Alabama Books

all the major folk artists are represented here, which is astonishing since they all come from alabama. this is an excellent companion piece for any folk art collector; it makes you feel like you know the artists. loads of color photos of the actual art work

all the major folk artists are represented here, which is astonishing since they all come from alabama. this is an excellent companion piece for any folk art collector; it makes you feel like you know the artists. loads of color photos of the actual art work

Book is well presented in both written content and photography. Well-organized and thoughtfully written with a generous helping of quotes from the artists themselves, this book documents a very important genre of American Art. Many of these artists portray visions of a long-forgotten South. My thanks to the authors for this beautiful documentary of visionary Alabama Artists.

Latin American Research Review
Inter-American Relations And Encounters: Recent Directions in the Literature
June 22, 2000:
Kyle Longley adopts the interaction between the two types of birds as a metaphor for the relationship between the United States and another small Central American country, Costa Rica. Like the sparrow, such countries rely on evasion and manipulation in their dealings with the hawkish powers of the world. Longley develops his thesis by using U.S.--Costa Rican relations during the period from 1942 to 1957 as a case study.

Basing his arguments on voluminous printed and manuscript sources, including documents from Costa Rica's Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Longley begins by reviewing the relationship during the administration of President Rafael Calderon (1940-1944), who proved a cooperative ally during World War II. Calderon's close ties with the Communist Party (the Vanguardia Popular) aroused little concern during the war. But U.S. officials became alarmed when his successor, Teodoro Picado (1944-1948), although staunchly pro-United States, failed to distance himself from a connection that was viewed with increasing disfavor. As a result, when Picado attempted to impose Calderon as his successor in 1948 and ignited the revolution led by Jose Figueres, the U.S. government favored the rebels despite reservations about Figueres.

With the triumph of the revolution, Figueres headed a junta that gave way in 1949 to the presidency of Otilio Ulate. In 1953 Figueres himself was elected president. Figueres and his associates (who formed the Partido Liberacion Nacional in 1951) undertook policies displeasing to Washington, such as nationalizing the banking system and negotiating a more favorable contract with the United Fruit Company. What most alarmed U.S. officials was Figueres's material and moral support for the Caribbean Legion, which was dedicated to the ouster of dictators in the region. Figueres did not waver, however, and criticized U.S. support for the dictators, going so far as to boycott the 1954 inter-American meeting because it was held in Caracas, where President Marcos Perez Jimenez held sway.

Longley shows that Figueres pursued a nationalist agenda and at times defied Washington while retaining U.S. support when regimes that threatened U.S. hegemony (like those ruling Guatemala and Iran) faced extinction. Longley attributes Figueres's success to several factors, but above all to his anticommunist posture and to his preference for accommodation rather than confrontation. Figueres and the PLN also benefited from Costa Rica's favorable image in the United States and from a network of sympathizers, such as Adolf Berle and liberal members of the U.S. Congress. Longley might have undertaken a more extended comparison of the Costa Rican case with that of Guatemala, or better yet, with that of Bolivia, whose 1952 revolution also received benevolent treatment and substantial economic assistance from the United States. Cole Blasier's study of U.S. responses to twentieth-century revolutions in Latin America, The Hovering Giant (1985), pointed out the essential moderation of Victor Paz Estenssoro and other B olivian leaders and their skill in cultivating advocates in Washington.

In the conclusion to The Sparrow and the Hawk, Longley generalizes beyond the Costa Rican case to that of small countries in their dealings with major powers. Adapting the thesis of James Scott's Weapons of the Weak: Everyday Forms of Peasant Resistance (1985), Longley argues that subordinate states, like peasants, can devise nonviolent strategies that enable them to shape their relations with the United States. Thus Longley, like Gambone, aligns himself firmly with those who assign agency to peripheral states.

The Sparrow and the Hawk is one of the most beautyful books I ever read. It explains how Jose Figueres was able to flirt with socialism and capitalism, but at the same time he knew both extremes were bad. Figueres's tactis enabled him to calm the F.B.I and the C.I.A., in times were the common enemy was communism. Above all this, Longley can be regarded as an authority on El 48.The people of Costa Rica than you (Longley)for contributing with such a work to our history. Certainly, the younger generations of ticos will not forget for what our ancestors fought.

The importance of history lies in the knowledge and the lessons that, we men, have learned throught our existance. Certainly, El 48 and it's aftermath is the turning point point in Costa Rica's history. Longley is able to explain how Figueres's policies sought the well-being of the people, without employing extreme capitalistic or socialistic measures. Figueres, the man in the middle of socialism and capitalism was able to convince the ticos and the americans that his policies were necessary for such a poor country as Costa Rica.

A classic true story. Details the story of the Montgomery bus boycott organized by King. Discusses the fact that Rosa Parks was not the first black woman to refuse to give up her seat to a white person. Details the logistics of the boycott and the violence and threats committed against King, sometimes dozens of threats per day. Discusses his reading of Gandhi and discusses King's worldview, including, of course, the nonviolent philosophy. You must know this story if you want to know about Martin Luther King Jr. or the history of race relations in the USA.

This is an awesome autobiography of the charismatic, Bible-cadenced Doctor Martin Luther King Jr ,written at the young age of 29, as well as a gripping account of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in December, 1955. The first chapter is King's autobiograpy of growing up in a segregated Atlanta, but managing to get educated up to a full doctorate.

The second chapter is subtitled "Montgomery Before the Protest". King describes segregation and its effect on 50,000 second-class citizens - the offspring of uprooted African victims of slavery. Although the Supreme Court ruled 3 years prior that "in the field of public education the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place", six southern states including Alabama had not even one African-American child attending school with Anglos by 1956.

Then on December 1st, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat so an Anglo could sit in it. In response to her unAmerican, Nazi-like arrest by officials who were servants of hatred rather than justice, African-American community leaders met in a Baptist church and organized the Montgomery bus boycott. It worked in a wonderful show of solidarity, but the haters's hatred was not extinguished. King and his compatriot R. David Abernathy had their houses bombed by local KKK terrorists. So the Supreme Court stepped in like they did with the public schools and said "the separate but equal" buffalo pucky was incorrect, thereby giving Jim Crow a black eye. (Jim Crow is a metaphor for the anti-African American laws that got started in 1890 by Southern Anglos to deny the African-American his right to vote - this after Mississippi had already put 2 African-Americans into the Senate in our nation's capitol).

The last chapter is "Where Do We Go From Here?" Dr. King noticed that the judiciary could do only so much - somebody had to implement the law that the judiciary laid down. No doubt, King was thinking back to the early 1800s when the Cherokee-Americans won their Supreme Court case to keep their land in Georgia, but President Andy Jackson (the state terrorist on the $20 dollar bill) sent the Yankee army to illegally force them to walk to Oklahoma (called the Trail of Tears because 10,000 died).

King advocated direct action, not the militant direct action embraced by the Black Panther Party and other African-American groups in defense of their civil rights, but the Gandhi-type of nonviolent direct action that the Indians had used against their British oppressors in India to get their civil rights back. "We must use the weapon of love", King said. King was out to wear down the hatred of the haters with love and kindness, fortified by an endless capacity to suffer whatever it took to take the kryptonite to hatred.

May God Bless this man of peace with His Mercy and Grace and forgive him his manly shortcomings.

Stride Toward Freedom is an excellent book that should become a part of any school curriculum when learning about the Civil Rights Movement. Moving and deeply enlightening, the struggles and triumphs of a man so many of us see as super-human, makes this book one I would recommend to anyone. It is amazing to see how despite incredible odds, people still managed to emerge as remarkable leaders to be remembered for centuries to come.

Struggle for the Gulf Borderlands is the best single book on the often-overlooked Gulf Coast Theater of the War of 1812. Well written and researched, Struggle for the Gulf Borderlands brings to light several little understood aspects of the War of 1812. First, it illustrates the previously overlooked interrelation of the Creek War and the bearing it had on the outcome of the War of 1812.

Secondly, it details all military and political actions on the Gulf Coast leading up to the Battle of New Orleans. Most books focus only on the events of the battle, ignoring the many actions that had a direct influence on how the Battle of New Orleans was fought. Struggle for the Gulf Borderlands describes these events so one can understand thier impact on the outcome of the battle itself.

Lastly, Struggle for the Gulf Borderlands brings to light the divergent Southern opinion that the War of 1812 was a great military victory. From the Southern perspective, victory was nearly complete; the Creeks had been destroyed (opening more land for settlement); the Mobile territory had been annexed; and a major British invasion had been decisively stopped. The book contrasts this Southern perspective to the typical Northern view that the War of 1812 was at best a draw, which is the general view put forward by the majority of books on this subject.

Overall, the book is readable and informative. It is important for the new ideas and information it brings to the history of an area and a period. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in either the Creek War or the War of 1812.

Dr. Owsley tells the story of the Gulf area during the War of 1812 in a very readable manner. His work is quite thorough and includes a lot of detail about the skirmishes and battles. I recommend this to anyone with an interest in the War of 1812 and the Creek Indian War. The research done was well documented and any student of history will find this a great source.

For decades to come this will be the standard reference work on this topic. Superbly researched utilizing not only the usual American sources, but the previously untapped archives of Spain and Great Britain. Owsley has integrated the Creek War into the larger framework of the War of 1812 causing the reader at some point to pronounce "Eureka" as you begin to acquire a whole new perspective on Andrew Jackson and the conflict with Great Britain.

This may easily be the best history on the Creek War of 1813-1814. What could have been a completely altered history of the United States - if Andrew Jackson had not been in command, if he would have hesitated only weeks from the crucible campaign concluding at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, if the British would have landed the state-of-the-art muskets, artillery, military advisors/trainers, and cavalry accoutrements several weeks earlier than they did, if the Spanish had been more pro-active than they were for the Creeks, etc. - would have prevented us from our Manifest Destiny! I never before have read all of this with such fervor, explanation, and detail. Owsley makes the point that too many of our historians have belittled our accomplishments in these two interrelated wars and downplayed their significance. Often we have been led to believe that the War of 1812 was a "draw." He makes the point that it was on balance a resounding victory.

Jackson's being in the right place at the right time for the Battle of New Orleans would not have occurred but for his role in the Creek War and the overwhelming victory achieved. We would not have had the experienced and trained troops in place under his command but for the Creek War. And, inasmuch as the British did not recognize the validity of the Louisiana Purchase, if they had won the Battle of New Orleans then the Treaty of Ghent signed in December 1814 would not have applied to any claims that they would have asserted over New Orleans, Louisiana, and their planned buffer states under the Creek Indians and their allies. The frontier would have been inflamed and we would have had strong buffer Indian states with which to contend and two mutually supportive European powers. All of this was prevented by Andrew Jackson and his juggernaut victory at Horseshoe Bend. The sheer quantum of international intrigue taking place at Pensacola and throughout the Gulf area is enlightening.

This book is highly recommended by this reviewer. You will receive a whole new perspective on Andrew Jackson and his brave Tennessee and Georgia troops in the Creek War.

This book tells the story of my family and other native peoples whose identities were essentially taken from them by Alabama politicians who over several decades mischaracterized them as "Cajans." My great grandfather (Seaborn Reid) and his extended family were living in post-Civil War Washington and Mobile Counties in southeast Alabama where, as free mixed Indian people, his ancestors had made their homes for many years, before the state began to deny their Indian heritage. Eventually, Seaborn would bring his whole family to Mississippi to escape the arbitrary and discriminatory treatment they experienced under Alabama's laws and practices respecting his people. Once in Mississippi, he and his clan were treated as white citizens, and his progeny slowly loss their awareness of their heritage as years went by. Until I read "They Say the Wind is Red," little of this history was known by anybody in the family.

So, whether your interest lies in the genealogy of Washington and Mobile County persons, or in the history of that region, or in what is a great telling of how native peoples' identity was taken from them and how they are now seeking to reclaim their rights as members of a tribal community, this is a must-read book.

All I can say is this book helps you understand the difficult, yet enduring tribe of Choctaw that live with honor--- in a harsh country they once owned. This book makes you think and feel for a people who were treated unfairly by their country and their government. This pearl of literature might have been lost in the biased written history books of America if J.A.Matte would have accepted anything less than the truth. Born in a time when women were struggling to be regconized & heard...J.A.Matte became an educator as well as a champion for American history...recorded correctly. This book really touched me & my family. Read it & know the truth.

Now in a newly revised edition which include a resource guide for Southeastern Indian genealogy, They Say The Wind Red: The Alabama Choctaw Lost In Their Own Land, by Jacqueline Anderson Matte (who testified as an expert witness before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Hearings for federal recognition of the Alabama Choctaw) is a compelling and accurate history of those Choctaw Indians who successfully remained in Alabama, when other southeastern Indian tribes were compelled to relocate to the American West during the 1830s. The Alabama Choctaw were a small band of Native Americans who were often mistaken as being either blacks or cajun, and who stayed in the swamps and pine woods of Mobile and Washington counties in spite of federal government's efforts to remove them. An invaluable addition to the growing library of Native American Studies, They Say The Wind Is Red is very highly recommended history of pride, love of land, danger, and a people's determination to endure and preserve their way of life in spite of severe and enduring hardships.

This is a well-written story about the real-life heroes of the USS Liscome Bay. It is both very sad in its horrific loss and truly inspiring in its heroism. Our young people should read this to understand the fidelity and the devotion to duty that exemplified our grandparent's generation.

The heroic story of the men of the USS Liscome Bay told in novel-like fashion by author James Noles. I would rank this book up there with the likes of Flags of Our Fathers, and Ghost Soldiers. I guarantee the reader will not be able to put it down.

James Noles has written an outstanding tribute to the men of the USS Liscome Bay. Twenty-Three Minutes is a must read for anyone interested in World War II or naval history. The book covers the tale of the USS Liscome Bay, from the necessity driven decision to commission these vulnerable escort carriers, to the ship's tragic sinking in November 1943 with a staggering 644 hands. Through gripping narration, Noles details a horror and heroism that has largely been overlooked by historians. Twenty-Three Minutes reads like fiction; so much so, you won't be able to put it down. I salute the men of the Liscome Bay, and James Noles for telling their story. I highly recommend this book.

One of the few books on the subject, and luckily it's a good one. Robert Reeves has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he passes along here. A real asset to the beginner or the experienced photographer looking to try something different. Full of stunning black and white photos.

Robert Reeves' "Wide-Field Astrophotography: Exposing the Universe Starting With a Common Camera" is one of the two must reads for amateur astrophotographers. Whereas most books on the subject cover the whole gamut of different types of astrophotography, Reeves justs focuses in on the most basic form of astrophotography, wide-field astrophotography, using a regular film camera and its lenses. He covers the topic from the basics of choosing an appropriate camera, lenses, mounts, filters and film thru to advanced darkroom techniques and graduating to a Schmidt camera. Though many of the films mentioned in the book have been replaced by their manufacturers, the author explains how to test a film for its suitability for astrophotography.

Chapters:
1. Introduction to Wide-Field Astrophotography
2. Piggyback Techniques Add Versatility
3. Cameras for Wide-Field Astrophotography
4. Lenses for Wide-Field Astrophotography
5. Filter Characteristics
6. The Schmidt Camera
7. Film Choices and Characteristics for Astrophotography
8. Guiding and Polar Alignment
9. Meteor and Comet Photography
10. Accessories for Wide-Field Astrophotography
11. Film Hypersensitization
12. Chemical Darkroom for Astrophotography
13. Darkroom Tricks
14. Problems in the Real World
15. Digital Image processing and Printing
16. Build-It-Yourself Projects
17. Our Astrophotographic Legacy
A. Suppliers and Other Information
B. Developer Formulas
C. 45 Unhypered Films Compared for Astrophotography
D. Popular Astrophotography Films
Bibliography
Index

If you are interested in detailed imaging of the planets with a digital camera or CCD astroimager, then this is not the book for you. But if you want to capture huge swaths of the Milky Way or take pictures of the constellations, then this is the best book available to give you your start. All the photos in this book are reproduced in black and white, but most of them were taken using black and white film. This book is appropriate for all levels from beginners to advanced astrophotographers, but its organization may make it a little inconvinient for an absolute beginner to find the information needed to get started, but it is a great reference for the intermediate, advanced, and serious hobbyist astrophotographers.

I'm a novice and found the information easy to digest and practical. Mr. Reeves spends a good amount of time on not just the process of wide-field photography - something anyone with a 35mm camera can learn - but he also discusses the pros and cons of specific brands of cameras and in some cases, specific models. There is an extensive list of films that he rates. Some of the films are fairly exotic but many are available at your local photo supply. He helps you choose from those easily available so you can start your photography quest quickly and easily. Of course, shooting quality images is very much a trial and error affair. Reeves provides a process for helping you to not only choose the right film and exposure, but provides some nice insight into focusing those little white dots. The photos in the book are disappointingly B&W and most have been taken with his Schmidt camera. A Schmidt is something few of us have access to, let alone own. However, aside from this quibble, the reading is very quick and I've used it repeatedly as reference. The book's organization seemed clunky to me but not distractingly so. I reread this book for fun too. It will make you realize what's within your immediate grasp.

The Frews know travel. They were raised around the Huntsville area and know the area like the backs of their hands. I know the family and they are wonderful folks who enjoy sharing places and activities with people. 52 weekends in the Tennessee Valley shows the many adventures you can have in Alabama and Tennessee. The photographs are stunning, and they take you into the action. A really good book that shows the variety the area can offer.

Though I currently live in Atlanta, I grew up near Huntsville, which is in the heart of the Tennessee Valley. This guide, which I received as a gift, took me back to my childhood roots, as well as showed me some new sights that I didn't even know existed. This book disproves the theory that there's nothing to do in Alabama/Tennessee. From the stereotypical Civil War reenactments and bluegrass festivals to exploring Huntsville's Space and Rocket Center, this book has a wide variety of activities. Scenic photos are supported by colorful descriptions for all 52 events. I highly recommend this book for anyone who just moved to Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Nashville, Chattanooga, or anywhere in the area, or to anyone traveling through the Tennessee Valley looking to explore.

There's more to Alabama than the Crimson Tide and Mint Juleps, and this volume explains all.

The "Portrait of America" series by Kathleen Thompson is a wonderful introduction for pre-teens to the 50 states and to the places and events that shaped the history of the United States. This "Alabama" installment is particularly good. The book is broken down into sections like "History", "Culture", "Economy" etc., and each section is thoughtfully written and edited.

This book, as well as the entire "Portrait of America" series, will prove to be a valuable teaching tool to all primary school educators.

This book is a real good introduction to one of the great states of the south. I was stationed in alabama during World War II and I loved it. Reading my grandson's copy of this book made me realize what a happy time that was.

This book has received an Honorable Mention from the 2001 Southern Books Competition. "A dramatic front cover, a striking half title page and a bright, cheerful title quickly tell the reader that is a special book. Architecture needs to be seen to be appreciated, and this book does that very well. Photographs are most effectively presented, and the images are exceptional. Quite readable captions guide and inform. Chapter openings dazzle and invite the reader to turn the pages." Congratulations to the author and photographer, designer Robin McDonald, and the University of Alabama Press.

Alabama Architecture: Looking At Building And Place by architectural historian and preservationist Alice Meriwether Bowsher is a gorgeous coffee table book filled with expansive, full-color photography by M. Lewis Kennedy Jr. of the most unique, stylized, and flavorful examples of Alabama's unique architectural heritage. A few essays are included, but the majority of Alabama Architecture focuses on the crystal-clear pictures with only brief captions to describe the most notable features of the buildings depicted. A most beautiful and eye-catching book of Alabama's best combinations of art and shelter, Alabama Architecture is a superbly presented and highly recommended addition to any professional or academic Architectural Studies reference collection.