Maltese in Michigan is an enlivening volume depicting the struggles and accomplishments of a singular culture; an immigrant narrative at once recognizable and enigmatic. Without realizing it; most Americans are probably familiar with the Maltese people through the cross displayed by firefighters; which bears a strong similarity in design and meaning to the one used by the Knights of Malta. The noble qualities embodied by the Maltese Cross are reflected in the pride and accomplishments of Maltese immigrants in Michigan; a small but vibrant ethnic group. Rooted in the post–World War II experiences of the 20th century; the Maltese established themselves in the city of Detroit; and thrived due to a strong work ethic and Catholic faith; while maintaining a strong central identity. This volume is a tribute to the Maltese of Michigan and all who have begun anew in an unfamiliar land and culture.
#273994 in Books 2013-09-19 2013-10-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 6.25 x .50l; .68 #File Name: 1611211581192 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A solid work on Chickamauga--serving two major purposesBy Steven PetersonIf interested in the battle at Chickamauga; one of the nastiest and most confused (and confusing) battles of the Civil War; this book contributes at two levels: (a) a pretty good (although not greatly detailed description of the battle) and (b) a description of the battlefield today and how to get around to see various parts of the battlefield. The latter; in the Savas Beatie series; is a nice contribution of the series. One can get a sense of the battle--but if visiting the battlefield; the second contribution becomes awfully special!When one reads about this battle; one of the main takeaways is how confusing it was and how much of the battle was feeding rather small unites--brigade and regiment level--into combat. Given the inability to be sure where units were and who was doing what; many engagements led to units being outflanked and driven from the field. Wild and somewhat chaotic.The book does a nice job of providing a bigger picture--great acts of generalship and moments of mediocrity. Some did well--Longstreet to some extent (although luck helped him; although his tactical use of his columns was productive); George Thomas; the unfocused Gordon Granger (who often seemed more interested in sighting cannons than leading troops). On the other hand; some generals did not perform well. Not surprisingly; Braxton Bragg would be on this list (although his subordinate generals had some bad days--such as D. H. Hill and even Nathan Bedford Forrest). On the Union side? William Rosecrans had some real ability; but he sometimes lost control of a situation (e.g.; his army strung out with different units not in supporting distance of on e another). A garbled order led to disaster--just as Longstreet's horde attacked an area that had become barren of troops.At any rate; a nice addition to this series!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent companion for touring the battlefieldBy Ross L. LamoreauxAfter having recently re-read Archibald Gracie's "The Truth About Chickamauga"; I was curious as to how this recent addition to the books dedicated to one of the least covered major battles of the war would compare. There is no comparison needed; as they have to complete different missions for the reader. "Bushwacking" is not; nor was it meant to be; the "be all; tell all" book; but it succeeds highly in providing excellent background; key information; and pivotal places to visit on the battlefield. I've been to that field several times over the years; I've been blessed to be with some excellent living historians/reenactors and presented vignettes of battlefield history; but I sincerely wish this book had been out for those visits. I'm not a novice historian; but this book shed light on several factors of the battle that I didn't know. It is far and away the most balanced view (despite the one poor reviewer who has an axe to grind with the modern Federal government - and mid 19th century Federal government it seems) of the battle and gives excellent perspectives utilizing period accounts paired with modern details. I recommend this book both to students of the western theater of the Civil War; but to novices or those with little knowledge of the battle and area.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great Overview of the Battle of ChickamaugaBy Joseph SwansonLee White has a long history of leading tours and talks about the Battle of Chickamauga; and this shows in his book "Bushwacking on a Grand Scale." He writes a perfect companion piece to my other favorite book on the battle by Peter Cozzens. Lee does an outstanding job on describing the battle; not only in a way that is easy to read; but also helping the reader to visualize the actions he describes. I was able to read it before visiting the battlefield again a month ago; and found that it really helped in more fully understanding what each portion of the battlefield played in the grander story of the battle.If you're interested in Civil War history; or planning a visit to the Chickamauga National Battlefield; I highly recommend picking up this book. You can't go wrong.
