Donal Cruise O'Brien is a leading authority on Islam in Africa. This is a collection of his writing over the last 30 years; some significantly rewritten to render this a coherent book to use for teaching about the interplay between politics and Islam in Africa. The author's main argument is that much of politics in Africa is negotiated through use of symbols; and can not be separated from the religious origins and the systems of belief from which they originate. The book focuses on Senegal; a fascinating example of the spread of Muslim brotherhoods and their overarching influence on the construction and decision-making processes of the state.
#1181465 in Books 2010-11-02 2010-11-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .80 x 5.20l; .78 #File Name: 1400095786384 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Interesting View of Antebellum Southern WomenBy LukeyGood read. Three women who had up close and personal views of the Civil War and the movements that led to it. The era did not encourage Southern women to be educated; intellectual or interested in the issues of the day. In fact Angela Grimke and Varina Davis were disliked and persecuted by the public for not fitting the Southern belle model of womanhood. They endured years of personal hardships and unhappiness when for not fitting the model. But they stood for something greater than themselves. On the other hand Julia Grant was the model Southern belle only concerned with her family's happiness and she was very popular. Women who behave themselves do not change the world. Angela Grimke and Varina Davis did their bit to show how capable women could be0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. errorsBy CW Nursepage 281-regarding USG "his favorite meal remained rare roast beef...." No; research it again. Page 301-Dr. Barker did not diagnose the throat cancer of USG. Research it again.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Thoroughly EnjoyableBy BusyMomThis is an incredible read. Normally; when I read nonfiction/history books; I would often find my eyes crossing while reading different names and places among the mumble and jumbles ... but not this time. This author; Ms. Berkin; has brought these three women (that I really didn't know anything about) and their differences and unique temperaments alive in these pages. The only thing these women have in common is the fact that they were born and raised in slave-holding families of the South. The Civil War affected each of them in different ways. They all were married to famous men; strong leaders in their own rights.History is often mute on the subject of women and how they view wars in their lifetimes. Ms. Berkin brought these women's voices alive.I have to say that I really enjoyed getting to know each of these women in these pages. I would now think that Mrs. Weld is really the forerunner of the feminism movement that took off in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She and her sister were fighting hard in their days to allow their voices to be heard. They also balanced traditional housewifery chores alongside with raising kids and teaching their kids as well as other kids ... bringing the realities of housewifery as a lot of work back then across to the modern readers (I definitely appreciate my washer and dryer now!). It never occurred to them or to Mrs. Weld's husband; that there is a need for balancing the housework along with going on the lecture circuit among the three of them. It is an interesting biography to read.Mrs. Davis is a strong woman tempered by her genteel upbringing where women are encouraged to think that their husbands are the mainstays of the household and yet she struggled with it since she was a very intelligent woman. She fought at having to control her naturally inquisitive mind and to keep in check so she wouldn't inflame her husband; who expected a more traditional woman. Mrs. Davis; as an intelligent woman; has fought against those restraints that society has put on women; and yet tried to surrender herself to it. It was not an easy fight; especially when she never got support from anyone especially from the man she married. She is admirable in fighting for her husband's release after the war's end.Mrs. Grant was not brought up to be educated or radical thinker and even her husband; U.S. Grant didn't encourage her to be a smart woman; but in her own way; she was just as unassuming as her husband was. Her main goal was to keep her Uyls happy and her children nourished and loved. Mrs. Grant brought smiles to everyone even though she was not a beautiful woman; but she was kind. It was really enjoyable reading her biography in these pages.I cannot believe how much I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it for anyone who is interested in history especially history of strong women!
