James Carson Jamison was one of William Walker's filibusters in Latin America. In 1909 he published a 181 page account of his adventures entitled With Walker in Nicaragua.
Jamison starts off with an overview of how Walker got his start in Nicaragua and the course of events prior to his arrival. He then explains how he enlisted in Walker's force and recounts the battles he was engaged in. An account from a comrade of Walker's final capture and execution finishes out the book.
With little available on Walker's expeditions, I found With Walker to be fascinating. Jamison writes well while splitting the difference between a history and a personal account. He doesn't always explain the over-arching view but does an admirable job recounts the events of William Walker's rise and fall in Central America. He also gives a short account of his reasons for joining Walker.
I found the account interesting and easy to read. Jamison leaves out some dates and other particulars but he is writing 50 years after the fact so the omissions are understandable. What is amazing to me is that he is able to remember as much as he does. For anyone interested in the filibustering period of American history or just wanting to read about an often over-looked historical event, I highly recommend With Walker in Nicaragua.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Book review - A Blaze of Glory.
I have to admit up front, I am a fan of Jeff Shaara's work. From his novels to bookend his father's Killer Angels through the other historical novels from the American Revolution to World War 2. Seems like each is a fine work. My one complaint about Shaara's Civil War work is that he wrote only about the eastern theater of the war.
With A Blaze of Glory Shaara renders that complaint moot. In 435 gripping pages he tells the tale of the battle of Shiloh - the first major blood-letting in the west. A quick overview to set the table and the story is off and running. Generals Sherman and Johnston wrestle with issues of command and the morality of the war. An infantryman in Sherman's command and a cavalryman under Colonel Nathan Forrest confront the more common dilemma of staying alive. All join the nation in having the innocence ripped away by the bloody fighting around a small country church.
Shaara does an excellent job in bringing his characters to life. The story flows well for the most part and the sequence of events is clear and understandable. While not a history book, the novel conveys the story of Shiloh in a way that both holds the reader's attention and sparks an interest in learning more. Perhaps the best part is a note on the flyleaf stating A Blaze of Glory is the first of a new trilogy of books on the war in the west. That is good news indeed.
With A Blaze of Glory Shaara renders that complaint moot. In 435 gripping pages he tells the tale of the battle of Shiloh - the first major blood-letting in the west. A quick overview to set the table and the story is off and running. Generals Sherman and Johnston wrestle with issues of command and the morality of the war. An infantryman in Sherman's command and a cavalryman under Colonel Nathan Forrest confront the more common dilemma of staying alive. All join the nation in having the innocence ripped away by the bloody fighting around a small country church.
Shaara does an excellent job in bringing his characters to life. The story flows well for the most part and the sequence of events is clear and understandable. While not a history book, the novel conveys the story of Shiloh in a way that both holds the reader's attention and sparks an interest in learning more. Perhaps the best part is a note on the flyleaf stating A Blaze of Glory is the first of a new trilogy of books on the war in the west. That is good news indeed.
Saturday, March 02, 2013
Book review - Those Who Love.
Irving Stone's 1965 book Those Who Love was recommended to me by Mrs. Spiff. I finally got around to reading it and must admit I found it interesting. Billing itself as a biographical novel of Abigail and John Adams, the book tends to focus on Abigail.
Beginning on the day John and Abigail first met, the reader is drawn into their personal story. Outside events come into play only as they effect, or are taken notice of by, the Adamses. Of course, Abigail was one of the best educated and informed women of her time so she was well aware of outside events and their portents. She also frequently helped John work through the issues of the day in his mind and compose his writings and speeches. John famously called her his ballast and the reader of this book can see why.
While there are no footnotes I found the book to be historically accurate. I did find myself wishing for footnotes at least twice while reading particularly interesting conversations Abigail was involved in. A bibliography in the back explains where certain material was gleaned and is an unusual find in a novel.
All in all I enjoyed Those Who Love. It did drag a time or two but generally moved on with ease and interest. Abigail Adams profits greatly at Mr. Stone's hands. If you are familiar with John Adams or are interested in influential women in history this book should be on your to read list.
Beginning on the day John and Abigail first met, the reader is drawn into their personal story. Outside events come into play only as they effect, or are taken notice of by, the Adamses. Of course, Abigail was one of the best educated and informed women of her time so she was well aware of outside events and their portents. She also frequently helped John work through the issues of the day in his mind and compose his writings and speeches. John famously called her his ballast and the reader of this book can see why.
While there are no footnotes I found the book to be historically accurate. I did find myself wishing for footnotes at least twice while reading particularly interesting conversations Abigail was involved in. A bibliography in the back explains where certain material was gleaned and is an unusual find in a novel.
All in all I enjoyed Those Who Love. It did drag a time or two but generally moved on with ease and interest. Abigail Adams profits greatly at Mr. Stone's hands. If you are familiar with John Adams or are interested in influential women in history this book should be on your to read list.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Book review - Killing Lincoln.
Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard's 294 page book Killing Lincoln has not always received the warmest reception from critics. After reading the book I am inclined to think some of the criticisms leveled have more to do with O'Reilly's political commentary than the content of the book. While the book is easy reading, I could only find a couple of historical facts to take issue with.
Starting six weeks before the assassination, the book moves through the planning of the killing to the aftermath. Along the way various conspirators move in and out of the plan. Some of them come in with full awareness of what is going on, others have only the faintest of ideas. After the killing the main conspirators scatter. A huge dragnet sweeps the eastern seaboard hauling in hundreds of suspects, some of whom were actually implicated in the crime. John Wilkes Booth and four others will pay with their lives. Others will never even be fingered until long after their natural deaths.
This isn't a history book written for scholars or those interested in heavily footnoted works. There is a short bibliography and an index at the back of the book but they only provide the barest documentation. What the book does do is bring the killing of Abraham Lincoln to life. It doesn't take but a page or two before the reader becomes deeply engrossed in the tale. As historical figures leap from the page and the conspiracy unfolds, it becomes harder and harder to put down the book.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy receives much more interest than that of Lincoln. This is due in large part to the JFK assassination being so vivid in the national conscience. I have often thought if the death of Lincoln was presented in a way that made it equally vivid it would be just as compelling. Whether or not you have read much history, once you open Killing Lincoln, you will find the account as fascinating as any involving a grassy knoll.
Starting six weeks before the assassination, the book moves through the planning of the killing to the aftermath. Along the way various conspirators move in and out of the plan. Some of them come in with full awareness of what is going on, others have only the faintest of ideas. After the killing the main conspirators scatter. A huge dragnet sweeps the eastern seaboard hauling in hundreds of suspects, some of whom were actually implicated in the crime. John Wilkes Booth and four others will pay with their lives. Others will never even be fingered until long after their natural deaths.
This isn't a history book written for scholars or those interested in heavily footnoted works. There is a short bibliography and an index at the back of the book but they only provide the barest documentation. What the book does do is bring the killing of Abraham Lincoln to life. It doesn't take but a page or two before the reader becomes deeply engrossed in the tale. As historical figures leap from the page and the conspiracy unfolds, it becomes harder and harder to put down the book.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy receives much more interest than that of Lincoln. This is due in large part to the JFK assassination being so vivid in the national conscience. I have often thought if the death of Lincoln was presented in a way that made it equally vivid it would be just as compelling. Whether or not you have read much history, once you open Killing Lincoln, you will find the account as fascinating as any involving a grassy knoll.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Book review - The Ten Most Misunderstood Words in the Bible.
I have previously read and enjoyed several other books by Dr. Robert N. Wilkin. When I received The Ten Most Misunderstood Words in the Bible I was very interested in reading all 177 pages. I expected the book to be thought-provoking. I was not disappointed.
Divided into an introduction, conclusion, and a chapter for each word, the book makes for a smooth read. Dr. Wilkin's ten words are: Faith, Everlasting, Saved, Lost, Heaven, Hell, Repentance, Grace, Gospel, and Judgment. An appendix contains short discussions of eleven more misunderstood words with additional appendices discussing how to study Scripture and blessings and curses. Following the appendices is a study guide to aid in using the chapters for either group or individual study. The seven page Scripture index at the back helps insure the study is both Biblical and in depth.
Dr. Wilkin's challenge to the reader is not to radically redefine any of the words on his list or come to a understanding of any secret definitions. What he suggests is reading these words as they occur in Scripture and understanding them to mean what they mean in everyday English. Wilkin guides the reader through a word study of each word to show how we have fallen into the trap of using these words differently in understanding God's word than we do in understanding the speech of those around us.
While the definitions of these words are not earth-shattering, the realization of how they have been co-opted by theological systems can be. That's what caused me pause as I read through the book. Most of the chapters were either reminders of what I already knew or moments of "Why didn't I think of that?" A couple of words will bear further study on my part.
Overall I found The Ten Most Misunderstood Words in the Bible to be an interesting and thought-provoking read. It is well-grounded in Scripture and easily lends itself to further study at either a group of individual level. This book is a must read for anyone who is serious about reading and understanding the Bible. You may not always agree with Dr. Wilkin but we all need to understand what words mean to understand the Bible.
Divided into an introduction, conclusion, and a chapter for each word, the book makes for a smooth read. Dr. Wilkin's ten words are: Faith, Everlasting, Saved, Lost, Heaven, Hell, Repentance, Grace, Gospel, and Judgment. An appendix contains short discussions of eleven more misunderstood words with additional appendices discussing how to study Scripture and blessings and curses. Following the appendices is a study guide to aid in using the chapters for either group or individual study. The seven page Scripture index at the back helps insure the study is both Biblical and in depth.
Dr. Wilkin's challenge to the reader is not to radically redefine any of the words on his list or come to a understanding of any secret definitions. What he suggests is reading these words as they occur in Scripture and understanding them to mean what they mean in everyday English. Wilkin guides the reader through a word study of each word to show how we have fallen into the trap of using these words differently in understanding God's word than we do in understanding the speech of those around us.
While the definitions of these words are not earth-shattering, the realization of how they have been co-opted by theological systems can be. That's what caused me pause as I read through the book. Most of the chapters were either reminders of what I already knew or moments of "Why didn't I think of that?" A couple of words will bear further study on my part.
Overall I found The Ten Most Misunderstood Words in the Bible to be an interesting and thought-provoking read. It is well-grounded in Scripture and easily lends itself to further study at either a group of individual level. This book is a must read for anyone who is serious about reading and understanding the Bible. You may not always agree with Dr. Wilkin but we all need to understand what words mean to understand the Bible.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Book review - Civil War Curiosities.
One of the things I enjoy about Christmas is the infusion of fresh material into my book collection. Most of the time my family does well with their selections. Webb Garrison's Civil War Curiosities is an example of such a selection.
Published in 1994, this 266 page volume is not an in depth study of the American Civil War. It's not even a close look at any one aspect of the war. What it is though is a highly entertaining collection of information, quotes, and stories that bring the war to life and might even surprise you.
Garrison structures the book in five parts. Each part contains several chapters. As an example, part one is entitled Memorable Players in the Nation's Greatest Drama. It contains three chapters: Lincoln and Davis started out less than one hundred miles apart, Famous - or soon to be, and Never say die. Each chapter contains numerous paragraphs detailing glimpses behind the scenes of the war. An index at the back of the book allows the reader to look up any person, battle, or topic mentioned.
Garrison presents his material in an engaging and informative way. He also refuses to bow to the god of political correctness. For that reason I recommend giving Civil War Curiosities a read. No matter if you are a Civil War buff, someone new to the topic, or just looking for a good read, you will not be disappointed.
Published in 1994, this 266 page volume is not an in depth study of the American Civil War. It's not even a close look at any one aspect of the war. What it is though is a highly entertaining collection of information, quotes, and stories that bring the war to life and might even surprise you.
Garrison structures the book in five parts. Each part contains several chapters. As an example, part one is entitled Memorable Players in the Nation's Greatest Drama. It contains three chapters: Lincoln and Davis started out less than one hundred miles apart, Famous - or soon to be, and Never say die. Each chapter contains numerous paragraphs detailing glimpses behind the scenes of the war. An index at the back of the book allows the reader to look up any person, battle, or topic mentioned.
Garrison presents his material in an engaging and informative way. He also refuses to bow to the god of political correctness. For that reason I recommend giving Civil War Curiosities a read. No matter if you are a Civil War buff, someone new to the topic, or just looking for a good read, you will not be disappointed.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Book review - Setting the Stage for Eternity.
Ever wonder why the Bible gives believers instructions on how to live? Been tempted to give up on the Christian life? Too much effort to follow Biblical principles? Harlan D. Betz tackles these and other questions in his 310 page book, Setting the Stage for Eternity.
Betz's premise is that the Bible answers all three of the above questions the same way: What we do in this temporal world has eternal implications for believers. Not implications that effect one's eternal destiny, that's covered by Jesus' work at the cross. What our actions now effect is our rewards in The Kingdom.
Betz carefully lays out the types of rewards Scripture mentions and explains the link to different areas of the Christian life in this world. He uses Scriptural references to explain how he arrives at his conclusions and clearly illustrates his points with simple examples. Betz's writing style is easy to understand and follow as well as being solidly grounded on the Bible. Each chapter has a study guide at the end so the book can easily be used in a small group setting. A short bibliography follows each study guide. Appendices make deeper study accessible by anyone who seriously desires it.
All in all I found Setting the Stage for Eternity to be interesting, solid, and challenging. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling to understand why it's important to run the race of life well or who wants a better understanding of eternal rewards.
Betz's premise is that the Bible answers all three of the above questions the same way: What we do in this temporal world has eternal implications for believers. Not implications that effect one's eternal destiny, that's covered by Jesus' work at the cross. What our actions now effect is our rewards in The Kingdom.
Betz carefully lays out the types of rewards Scripture mentions and explains the link to different areas of the Christian life in this world. He uses Scriptural references to explain how he arrives at his conclusions and clearly illustrates his points with simple examples. Betz's writing style is easy to understand and follow as well as being solidly grounded on the Bible. Each chapter has a study guide at the end so the book can easily be used in a small group setting. A short bibliography follows each study guide. Appendices make deeper study accessible by anyone who seriously desires it.
All in all I found Setting the Stage for Eternity to be interesting, solid, and challenging. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling to understand why it's important to run the race of life well or who wants a better understanding of eternal rewards.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)