Four out of ten Americans say they dislike Muslims; according to a Gallup poll. “Muslims;†a blogger wrote on the Web site Free Republic; “don’t belong in America.†In a lively; funny; and revealing riposte to these sentiments; journalist Jonathan Curiel offers a fascinating tour through the little-known Islamic past; and present; of American culture.From highbrow to pop; from lighthearted to profound; Al’ America reveals the Islamic and Arab influences before our eyes; under our noses; and ringing in our ears. Curiel demonstrates that many of America’s most celebrated places—including the Alamo in San Antonio; the French Quarter of New Orleans; and the Citadel in Charleston; South Carolina—retain vestiges of Arab and Islamic culture. Likewise; some of America’s most recognizable music—the Delta Blues; the surf sounds of Dick Dale; the rock and psychedelia of Jim Morrison and the Doors—is indebted to Arab music. And some of America’s leading historical figures; from Ralph Waldo Emerson to Elvis Presley; relied on Arab or Muslim culture for intellectual sustenance.Part travelogue; part cultural history; Al’ America confirms a continuous pattern of give-and-take between America and the Arab Muslim world.
#3317 in Books The Penguin Press 2004-04-26 2004-04-26Ingredients: Example IngredientsFormat: Deckle EdgeOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.56 x 2.00 x 6.44l; 2.85 #File Name: 1594200092818 pagesGreat product!
Review
209 of 215 people found the following review helpful. Full and well-drawn portrait of Hamilton; less so for his opponentsBy Daniel PutmanThis book is a beautifully rendered portrait of Hamilton; both his public life and his private life. As so many other reviewers have noted; the book is an example of first-rate biographical research and most of the book is well-written.Up to chapter 16; “Dr. Pangloss;†the story is superbly told. But; when Thomas Jefferson enters Hamilton’s life; much of the book becomes a contrast between Hamilton; who had his own well-documented personal failings; with Jefferson who; if the text is to be believed; had nothing but personal failings. Jefferson is variously described as hypocritical; duplicitous and conniving. Undoubtedly; Jefferson fit much of this description but so did Hamilton in their Federalist-Republican (anti-Federalist) feud in the 1790’s. What bothered me was the unrelenting negative portrayal of Jefferson; Madison (after 1790) and John Adams. Hamilton is portrayed accurately and fully as a brilliant and decent man with some major flaws. Jefferson and; to a somewhat lesser extent; Madison and Adams; are portrayed as deeply flawed individuals who happened to have a few good points. The language reinforces this. If one were to count the negatively loaded adjectives and verbs accorded to Hamilton’s three main opponents; they would vastly outnumber any positive linguistic connotations. In order to sharpen Hamilton’s character portrayal; the image that Chernow gives of Hamilton’s opponents is; given other biographies of these men; less than just.The name-calling; smear campaigns and character assassinations in the 1790’s are appalling (but less so given the 2016 Presidential campaign). However; a dozen years after independence and only a few years after the Constitution was ratified; the fears of the anti-Federalists were real ones. Jefferson’s and Madison’s hypocrisy and the foibles of John Adam’s personality notwithstanding; the concerns expressed were often genuine ones at that time about what kind of country the United States would be and how the Constitution should be interpreted. The possibility that the Jeffersonians may have had a point gets lost in Chernow’s constant barrage of claims about duplicity; hypocrisy and malevolent intentions.So I thought this was a brilliant portrayal of the man who founded our economic and; to a large extent; our political system. The portrayal of Aaron Burr is excellent and the factors leading up to the duel are gripping. But the mid-section of the book would have been even stronger if Chernow had presented Hamilton’s foes in a fuller; less negatively charged light.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Required reading!By Patty SantryThis should be required reading for all citizens of the United States. What a pleasurable way to learn the birth and formation of our country! Even as a history major I didn't realize how short-changed Hamilton has been in the history books. It is great that Chernow's outstanding book will belatedly give Hamilton some of the recognition he has so richly deserved!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Alexander Hamilton! Get the book! Don't miss your shot!By Karan OgilvieThis is an amazing book! There is so much previously unknown; at least to me; history about our founding fathers and events surrounding the establishment of our country. Other than the names; none of this was ever in any history book I ever read all through school. The political climate following the war with England was not unlike some of events we've seen in modern political cycles. Alexander Hamilton was a brilliant man; forward thinking; with the ability to see big-picture - not just for our country; but also for our country's place in the world. Most other founding fathers were far more interested in their own narrow view for the United States: Jefferson and Madison prefered an agrarian society; no manufacturing; hated banks; and insisted that slavery continue. Hamilton saw our future in balancing farming and manufacturing; with a strong banking and financial system; and he was an abolitionist.Ron Chernow takes us through the events; fleshes out the people involved and the various relationships between all the characters. Also; as you go through the chapters of the book; you will find the events that Lin-Manuel Miranda incorporated into Hamilton: The Musical. I've been listening to the Original Cast Recording while reading the book. Actually; I listen to the cast recording all the time: You should get the album; too!!It's a fantastic journey. Thank you; Ron!!
