade . . . lyrical and transcendent.” —American Historical ReviewIn September 1823, three men met at Rainy Lake House, a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post near the Boundary Waters. Dr. John McLoughlin, the proprietor of Rainy Lake House, was in charge of the borderlands west of Lake Superior, where he was tasked with opposing the petty traders who operated out of US territory. Major Stephen H. Long, an officer in the US Army Topographical Engineers, was on an expedition to explore the wooded borderlands west of Lake Superior and the northern prairies from the upper Mississippi to the forty-ninth parallel. John Tanner, a white man living among the Ojibwa nation, arrived in search of his missing daughters, who, Tanner believed, were at risk of being raped by the white traders holding them captive at a nearby fort.Drawing on their combined experiences, Theodore Catton creates a vivid depiction of the beautiful and dangerous northern frontier from a collision of vantage points: American, British, and Indigenous; imperial, capital, and labor; explorer, trader, and hunter. At the center of this history is the deeply personal story of John Tanner’s search for kinship: first among his adopted Ojibwa nation; then in the search for his white family of origin; and finally in his quest for custody of his multiracial children.“Written with clarity and energy, this book tells its story through the remarkable device of a triple biography.” —Gregory Evans Dowd, author of Groundless
All We Need Is a Pair of Pliers: A Divine Appointment
by Mark Richard June GastonThe inspiring story of how God saved a rebellious young man and inspired him to help countless others through his international wheelchair organization.Mark Richard was in his early teens when his parents divorced. From then on, he and his brothers grew up with minimal parental supervision. He also struggled with undiagnosed learning disabilities which led to failures in school. These circumstances led Mark to a rime of rebellion during the days of the hippy culture and drugs. Yet, throughout it all, Mark always sought something “more” in his life. Miraculously, God caught Mark’s attention and he was saved. Though he was totally unqualified for the ministry that God planned for him, he followed the path with faith and courage. If Mark had taken others’ advice, he would never have driven a trailer full of wheelchairs to Guatemala in 1988. But over time, that act of obedience grew into a ministry that has impacted hundreds of thousands. All We Need is a Pair of Pliers shows how Mark developed The Beeline, an organization that offers appropriate wheelchair to the millions across the globe who need them. Throughout its pages, readers learn that all they need to say is, “You know what, I think God can use me!”
Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor
by Art BellThis insider’s memoir about the origins of Comedy Central is “a very, very funny book about an amazing piece of comedy history” (Jerry Zucker, cowriter and director of Airplane!).Finalist, 2020 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book FestIn 1988, a young, mid-level employee named Art Bell pitched a novel concept—a television channel focused 100% on just one thing: comedy—to the chairman of HBO. The station that would soon become Comedy Central, with celebrated programs like South Park, Chapelle’s Show, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report, was born.Constant Comedy takes you behind the scenes into the comedy startup on its way to becoming one of the most successful and creative purveyors of popular culture in the United States. From disastrous pitch meetings with comedians to the discovery of talents like Bill Maher and Jon Stewart, this intimate biography peers behind the curtain and reveals what it’s really like to work, struggle, and ultimately succeed at the cutting edge of show business. “The funniest behind-the-scenes memoir I’ve ever read, full of crazy characters, plot twists, and suspense.” —Dan Lyons, New York Times-bestselling author of Disrupted
Tales from the National Press Club
by Gil KleinA behind-the-scenes history of the organization behind the White House Correspondents&’ Dinner—and the news-breakers and newsmakers who&’ve been part of it. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the National Press Club has been the hub of Washington journalism. Started by reporters as a watering hole for late-night card games, the Club soon attracted not only icons from Edward R. Murrow to Bob Woodward to Helen Thomas, but every US president from Theodore Roosevelt onward, and various newsmakers who shaped American and world history. While adapting to changes in the news media, it continues to stand for the values of journalism and press freedom in the twenty-first century. Now journalist and longtime member Gil Klein tells just a few of the tales that stand out in the history of the Club, which CBS commentator Eric Sevareid once called &“the only hallowed place I know of that&’s absolutely bursting with irreverence.&”
Becoming Tom Thumb: Charles Stratton, P.T. Barnum, and the Dawn of American Celebrity (The Driftless Connecticut Series)
by Eric D. LehmanAn “evocative and entertaining” biography of the nineteenth century circus performer who became a global phenomenon (Neil Harris, author of Humbug).When P. T. Barnum met twenty-five-inch-tall Charles Stratton at a Bridgeport, Connecticut hotel in 1843, one of the most important partnerships in entertainment history was born. With Barnum’s promotional skills and the miniature Stratton’s comedic talents, they charmed a Who’s Who of the nineteenth century, from Queen Victoria to Charles Dickens to Abraham Lincoln. Adored worldwide as “General Tom Thumb,” Stratton played to sold-out shows for almost forty years. From his days as a precocious child star to his tragic early death, Becoming Tom Thumb tells the full story of this iconic figure for the first time. It details his triumphs on the New York stage, his epic celebrity wedding, and his around-the-world tour, drawing on newly available primary sources and interviews. From the mansions of Paris to the deserts of Australia, Stratton’s unique brand of Yankee comedy not only earned him the accolades of millions of fans, it helped move little people out of the side show and into the limelight.
Letters of Note: An Eclectic Collection of Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience
by Shaun UsherThe companion volume to the New York Times bestseller Letters of Note—includes missives from Abraham Lincoln, David Bowie, Marge Simpson, and others.Each turn of the page brings delight and discovery in this collection of 125 captivating letters that spans centuries and place, written by the famous, the not-so-famous, and the downright infamous. Entries are accompanied by a transcript of the letter, a short contextual introduction, and a spirited illustration—in most cases, a facsimile of the letter itself. As surprising as it is entertaining, Letters of Note: Volume 2 is an ebook of endless enjoyment and lasting value.“Offers newcomers and fans of the series another outstanding compendium of correspondence from celebrities, U.S. presidents, and ordinary citizens . . . This fantastic collection of over 125 letters is endlessly entertaining.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Take a break from email and text messaging and dive into this impressive collection of letters instead. History lovers and bibliophiles alike will relish poring through 125 letters written by authors, scientists, celebrities, and ordinary people.” —Real Simple (Holiday Gift Guide Pick)“Wise, funny and poignant letters from around the world and throughout the ages.” —The Advocate“The books in this series . . . are some of the most approachable ways to learn about history and culture, and really pull at your emotions, lifting your spirits, making you laugh, or creating a somber tone.” —GeekDad
The Revolutionary War Lives and Letters of Lucy and Henry Knox
by Phillip Hamilton“[This] collection of Lucy and Henry Knox’s correspondence movingly reveals a marriage and a nation coming of age in the crucible of the Revolutionary War.” —Lorri Glover, author of Eliza Lucas PinckneyIn 1774, Boston bookseller Henry Knox married Lucy Waldo Flucker, the daughter of a prominent Tory family. Although Lucy’s father was the third-ranking colonial official in Massachusetts, the couple joined the American cause after the Battles of Lexington and Concord and fled British-occupied Boston. Knox became a soldier in the Continental Army, where he served until the war’s end as Washington’s artillery commander.Their correspondence—one of the few collections of letters between revolutionary-era spouses that spans the entire war—provides a remarkable window into the couple’s marriage. Placed at the center of great events, struggling to cope with a momentous conflict, and attempting to preserve their marriage and family, the Knoxes wrote to each other in a direct and accessible manner as they negotiated shifts in gender and power relations. Working together, Henry and Lucy maintained their household and protected their property, raised and educated their children, and emotionally adjusted to other dramatic changes within their family, including a total break between Lucy and her Tory family. Combining original epistles with Hamilton’s introductory essays, The Revolutionary War Lives and Letters of Lucy and Henry Knox offers important insights into how this relatable and highly individual couple overcame the war’s challenges.“A fascinating and important addition to the literature of marriage and family life during the revolution. These unique letters, punctuated by excellent narrative interludes, provide a rich vein of information about the war.” —Edith B. Gelles, author of Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage
Life After Power: Seven Presidents and Their Search for Purpose Beyond the White House
by Jared CohenThis &“informative…highly readable&” (The Wall Street Journal) New York Times bestselling book from the author of the bestseller Accidental Presidents explores what happens after the most powerful job in the world: President of the United States.Former presidents have an unusual place in American life. King George III believed that George Washington&’s departure after two terms made him &“the greatest character of the age.&” But Alexander Hamilton worried former presidents might &“[wander] among the people like ghosts.&” They were both right. Life After Power tells the stories of seven former presidents, from the Founding to today. Each changed history. Each offered lessons about how to decide what to do in the next chapter of life. This book follows the exceptional lives of past presidents including: -Thomas Jefferson whose time after the White House saw him shaping public debates and founding the University of Virginia, an accomplishment he included on his tombstone, unlike his presidency. -John Quincy Adams who served in Congress and became a leading abolitionist, passing the torch to Abraham Lincoln. -Grover Cleveland who was the only president in American history to serve a nonconsecutive term. -William Howard Taft who became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. -Herbert Hoover who shaped the modern conservative movement, led relief efforts after World War II, reorganized the executive branch, and reconciled John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. -Jimmy Carter who had the longest post-presidency in American history, advancing humanitarian causes, human rights, and peace. -George W. Bush who made a clean break from politics, bringing back George Washington&’s precedent, and reminding the public that the institution of presidency is bigger than any person. Jared Cohen explores the untold stories in the final chapters of these presidents&’ lives, offering a &“unique and fascinating look at how seven individuals made the transition from the most powerful position in the world to consequential and fulfilling lives post-presidency&” (Condoleezza Rice, 66th Secretary of State). He tells how they handled very human problems of ego, finances, and questions about their legacy and mortality. He shows how these men made history after they left the White House.
The Homemade Atheist: A Former Evangelical Woman's Freethought Journey to Happiness
by Betty BrogaardIn this personal memoir, a former evangelical Christian shares her journey away from her confining faith toward a happier, healthier, nonreligious life.Betty Brogaard was raised to be a good Christian. By the time she was twenty years old, she had joined a fundamentalist church. She even met and married a young man who became a minister in the congregation. However, the more she came to understand Christianity from within, the more she found herself asking questions instead of finding answers.In The Homemade Atheists, Betty shares her fascinating journey from the mental slavery of religion to the happiness she found in freethought. Along the way and without malice, she offers questions that challenge you to analyze your own beliefs—exactly as she did over her years-long journey.Her transformation provides a wealth of insight is for anyone seeking a path to a nonreligious way of life.
Along Navajo Trails: Recollections of a Trader
by Will EvansA piece of Navajo history otherwise forgotten: the first-hand observations of a Mormon trader on the culture and art of his Navajo contemporariesThe overwhelming interest of Will Evans, proprietor of the Shiprock Trading Company, in Navajo culture spanned a half century. He shared his enthusiasm through frequent publication of portraits, vignettes, and essays; he also compiled much of his writing into a book manuscript. His subjects were his customers, friends, and neighbors, their stories of historic events such as the Long Walk, and their life as he understood it. Evans&’s writings were colored by his uncommon friendship and familiarity with Navajo people but also by who he was: a trader, folk artist, and Mormon. Inspired by sand paintings, Evans appropriated their sacred images for his own paintings of murals and everyday objects. In his writing, he preserved unique records of Navajo history and of individuals about whom little biographical information otherwise remains. Much of that was based on what he heard from his Navajo acquaintances, but it also drew on his direct observations and particular beliefs about the people, their culture, and their history. Evans&’s granddaughter Susan E. Woods collaborated with historian Robert S. McPherson, author of numerous books on Navajo and Four Corners history, to prepare and publish Will Evans&’s manuscript, which is illustrated with a remarkable and rare selection of photos from the collections of Evans and his colleagues.
Wild Women of Boston: Mettle and Moxie in the Hub (American Heritage Ser.)
by Dina VargoThe sons of liberty are celebrated in the rebellious history of Boston--but what of their sisters? An audacious and determined procession of reformers, socialites, criminals and madams made the city what it is today. One hundred years before Rosa Parks, African American abolitionist Sarah Parker Remond refused to give up her seat while attending a play in Boston. Fiery activists Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall led a boycott against bird plumage in ladies' dress and brought the fashion industry to its knees. Rachel Wall was the last woman to be hanged in Massachusetts after leading a daring life as a robber and pirate. Later, women like Boston Marathon runner Kathrine Switzer also blazed their own trails. Author Dina Vargo unearths the remarkable stories of the wild women of the Hub.