North America Books


Books-Under-Review-->Sports-->Equestrian-->Breeds-->Shetland Pony-->Breeders-->North America-->26
Related Subjects: United States Canada
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250
North America Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

North America
World Trade Center: The Giants Who Defied the Skies
Published in Hardcover by White Star (2002)
Author: Peter Skinner
List price:
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

FINALLY-Just What I Needed!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-18
As a native New Yorker who formerly had a beautiful view of the World Trade Center, and now avoids looking at the painfully flat skyline every day, I have this fabulous volume to treasure instead. .............. While disappointed with the flood of tributes to the still unfathomable tragedy of 9/11, this book was a must have the moment I thumbed through for a quick cursory look. I was immediately impressed with all the gorgeous shots of the WTCs depicted in all the ways that I loved them. Shimmering in golden sunrise yellow, blinding in midday platinum steel, glowing in the ominously blue-violet dusk, and sparkling with the thousands of tiny lights that made the New York City skyline, the awesomely spectacular sight that so sadly, won't ever be the same. ................. The most wonderful thing about this book, is not only the terrific pictoral contents, with several posters included, but the informational text that accompanies it as well. If you are interested to know the complete history of the WTCs and New York City, you will see the city before the towers were built, how and by whom they were planned, the way they were built, when and why. Also covered, their effect on New York City, as well as their role in the media and Hollywood movies. Finally, you will get the brutally shocking photos of their horrible demise. Look no further for a truly complete tribute. Every single chapter goes into wonderful detail, and is accompanied by the most breathtaking photographic treasures ever seen, of these iconic masterpieces of lost architecture. Not only is this the absolute BEST book I've seen for anyone who wants to keep their memory of the WTCs alive forever, it's also one of the most reasonably priced. This volume offers a tremendous return for your dollar. It's all printed in sharp color, on thick gauge, glossy paper. There is not one page in here that will waste your time with filler. Author Pete Skinner, British born, but a longtime resident of Greenwich Village, had, like me, watched the birth of the World Trade Center, built and completed in 1973, and like me, watched it die. People all over the world felt the pain of this unprecedented loss, but those of us who were lucky enough to live among the Twin Towers for their retrospectively short lifespan, will treasure this book. ................... If you are looking for a book about the entire gamut of events that took place in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, you may not find all of what you're looking for here. However, if you are like me, a person who will forever mourn the loss of these twin icons of prestige and success that defined the great soaring spirit of New York City, as well as the tragic loss of many wonderful hard-working New Yorkers who loved to work at the World Trade Center once upon a better time, then you have found the perfect tribute to a symbol of New York that will remain, forever in the American heart.

Simply the finest WTC commemorative book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-21
This book is the one to get, if you want fantastic photos, interesting prose, and just an overall great pictoral commemoration of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11.

With the War on Terror continuing, sometimes it is good to be reminded of why we are fighting and what it's all for. This book will bring the memories (and the resolve) flooding back.

An excellent tribute at a great price. Five stars!

Best of the WTC Tribute Books!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-13
The history of the WTC is traced from black and white photos and simple text regarding its design and architecture through the chilling events of 9/11. I have to say that the color photos of 9/11 capture the events totally and will leave you breathless.

I have purchased 6 copies of this book for family and friends and think it is the best WTC book out there.

I proudly keep a copy on my coffee table and leaf through it often and remember the beautiful buildings I once marveled at and loved.

FINALLY-Just What I Needed!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-18
As a native New Yorker who formerly had a beautiful view of the World Trade Center, and now avoids looking at the painfully flat skyline every day, I have this fabulous volume to treasure instead. .............. While disappointed with the flood of tributes to the still unfathomable tragedy of 9/11, this book was a must have the moment I thumbed through for a quick cursory look. I was immediately impressed with all the gorgeous shots of the WTCs depicted in all the ways that I loved them. Shimmering in golden sunrise yellow, blinding in midday platinum steel, glowing in the ominously blue-violet dusk, and sparkling with the thousands of tiny lights that made the New York City skyline, the awesomely spectacular sight that so sadly, won't ever be the same. ................. The most wonderful thing about this book, is not only the terrific pictoral contents, with several posters included, but the informational text that accompanies it as well. If you are interested to know the complete history of the WTCs and New York City, you will see the city before the towers were built, how and by whom they were planned, the way they were built, when and why. Also covered, their effect on New York City, as well as their role in the media and Hollywood movies. Finally, you will get the brutally shocking photos of their horrible demise. Look no further for a truly complete tribute. Every single chapter goes into wonderful detail, and is accompanied by the most breathtaking photographic treasures ever seen, of these iconic masterpieces of lost architecture. Not only is this the absolute BEST book I've seen for anyone who wants to keep their memory of the WTCs alive forever, it's also one of the most reasonably priced. This volume offers a tremendous return for your dollar. It's all printed in sharp color, on thick gauge, glossy paper. There is not one page in here that will waste your time with filler. Author Pete Skinner, British born, but a longtime resident of Greenwich Village, had, like me, watched the birth of the World Trade Center, built and completed in 1973, and like me, watched it die. People all over the world felt the pain of this unprecedented loss, but those of us who were lucky enough to live among the Twin Towers for their retrospectively short lifespan, will treasure this book. ................... If you are looking for a book about the entire gamut of events that took place in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, you may not find all of what you're looking for here. However, if you are like me, a person who will forever mourn the loss of these twin icons of prestige and success that defined the great soaring spirit of New York City, as well as the tragic loss of many wonderful hard-working New Yorkers who loved to work at the World Trade Center once upon a better time, then you have found the perfect tribute to a symbol of New York that will remain, forever in the American heart.

World Trade Center - Truly Amazing
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-28
I live in the Midwest (have never visited NY) but saw a review of this book on a website. I just had to have it so I ordered the book from Amazon.com. I received the book late yesterday afternoon. The pictures and information contained in the book are truly amazing. It is amazing to see what Lower Manhattan looked like before the WTC was built. The pictures of the various models of WTC that were built. There are pictures of the construction of the twin towers. The book has some very nice posters of the WTC and New York skyline. There are many pictures taken on September 11th and in the days following. This book is a must-have for those who are interested in the World Trade Center. It's truly a remarkable book.

North America
The Ancestors' Path: A Native American Oracle for Seeking Guidance from Nature and Spirit Helpers
Published in Paperback by Inner Ocean Publishing (2003-10)
Author: Jonn Lavinnder
List price: $29.95
New price: $3.63
Used price: $1.97

Average review score:

The Ancestors' Path
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-05
The Ancestors' Path is an oracle based upon the philosophies of traditional Native American beliefs. In this way, readers of the oracle seek to understand what part of the cyclical path a given experienced is located. This information tells them not only about their immediate circumstances but gives them a reference to understand how they got to that point in time and where they are headed.

The Ancestors' Path is probably one of the most easy to use but complex systems that I have come across. The set includes two dice, one representing the six elements and the other representing six totems. For a very basic reading, you simply throw the dice onto the board provided and look up the results. This gives you a very good idea about where you and your query are located in the cycle of change. With this information, you can also see what you have already accomplished and what the next step of the process will look like.

However, in order to get clarification on a particular issue, you can seek more guidance from the directions. Using the small compass provided, you line up the board you're your current north position. Throwing the dice in a particular direction specifies your question further. For instance, if you want to know specifically about the beginning of your current project, want a better understanding of the purpose of this path, or even wish to know how your spiritual helpers are supporting you on this path. This additional aspect creates an exceptional good picture of the particular situation at hand.

A Path of Wisdom
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-14
I have had experience with many other oracles, including The I-Ching, Geomancy, Tarot, Scrying and the observation of patterns in the natural world.

The Ancestor's Path is an incredible divinatory method. When the Paths are explored with the proper state of mind, when you use the oracle with proper ceremony, it can reveal stunning insights into your state of conciousness.

I have made difficult decisions using the oracular method and have been surprised by its accuracy on more than one occasion.

I highly recommend this system to any person who seeks a Shamanic, tribal interperetation of reality.

Ancestors' Path is a wonderful and insightful game
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-15
The Ancestors' Path is a helpful and fun way to consult "the Oracle", also instructing and educating the player in understanding the world through the Native American "looking glass". The answers to questions about life or any concern at hand will have universal meaning with the lovely flavour of the ancient traditions of this land. I recommend this book and divination game as a splendid gift to give a family member or friend for the Holidays!

Deep wisdom from the Native American tradition
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-14
I love this divination system. It taught me so much about Native American spirituality. More than that, the readings I receive when I "throw" the dice, which are part of the system, impart to me a depth of wisdom that I have rarely received when using other systems. The answers truly cut to the heart of any matter. With the Ancestors' Path, you experience the profound sense that you are, indeed, speaking with elders or ancestors, and that they have your best interests at heart.

Shamanic oracle
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-14
I have had experience with many other oracles, including The I-Ching, Geomancy, Tarot, Scrying and the observation of patterns in the natural world.

The Ancestor's Path is an incredible divinatory method. When the Paths are explored with the proper state of mind, when you use the oracle with proper ceremony, it can reveal stunning insights into your state of conciousness.

I have made difficult decisions using the oracular method and have been surprised by its accuracy on more than one occasion.

I highly recommend this system to any person who seeks a Shamanic, tribal interperetation of reality.

North America
Cell Church Solutions: Transforming the Church in North America
Published in Paperback by CCS PUBLISHING (2005-04-01)
Author: Joel Comiskey
List price: $14.95
New price: $9.49
Used price: $5.71

Average review score:

Are You Looking For Multiplication In Your Church?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-29
As a member of a cell church, I found this book very interesting. I find that having these cells inside of the church body help to give the church a more unified feeling. This book is great for pastors that are unsure of whether to adopt the cell church philosophy, because it gives all of the information that they will need to implement this type of ministry in their church. It is well written and easy to understand and follow. If you want to learn more about this movement, then you will want to get this book.

Great new USA data on cell-based churches
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-01
Comiskey has done a great job of giving page after page after page of US churches that are making cell group-based ministry work well. These churches are from every background-Pentecostal to Charismatic to Conservative Southern Baptist churches.

This book complements his previous writing, published by www.cellgrouppeople.com and is a good read for pastors looking at the model from the outside. It's also a good read for pastors doing cell groups now because it corrects numerous misconceptions not found in other books.

Real Solutions
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-18
This is a great book. As an emerging cell-church pastor I particularly appreciated the lack of focus on a "model" cell church. Joel lays out the necessary principles to become an effective, missional, cell-church without espousing a particular method or system. The principles in this book can be ingested and then given individual expression in any community of believers. I would also recommend this book to anyone seeking more information about what a cell church is, or contemplating becoming a relationship-driven community.

Wow...What a book!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-12
Wow...what a book. As a layperson I have been intrigued by the massive growth of churches in other countries especially Pastor David Cho's church in South Korea. I always wondered why not in North America? I had a suspicion that because of the United States emphasis on individuality and privacy that a massive church on par with ones in Colombia, Korea, and Chile was simply not possible here. Yet my heart longed for that revival. Joel Comiskey's groundbreaking book on transforming the North American Church is a giant and exciting step towards realizing that the church in North America will begin to "catch up."
I was so involved in the book! Chapters 1 and 2 are sobering for Christians to read. The State of the North American Church (chapter 1) is stunning to read but wait Comiskey offers hope! One can not read this book without reflecting on theirown experience but at the same time getting excited about the possibilities for the church in North America! What is lacking in the North American church is frankly discussed and offers conviction and motivation to the reader to see things differently.
Clearly discussed is the application of the Cell Church to North America. Chapters 6-14 are exceptional in helping one understand the cell church model and it's flexibility for every situation. I must pause here. The most important chapter of the book and the one Comiskey gives a paramount emphasis to is Chapter 6. In this chapter he discusses the need for prayer to be the foundation for any church. Churches that pray are seeing God do amazing things. It isn't the model that brings new believers to the church it is prayer and only prayer that brings lasting change and insight. As Comiskey writes people go to church to see Jesus. It is not the program or technique that makes a difference, it is prayer. Here I believe is the essence of the book that should reassure any skeptic about building churches for Jesus. An extremely well researched book with insightful and helpful ways to expand the church in North America has not forgotten the essence to seeing God work and that begins when we are on our knees.
I am excited to discuss this book with others including my pastor. Although I attend a rather large church (over 2000) the need to be a part of a community of believers in a small group (cell) I believe is so necessary and is the key area that is missing in the North American Church. I know now that cell churches can be successful in North America and I can't wait to see God's blessing on the North American Church. Soon we will experience God's Harvest and this book will definitely help us get there. May we all be excited about spreading the Gospel in our neighborhoods.


Super convincing case
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-06
This explanation of cell church theory as it relates to the special conditions in North American culture makes an excellent case for why cell churches will work anywhere. Disciple making plays a key part in multiplying cell groups in this model, and this book includes helpful chapters on making disciples, training, and coaching. Comisky includes numerous examples of churches in America where the cell-based strategy is bearing impressive fruit.
Comisky's work is persuasive and thoughtful. Read this book.
- Dennis McCallum author, Organic Disciplemaking: How to promote Christian leadership development through personal relationships, biblical discipleship, mentoring, and Christian community

North America
The Cherokee Full Circle: A Practical Guide to Sacred Ceremonies and Traditions
Published in Paperback by Bear & Company (2002-09-30)
Authors: J. T. Garrett and Michael Tlanusta Garrett
List price: $14.00
New price: $8.14
Used price: $8.95

Average review score:

A Good Primer
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
This book is a good primer to learning about Native American Medicine. The writing is fairly engaging, but reads somewhat as a self-help book, which is either good or bad depending on your perspective. But I like self-help, and I liked this book.

Solid principles!
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-19
An excellent presentation of Cherokee religion in respect to the harmony in the relationships of cycles. Easily readable, but goes into depth to give good solid understanding. A well done book on the subject!

Provides a different perspective on the sacred hoop
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
I bought this book on the basis of the recommendations and a referral. It is very well written and clearly explains the sacred hoop medicine wheel in relation to healing and wellness of spirit, emotion, and body. In fact, it does so better than any other book I've read on the subject. It also provides ways to facilitate healing circles for those who are interested in pursuing that. I look forward to reading more Garrett books.

Part of my continual study!!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-25
An amazing study book. Encourages me to continue in my Native American roots search. Thank you. I have all of Garretts books.

Fantastic
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-08
Helps me with my meditation practices. Better to use this in the great outdoors but a very sprit building book!

North America
Columbus and Other Cannibals: The Wetiko Disease of Exploitation, Imperialism, and Terrorism
Published in Paperback by Autonomedia (1992-11-14)
Author: Jack D. Forbes
List price: $10.00
Used price: $19.63

Average review score:

Great book why so expensive
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-17
I read this book when i was in 8th grade and i loved it ever since and used to own my own copy. It gave insight to the way i viewed our capitalist world. But why so expensive to buy it? this book has a knowledge that everyone should be able to get at a low cost, not because many of sellers want to make a profit off the book that is out of print, irony to those who read it and are selling and say its a great book. i passed mine on to a good friend.

One of the most important books I've read
Helpful Votes: 17 out of 21 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-11
I agree with both previous reviewers that the book is an extraordinary indictment of the dominant culture. But I got something else from this book as well. I read this that Forbes is saying that one of the reasons civilization is killing the planet is because of a spiritual illness with a physical vector. If I get the flu and then cough all over you, you might then get the flu, with all of its symptoms. If I have the cannibal sickness and I cough (or somehow otherwise transfer the disease to you) you will have to consume the souls of others in order to survive. You will become a vampire. Or to putthis another way, you will become a conquistador, a pornographer, a slaver, a businessman. I read this not only as a metaphor, but as a possible description of how things really are. And he makes a very convincing case. Wonderful and important book by a very wise man.

A great piece of work...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-19
This is an incredible book. Jack Forbes brings up ideals on why we are so destructive in a whole new fashion. All of the other reviews ive read on this have been right on. Unfortunately this book is out of print and is up to 130.00 dollars. But over all this is a very important book that should demand re-printing. I recomend this book to anybody who agrees with the fact that industrial civilization is killing everything in its path...

Cannibals among us.
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-16
When I think of cannibalism I think of another person eating the body of another person. I don't think that way after reading this book, cannibalism has a totally different meaning to me.

Could we call it cannibalism when a Christian missionary goes into a Indian Village and gives them no other choice but to see God his way? Why couldn't the missionary just be happy in his own church with his own followers?

Is it cannibalism when a capitalist decides to turn a forest into two-by-fours? Wasn't the forest down the road that was turned into two-by-fours last week enough? Is the person with the chainsaw taking orders a cannibal to?

Forbes makes it clear that there has been, and still are, a lot of people suffering from the cannibal sickness among us who want to consume all life around them. He claims you don't have to eat another person all you have to do is control their heart and mind, you've than consumed them. And to survive in the cannibal's culture you almost have to become a cannibal yourself. It's contagious. It's the sickness that creates the pecking order were all familiar with. It's actually kind of scary, this culture just might consume itself if it isn't careful.

Forbes does show at the end of the book that there is another way. He shows that there has existed, and still exists, different "paths" to take that isn't offered by the cannibals.

A great book to help heal a sick culture.

A Classic
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-20
An amazing perspective on the conditions of mankind. What Forbes tells us is that there is this negative consciousness, this spiritual sickness called "The Wetiko Psychosis" that gets passed on from being to being. It's an inherited twisted perspective on life, and feeling about life.. The bestowers for the last 500 years of the Wetiko disease have come from the European culture, although he mentions that many cultures through out history have endulged in Wetiko behavior, from Egypt, to Rome, to Russia, China. He's also mentioned that the once oppressed may carry on this mentality, this lunacy to a higher degree sometimes then the original oppressors/ colonizers.
There is authenticity in this book that isnt found that often. The reader learns so much about Native American phylosophy. It stays the course with you from beginning to end. When I first read the book, I was thinking to myself "hmm I dont know, thats stretching it isnt it? Cannibalism?" But the way he describes it, and in the way he means it, now I understand. We need to take a more compassionate and loving path. A path of power now because we're running out of time. We're all enduring the effects of it today and will for years to come. He says it wont change unless we change and heal ourselves first.

North America
The Complete How-To Book of Indiancraft: 68 Projects for Authentic Indian Articles from Tepee to Tom-tom
Published in Paperback by Wiley (1973-06-01)
Author: W. Ben Hunt
List price: $13.95
New price: $28.98
Used price: $4.97
Collectible price: $24.00

Average review score:

Wonderful!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-14
We received the book promptly and were very happy with it! It had some really cool projects and lots of additional information, as well as pictures. Very interesting and informative and we couldn't be happier!

INDIANCRAFTS
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-15
Great book with black and white pix for learning to create various Native American (especially plains style) and pioneering crafts from natural materials the old way. Set up in a nice vintage tone and format. Truly a treasure for anyone exploring survival skills, Native heritage or crafting items from nature!!! Highly recommend!

A true treasure from the past
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-03
If you want a politically correct and modern Native American craft book, this is not it. Though the copyright is 1973, this book has a 50's feel and sketches. However, it is a wealth of information with crafts ranging from leather & rawhide making to building your own dogsled. With a simple change of materials theses scout projects go from Hollywood to historically correct. I found this book to have the best set of instructions and illustrations for making an Eastern style roach headdress despite the instructions calling for manila fibers (I used turkey beards). I highly recommend this book to the Buckskinner or Native enthusiast.

Excellent livre (contenu et qualité)
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-22
Livraison dans un excellent délai, moins d'une semaine. La qualité du volume est excellente, presque neuf.

answer to happeeface
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-30
This book was wonderful. It came highly recommended. The prompt service on the purchase of this used book was great.

North America
A Contemporary Mind and Other Crimes
Published in Hardcover by Xlibris Corporation (2003-03)
Author: B. Ryan
List price: $36.99
New price: $22.26
Used price: $22.95

Average review score:

Learning While Reading
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-21
This book is a liberal arts degree
for people who did not have the time
to get a Masters.

A Contemporary Mind and Other Crimes
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-14
the information betweem the covers
is worth over 5 stars
a foundation work for individuals and their futures

The art of being modern
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-12
for those over over 30 read it fast things jump at you
for those under 30 its an under liner

Fun South of the Border
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-23
A Contemporary Mind gives a new perspective on the realities and cultural expectations that thrive in what is considered to be Latin America. The language is exuberant and finely crafted to draw the reader into a web of multiple plots. Well worth the time and effort. Great book for the beach, a must summer read.

Novel as Manifesto or is it Manifesto as Novel
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-28
Read it fast
it's a jazz composition

North America
Crisis of the House Divided: An Interpretation of the Issues in the Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Published in Paperback by University Of Chicago Press (1999-03-15)
Author: Harry V. Jaffa
List price: $22.50
New price: $76.21
Used price: $23.95

Average review score:

Stunningly great book on Lincoln
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-31
For an account of Lincoln's thought (as well as Douglas') that serves to the credit of both of them, read this book. One of the finest books I have ever read, there are some chapters on Lincoln's thought that you will read time and time again. My copy of the book is marked up with great quotes where Harry Jaffa shows great insight into the tension and wonder that is the democratic thought of Abraham Lincoln, quite possibly the greatest democratic leader in history. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to know about the mind of Lincoln before the Civil War.

Highly relevant decades after publication
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-23
This book is a most profound examination of the thinking of both Sen. Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln concerning all of the issues associated with slavery up to the Civil War. Jaffa wants to set the record straight as far as any number of contentions by well-known historians of his era, known as revisionists. Most importantly, he flatly disputes the notion that the thinking and actions of Douglas (the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854) endorsing popular sovereignty were essentially equivalent to the principled stand of Lincoln based on the equality of all men in their long-term ramifications for slavery. Those revisionist historians contend that Lincoln and the Republicans should have accepted Douglas' solution to the slavery crisis, thus not precipitating the Civil War.

Another claim against Lincoln that Jaffa thoroughly discredits is that Lincoln, in fact, did not hold Negroes as equals, and simply used the issue for personal political gain regardless of the consequences for the Union. But Lincoln understood that politics is the art of the possible. The author makes clear that Lincoln held an intense respect for the principles of the Declaration of Independence, including the rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for all, including Negroes. It was one thing for the Union to be formed with the taint of slavery, but the contention that Southerners came to that slavery was a "positive good" was felt by Lincoln to have the potential to completely undermine the basis of the US. Perhaps it could even be justified to enslave a group of "inferior" whites. Lincoln felt compelled to move the nation back to its core principles without alienating those who did not have the same clarity as to what was at stake.

The book is a challenging read. The issue of permitting slavery in territories became and remained contentious from 1820 on. The arguments for and against slavery in territories are quite subtle involving constitutionality, Congressional acts, territorial legislative bodies, and court decisions. The Dred Scott decision in 1857 disallowing restrictions on taking property (slaves) into territories is examined. Lincoln and the Republicans, rightfully so, were very apprehensive as to the long term ramifications of that decision. It was hardly a stretch to see where free states could become a thing of the past.

The book is only indirectly concerned with the Lincoln-Douglas debates. They are randomly referred to throughout the text, but earlier writings and speeches receive far more attention. Douglas' words concerning the Mexican territories and the Kansas-Nebraska Act are well covered. The author devotes a large segment to examining Lincoln's speech to the Young Men's Lyceum in 1938, where his thinking on major issues had already crystallized. Lincoln's address on temperance receives much attention.

The author is a disciple of Leo Strauss, the natural rights theorist. He does regard Lincoln as a preeminent natural rights thinker. There is some discussion of pre-civil society versus civil society. But the overall import of the book does not turn on acceptance of natural rights in a purist sense.

This book, decades after its publication, cannot be ignored for understanding Lincoln.

The one to read
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-15
If you want to read one book about Lincoln's thought, this is the one to read. The first part of the book, which takes Douglas seriously and states the strongest case for him, is historically dense and may be difficult for most readers. But keep going, because the payoff will be great. There follow chapters on two of Lincoln's early speeches. Jaffa's analysis here is brilliant, though perhaps a bit far-fetched. In the final part of the book, Jaffa states the case for Lincoln against Douglas. This part is rich in its ideas, rigorous in its reasoning, and eloquent to the point of being inspirational. (By the way, if you want to read one biography of Lincoln, I'd recommend the one by Lord Charnwood. Though written almost a century ago and therefore not up to date on all the details of historical scholarship, it is judicious throughout and beautifully written.)

The Second American Founding
Helpful Votes: 21 out of 25 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-23
Perhaps the most interesting thing about Jaffa is that he wrote Goldwater's famous "moderation in the defense of freedom is no virtue" speech. If you go back and read the speech (and it is on the web, of course), it echoes both the Old Testament ("our fathers") and Lincoln. I suspect he would agree with the man who told me that Lincoln is the greatest prose stylish in the English language. As for the book, Jaffa interprets the civil war as the second, and genuine, founding of the American republic, and precisely because the principle of the Declaration, equality, was written not in ink but blood (Jaffa has his own brand of Lincolnian Christianity). Lincoln, by this reading, belongs to the "tribe of the eagle and the lion" and was neither Caesar nor Brutus but possessed the best qualities of both. To understand that part of Jaffa's interpretation, you would have to read his treatment of Shakespeare. As for the Lincoln-Douglas debates, Jaffa stages Douglas as Thrasymachus and Lincoln--surprise, surprise--as Socrates.

Vitally important work that's a must-read for policy makers
Helpful Votes: 26 out of 27 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-01
Professor Harry V. Jaffa's "Crisis of the House Divided" is an extremely important book. In it, he succeeds in turning back the revisionist historians of the mid-Twentieth Century who sought to devalue Abraham Lincoln's commitment to the proposition that "All men are created equal."

This tide of revisionism took two general forms; partisans for the South who placed the full blame on Mr. Lincoln for sparking the "War of Northern Aggression"; and modern historians, skeptical of any higher motives and virtues in statesmen of the past, who claimed that there were really no substantial policy differences between Mr. Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas. If the latter class of historian could prove that Lincoln didn't really believe in freedom for slaves and that his rhetoric against slavery was irresponsible (knowing how it offended Southern sensibilities) while Douglas' "Popular Sovereignty" policy would have eventually led to the limitation and elimination of slavery, then Lincoln's legacy as President could be shown to be the largely accidental.

Fortunately, Professor Jaffa's work demolishes the corrosive contentions of the revisionists, showing, beyond any doubt, that Mr. Lincoln believed America was founded on the principle of human equality as much as it was founded on the idea of democracy. That democracy and equality were the twin pillars of the American Republic and were in tension was something Mr. Lincoln well understood while Judge Douglas honored only democracy. Hence, Douglas' "Popular Sovereignty" led to the concept that the majority could decide slavery was not only legal, but also moral. In opposition, Mr. Lincoln argued that a majority did not have the right to sanction the enslavement of other men, regardless of their alleged inferiority, because "All men are created equal."

Professor Jaffa shows that Mr. Lincoln built upon the Founders' thoughts in the Declaration of Independence and urged their maturation towards the ideal. Lincoln saw how the Founders invoked passion, hatred and revenge in support of the cause of independence from Britain but how these passions were no longer adequate to the task of preserving the Union from the dangers of mobocracy or dictatorship - dangers made more immediate by the revolutionary birth of America and the tendency of unrestrained democracy to disdainful the rule of law. Instead, Lincoln recommended virtuous reason to lift the United States up, to show the world that it was truly capable of lasting self-governance. Of course, the cornerstone of this reason was the thinking through in the body politic, the practical consequences of the principle, "All men are created equal."

Professor Jaffa's book is a gift to America and the world. Were more people in office aware of the fundamental issues debated by Judge Douglas and Mr. Lincoln in 1858 during their remarkable campaign for the Illinois Senate, and their implications for policies even today, our nation would be stronger and our democracy more secure.

Reviewer: Chuck DeVore is a California State Assemblyman, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard and the author of "China Attacks."

North America
Crossings: A White Man's Journey into Black America
Published in Paperback by University of Missouri Press (1999-09)
Author: Walt Harrington
List price: $29.95
New price: $15.00
Used price: $1.37

Average review score:

Class matters most.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-17
This important work should not have disappeared from bookstore shelves, and should be on every thnking person's reading list. By the way, it is also a pleasure to read as Harrington is a gifted storyteller, the mark of a firs-rate reporter. Walt Harrington talks frankly of those differences in style which often separate, perplex, and offend us. White and black social styles are different, but we can deal with that.What we seem unwilling to confront, in our social policies and our private assumptions, are the much larger and harder-edged gulfs between economic classes. Harrington's realization that poor blacks and whites have more in common with one another than with the wealthy, and his analysis of barriers to individual success put up by economically stressed communities, as opposed to racially segregated communities were brilliant. I find myself constantly rethinking my own work in education and in community building based on his work. This book is a must read for every college sociology class, political science professor, and business school graduate.Some publisher out there must recognize the worth of this book. Everyone who has read it is ready to give a copy to at least 5 friends! We can all hope Oprah discovers this work and puts it on her list so that it will gain the audience Harrington deserves.

Let those with ears hear what Harrington has to say.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1998-07-31
Walt Harrington has provided America with one of the best accounts of race and racism in this county. Through many interviews with black people around the country, Harrington provides a vivid picture of race in America. His most important point is that all black people do not share the same views on politics, economics, and racism. The only ciriticism that comes to mind is that his book is too optimistic. Harrington insinuates that one day racism can be overcome. This comes after countless off-the-collar, racist comments from various white people he meets (one from a young boy playing basketball). While we must continue to try, white racism seems an insurmountable obstacle.

Read it and pass it along, I did and have thanked each time
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1998-03-10
Every so often you are impacted by a compelling act, word or deed. Crossings gave me much to think about. There are dozens of books I have read and they mostly have left my memory bank. Not this book, it made a lasting deposit. E-mail me about Birmingham Pledge: attempt to end racism.

very interesting
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-29
I have always been very interested in the role of race in our society. There is no real answer to the questions of its importance, but Harrington does an exceptional job in giving his readers nonbiased, objective research. He travels the country interviewing many different African Americans in different socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and lifestyles. It is incredibly interesting reading about their different beliefs on the subjects he brings up, and their openness to discuss these things also intrigues me. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about race, whether it is your own, or one you want to know more about.

A fascinating journey that touches the lives of heroes
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-02
I absolutely loved this book. What a journey? As an African Canadian I've had a long fascination with the history and lives of my brothers and sisters to the south. When I was very young I would pore over my father's old Ebony magazines from the 60s absorbing all the knowledge I could about people who I found incredibly complex, strong, loving, generous, heroic....The many stories of courage, achievement and triumph made me very proud. Walt Harrington's book has allowed me to continue my fascinating journey. Today I have many African-American friends who are often astonished with my knowledge of their history and culture. Harrington's book is one that every American should read. Mainly because it's not a book about African Americans, as much as it's a book about America. Every chapter is a journey into complexities of American culture and it's people. They say that the best stories are true - this book is living proof of that. The fact that Harrington is white, makes this journey all the more interesting. Him experiencing things for the first time that we as Black people have long been privvy to is often funny (in a sad way). There are many examples of the accepted ignorance that white privilege creates. However, we find Harrington asking himself questions that would be so easy to sugar coat with a great white liberal response, but he instead answers with the unexpected - brutal honesty (what you suspect he is thinking, but would never say). Some of Harrington's experiences and stories scrape the depths of despair (Chicago projects), while others show the will of a people (Oklohoma cowboys). Harrington is generous in his writing style, recreating Black people's lives and experiences with the greatest detail and vividness. Walt, thank you for your commitment to expanding your horizons and allowing others to be part of your journey - I enjoyed every minute of it. This book is one I look forward to revisiting.

North America
Dancing Between Two Worlds: Jung and the Native American Soul (Jung and Spirituality)
Published in Paperback by Paulist Press (1997-03)
Author: Fred R. Gustafson
List price: $14.95
New price: $8.78
Used price: $8.69

Average review score:

native
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-08
Eduardo is an awesome person. I saw him speak in person. He is very good at helping to put the audience in the right 'space' in regard to working with/understanding Native people.

very nice
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-27

A wonderful and deeper telling of Dances with wolves. I liked it very much.

This is an excellent book, a must for all Jungians!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-14
This book is well written and comes from the many seasons of the author life and work. Dr.Gustafson draws from his many years as a Jungian Anayst and his personal experience with his native american friends. There are some wonderful stories here from the authors life and some powerful insights that will be helpful to those seeking a deeper understanding of their soul.

Dancing Between the Lines
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-18
A beautiful work of sensitivity and insight from a man who truly understands not only his soul, but the spirit of the Native Americans he has come to grow with. An amazing Jungian analyst and talented writer, this book opened my eyes to a world I could not see before.

One of my top 10 favorites
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-31
This is an incredibly insightful book by Gustafson, who shares his own story combined with the teachings of NA people and Jungian psychology. Definitely a "must have" book for therapists working among NA populations.


Books-Under-Review-->Sports-->Equestrian-->Breeds-->Shetland Pony-->Breeders-->North America-->26
Related Subjects: United States Canada
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250