Engaging at times, but writing was all over, and in my opinion did not flow well at all. Nonetheless, this book captures a history of the Cherokee thaEngaging at times, but writing was all over, and in my opinion did not flow well at all. Nonetheless, this book captures a history of the Cherokee that starts in the 1700's and moves to the Trail of Tears. Hence the title, rise and fall of the Cherokee Nation.
I've been to the play "Unto These Hills" in Cherokee, NC. Recalling aspects of it, depicted Cherokee John Ross in a positive light, whereas, in this book, he comes across as an antagonist of sorts, with Major Ridge, his son John Ridge, and Elias Boudinot the favored characters.
Despite this it traces how the Cherokee lived, and how missionaries and other whites, tried to help educate them, etc, turning them from hunters/warriors in the wild, to landowners, educated citizens of the U.S. But as you read, this is more a minority of them.
The actual Trail of Tears part does not cover but several chapters. There are a lot of excerpts from key players, during this time, which adds credence, but as the author notes, some can be romanticized. ...more
A pretty thorough history of one of the most natural disasters in modern history. I was not too familiar with the whole story of the eruption and subsA pretty thorough history of one of the most natural disasters in modern history. I was not too familiar with the whole story of the eruption and subsequent impacts from this volcano. Came briefly across it while reading The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, regarding the harsh winter in the Dakota territory in 1883-84 while Teddy was there.
Winchester did a good job of covering not just the Aug 1883 eruption but the history of the area, specifically how the Dutch colonized this area, with its richness in spices/coffee. The history of Krakatoa, and how it got its name, which is not the actual native name. Gives history of past eruptions based on tales pasted on through time, but scientifically debunking some of them. He does a good job with the science of plate tectonics, and how it came about but only recently.
Getting to the heart of the matter, the eruption and following devastation is what captures your attention. The biggest impacts including tidal waves, which are not really tidal, but are tsunamis. The ash fall, pumice rocks, and the actual sound that was heard as far away as almost 2800 miles in the southern Indian Ocean, and the fact the sound waves traveled around the globe 7 times.
Beyond the cataclysm of Krakatoa, is the impact after the fact, and how the Dutch were eventually evicted per se, and how Islam took hold. Winchester eludes to Krakatoa being a turning point in how the Javan and Sundanese people viewed westerners, and how several incidents of Islamic militants killing Dutch in 1883/1884 may have been what lead to this part of the world becoming heavily Muslim. Krakatoa may have played a role, but I'm sure there is more to read concerning this change.
And the book ends with the birth of Anak Krakatoa, the son of Krakatoa, and how it is impacting that area today, and how flora and fauna develop in this updated volcanic landscape.
This book at times reads like a novel. If you have a keen interest in earth science, and especially volcanoes and disasters, this book is worthy of a read.
The only complaint I'd have to say is the lack of colorized photos/diagrams. But having a laptop or ipad nearby helped research the different locations Winchester eludes too in the book....more
Oren does a very good job of detailing the Six-Day War that affected the Middle East in June of 1967. Accounts from many sources (Israel, Egypt, JordaOren does a very good job of detailing the Six-Day War that affected the Middle East in June of 1967. Accounts from many sources (Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, U.S., and USSR) helped define what occurred leading up to this conflagration, and how miscommunications can cause more issues.
Needless to say, this region has been in turmoil for thousands of years, but as Israel become a nation in 1948, neighboring countries (Arabs) did not take kindly to this.
Michael Oren, being a Jew, kept the history neutral.
You will see how the Arab countries struggled with communication and argued between themselves. Not only that, there was turmoil between President Nasser of Egypt, and his close friend, Gen. 'Amer. These countries underestimated the fight that Israel had. The U.S. was already locked into war in Vietnam, so there was minor support from the Johnson Administration, while at the same time, not wanting to do too much, as the former Soviet Union, as the supporter of the Arab coalition.
What occurred is truly amazing, in what Israel accomplished, in 6 days, gaining 42,000 square miles. Of course, as time passed, some of this territory was given back.
The maps of the fighting on both the western front with Egypt, and the eastern/northern front with Jordan and Syria, as well as a zoomed in map of Jerusalem, helped, but at times, it was better to use online maps, for satellite views of the area, with color.
I really like how Oren summarized and followed up with the key players at the end of the book, and what became of them.
This is worthy book for anyone interested in Middle East history....more
Bedford Boys is the account of one community's brave sacrifice during the D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach at Normandy France.
Kershaw interviews survivorBedford Boys is the account of one community's brave sacrifice during the D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach at Normandy France.
Kershaw interviews survivors of this operation as well as family members, and friends to get a personal inside to pretty much every Bedford person involved in this historic account.
Very moving as cannot imagine being a teenager/college age and being thrown into the rigors of water. These young guys, some brothers, and even twins, with hopes and aspirations, decide to join the National Guard, and henceforth set in motion their destiny with D-Day.
Being close to Bedford, and having visited the D-Day Memorial, a new understanding and respect increases for these families and heroes.
A must read for WW2 historians, and locals in/around Bedford. Should be required reading in Virginia history classes....more
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