South America Books

I am a Melungeon descendant who formerly wrote a column on the topic in a history journal. I wrote an extensive review with some context for my remarks for Amazon, but it was refused. I rewrote it and it was still refused. From the point-of-view of those who have already read a great deal on the subject, and from the point-of-view of those involved in discussions about Melungeons (for whom this may be their first book on the topic), a contextual review would be helpful. This book does away with much of the conjecture and folklore, and helps to eliminate many of the more bizarre origin stories that some would rather believe than the truth about how the Melungeons came to be. Melungeons are a uniquely American people, created out of the raw materials of people who were already here before colonization, colonists, those the colonists brought with them as servants, and those the colonists bartered-for or purchased as laborers ... before the days of chattel slavery. Hashaw's book lays the foundation for a rational discussion of the topic ... and is the first book to do so. It is, therefore, a breakthrough in a rational discussion of Melungeon origins.

Children Of Perdition: Melungeons And The Struggle Of Mixed America by award winning investigative journalist Tim Hashaw is the history of mixed-race communities in America during the 300 years in which marriage between whites and nonwhites was outlawed. Melungeons, often called "children of perdition" by both whites and blacks, ranked socially below communities of freed slaves even though they had lighter skin. Persecution of melungeons included imprisonment, whipping, slavery, lunching, gun battles, forced sterilization, and exile, yet they persevered and preserved folk tales. Even in the twentieth century, there were various American schemes to forcibly exile US citizens with as little as "one drop" of black blood to Africa. In addition to tracing history, Children Of Perdition delves into psychology and the development of racism both historical and modern, as well as the practices of scapegoating, racial politics, and the impact of World War II and the Nazis. Highly recommended as both history and ancient and modern social commentary.

This is one of the great classics of anthropology and Latin American studies. Largely ignored during the rush to make anthropology a science of culture, this is a description of Candomble and the women who led the spiritual life of Bahia in the thirties. Good to see that it is now available in this format.

If you are looking for an excellent book on the Candomble Orixa Worship of Brazil, then this is the classic. The book as the title states is of the power of the Brazilian Priestesses of the orixas, also known as orisha. Mai De Santos, or Priestesses of Orixas are as powerful, and as highly respected as the Babalawos of the Ifa and Babalorichas of Lucumi. I highly recomend this to all Voodoo Mambos, Santeria Santeras, and all Woman of the world, who believe in the power of Woman.

From a man's point of view this is a brilliant and inspiring work, and should be read buy all who honor the Ancient African Gods.

This book provides both a useful overview of urban social history in turn-of-the-century Rio de Janeiro and a unique and convincing analysis of how poor urban and suburban residents responded to urban renewal projects. The author places her analysis in an engaging, accessible, and accurate narrative of the city's broader history, weaving together the findings of a broad array of specialized secondary works. Her own primary research on popular protests provides a crucial part of this history, and her conclusions are suggestive of how popular movements might be understood elsewhere as well. The book shows that the effects of undemocratic urban administration can be disasterous for the least powerful sectors of the population. Yet is also shows that the urban poor were by no means "marginalized," nor did they decline to participate in orderly, legal forms of protest. Riots and violence exploded in Rio only after poor residents had tolerated arbitrary and violent government implementation of urban policies, and after they had found other avenues of appeal to government officials closed. This book is effective in undergraduate and graduate courses alike. In addition to providing an excellent overview of Rio's early twentieth-century history, the book stimulates students to think critically about urbanization, class conflict, forms of protest, and the peculiar concerns of non-industrial nations to create images of order and civilization in the early twentieth century.

This a major addition to the social history of urban life in Brazil, and Latin America generally. By shifting the emphasis from workplace struggles to conflict over urban space, Meade allows us to rethink dramatic and sometimes puzzling episodes of popular protest in turn-of-the-century Rio de Janeiro (such as the revolt against compulsory smallpox vaccination). Her argument that these protests should be seen as part of the contest over capitalist modernization, and are no less "modern" than workplace struggles in nearby Sao Paulo, adds to the ongoing discussion of political consciousness as forming in struggles both within and beyond the point of production. Meade also explores the implications of "urban beautification" for the popular classes in a way that connects processes in Rio with broader global tendencies during the Age of Imperialism. Finally, the book is highly readable and accessible to the non-specialist, and can be used in courses ranging from introductory undergraduate surveys to graduate seminars.

During the 20th century, textiles because the number one industry in the Carolinas, with most of the mills being established along river banks for cheap power and close to the raw product supplies--cotton. To get workers, the mills built company owned housing. Cliffside is typical of hundreds of such communities. Reno Baily's passion for his home town comes through as he chronicles the life of Cliffside.

Cotton is no longer king. The textile industry has mostly moved to other countries. Cliffside held on much longer than many company towns. It is an important document for new generations who rarely will see an existing 'mill town'. Although the names mean little except to relatives and neighbors, it is important that this era in a community's life be kept alive. Reno has done that for Cliffside.

A glimpse of the past, present, and future of a town through images and words
Clear, sharp, bright photographs of people, places, and things allow the reader to catch the flavor of a mill town from the turn of the Twentieth Century until now. The captions are descriptive and at times even humorous. The real point of interest, however, is the people. The reader is encouraged to view the past but not to hold it too tightly. I recommend the book to other communities that have/had a textile industry, to those who want to look in the eyes of the people of past, and to those who want to find out more about life in a mill town. Experience a time gone by through this quality experience: CLIFFSIDE: Portrait of a Carolina Mill Town.

If you like Colombia, as much as I like, you have to have this piece of jewelry in your coffee table. It is also a good idea if you want to surprise somebody you know that likes Colombia, or wants to learn about it. Unbelievable pictures in fold-in pages. Divided in zones and perfectly explained in Spanish about every detail in each breath-taking picture. Hard Cover. 260 full color pages.

This is honestly one of the best ever depictions of such a rich country, not only in culture, art, architecture, history and geographical variety, but in the people, the spirit, the colors and the sharp contrasts that this beautiful country has.
The photographer exposes an intimate and personal view that allows us to be inside the picture, as if living it ourselves. He has entered areas and dangerous zones to show us those existing contrasts, and has exposed us to the magnificense of this varied country. It is a perfect example of being able to see through someone else's eyes, and how beautiful it is.

This book shows some of the most wonderful places in Colombia.The excellent pictures show rivers, lakes, volcanos, and forests; most of them are not part of the usual turistic places, so they we can actually see how extraordinary and inmense is Colombia.

Many people think that Colombia is just about drugs, guerrilla, war and poverty. This book will show you the natural beauty of this country. Something very difficult to find elsewhere in such a small piece of land. In this book you will find the pictures of the most extraordinary regions of Colombia. If you are Colombian and you want your foreign friends to learn a little more about the beauty of the country you need to buy this book.

Dr. Lopez begins his narrative of the Comuneros Revolt in the most unlikely of places, Buen Ayre, winter of 1536. Yet it is here that the history of Paraguay and thus the foundation for the revolt begins. Taking us through the establishment of Asuncion in 1537 through the leadership of Irala and Hernandarias, we arrive to a man like Antequera, modeled in the ways and traditions of a very independant mentality.

Can we fault Dr. Lopez in his narrative of the Revolt? Perhaps not, but he could have mentioned more about the effect the Jesuits and their economical aspirations had upon the Asunceno society of the early 18th century.

All in all, this is a great historical book dealing with a subject that is seldom touched upon by North American historians: Paraguay.

I found the book excellent and very informative. The scope is much broader than what the title hints, it's a history of Paraguay from it's inception to the mid XVIII century, very well documented and very readable. Maybe, if I have to find a fault, a better review of what was going on in the Jesuit missions area would have helped. If somebody wants to get the full picture, he'll have to go look for some other book on the missions south of the Tebicuary river. Another fault is in the mispelling of "comuneros" in the cover, I am sure that the author was the first to be very annoyed by that.

I must say I expected a good book following the purchase of Metallic Cartridge Conversions, what you get with Colt Single Action: From Patersons to Peacemakers is a superbly produced book covering this genre. Not only informative as you would expect but written so well, not over technical just sheer good interesting subject reading, add the brilliance of Dennis Adler's photography you have one of the best books on the market. If you are a devotee of R L Wilson's books as I am, he now has some very serious competition.

This book is chuck-full of information; the opening chapters, particularly those pages dealing with Patterson rifle conversions are unique in my experience! Mr. Leavett has some fascinating pieces.

The illustrations are of the highest quality; I was happy to see the coverage given to the engraved versions of the "second-generation" black-powder revolvers, having owned a few myself.

This is right in there with the best $19.99 you can spend on a gun book.

South Carolina by Henry Leifermann is one of a series of Compass American Guides. Each state is written by a different author, and South Carolina is not only the best of them all, but also one of the most informative and concise guides ever written.

South Carolina is a diverse and beautiful state, and few states can boast that they begin at the Atlantic Ocean and end at the mountains. The author first provides us with a crash course in history from the geology of South Carolina, to the Colonial Era, the Revolution, the Antebellum Era, The Civil War and through to race relations and the diverse population that makes up this state. Leifermann also includes chapters on the Sea Islands, Charleston, Coastal Plantations, Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand, Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge. In addition to maps, timelines, paintings, and drawings, all the chapters include wonderful photography by Eric Horan.

This book is also packed full of pertinent information such as facts about the climate, the economy, the population, and specifics (state bird, state flower, etc.). It also provides the reader with practical information such as bed and breakfasts, hotel chains, restaurants, historic sites, festivals and events, museums, parks and forests, tours, golf courses, and places to get tourist information. It even includes a recipe or two.

So, if you're planning a trip to South Carolina, forget the AAA Tourbook and pick up Leifermann's book instead. You won't be disappointed.

Leifermann is an excellent writer, and his commentary is insightful. This is not your typical Chamber of Commerce, tourist brochure type of guidebook. The book is comprehensive and attractive, chock full of useful information. It contains excellent photography and tell-it-like-it-is descriptions. It has the accurate maps that are a necessity to any adequate guidebook. If you buy only one resource on South Carolina, this book should be it.

If you've never been to the American Southwest, this book will inspire you to go. This detailed, easy to read book filled with descriptions of the best cuisine, museums, local treasures, and natural wonders is the best available guide to the Southwest.

The guide focuses on New Mexico and Arizona, but contains some information on West Texas, southern Colorado and Utah, and Las Vegas. The major areas covered are: Central New Mexico, Santa Fe, Northern New Mexico, Four Corners, Utah canyonlands, Grand Canyon/Las Vegas, Central Arizona, Southeastern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, and Texas Trans-Pecos. Whether you're planning a trip to see the Indian pueblos and Spanish missions, see the amazing natural wonders of the mountains, or just have some great food and fun with the family, this guide will do it.

Kerrick James's photography is enough to make you get in the car and GO! Great buy.

This, as well as all the other guides in the Compass series, is a fantastic resource! The text is witty, engaging and full of wonderfully descriptive information, with an emphasis on the historical and cultural background of the area. Not only that, but the pages of the book are peppered with gorgeous color photographs and sidebars relating historical anecdotes and extra tidbits of information. It also includes the standard information on festivals, tourist attractions, restaurants & hotels, but the value of the book, for me, lies in the writing. The deep love and enthusiasm of the contributing authors for this part of the country is infectious, and makes for great reading. I have spent hours poring over the other Compass guides in bookstores, although the American Southwest is the only one I actually own, and they all follow the same pattern; this will definitely be my guide of choice for any US destination!