African-American Activism before the Civil War is the first collection of scholarship on the role of African Americans in the struggle for racial equality in the northern states before the Civil War. Many of these essays are already known as classics in the field; and others are well on their way to becoming definitive in a still-evolving field. Here; in one place for the first time; anchored by a comprehensive; analytical introduction discussing the historiography of antebellum black activism; the best scholarship on this crucial group of African American activists can finally be studied together.
#1768823 in Books 2004-02-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .73 x 6.36l; 1.08 #File Name: 0415914833298 pages
Review
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful. Thought ProvokingBy RobertClever; insightful; well-written and though provoking.This is an account that is somewhat wider than its title implies. It examines various categories of women (including courtesans and consorts) through the use of Buddhist texts. Young provides a pleasingly nuanced analysis of how male monastic writers have suppressed and marginalised women in the Buddhist tradition in an attempt to control and co-opt their power.Worth reading for anyone with an interest in gender and Buddhism.3 of 6 people found the following review helpful. a waste of paperBy Gregory GeIf you want to buy a book introducing you to Karmamudra; this is not the book for you. If you want to read a feminist critique of Buddhism; which seems to be the raison d'être of this book; then there are many better books out there.Young makes an effort at criticizing Buddhism; particularly Tibetan Buddhism's view towards women. One might be tempted to criticize the very goal of this endeavor - after all; it does not seem to make much sense to use perspectives of the enlightened west to skewer the traditions of an isolated land seemingly trapped in a time capsule. However; one does not need to engage in such discourse before criticizing the book.(1) The research is sophomoric. Young really did not bring any original research into this book; and her observations based on art history really adds little to what we already know. Reading through her rather pathetic bibliography; one sees the same names over and over again. Snellgrove seems to be her only guide in exploring karmamudra. My question is; if Snellgrove has already done such a good job; what is the point of wasting more paper (and taxpayer's money) on this new little volume? Because of the esoteric nature of the karmamudra practice; it would be nice to have some new insight; and some original research. We have quite a lot of material available in Tibetan; and it would be nice if Young can explore these materials. But; as it would become apparent to the readers very early on; she does not know the Tibetan language.(2) The title is misleading. The title gives you the perception that this book is actually about tantric Buddhism. You will be disappointed. Only one chapter of this book deals with tantric Buddhism. Most of the materials for that chapter came either from Snellgrove's magna opus; or Dowman's book on Yeshe Tsogyel. There is really nothing original about this book.(3) Organization is poor. The book is crudely divided into three parts; with one focused on the life of the Buddha; one on parents-children relationship; and one on sexuality in Buddhism. Since Buddhism is a large and diverse religion (one might even be tempted to call it "religions"); it is not helpful at all to criticize the entire Buddhist universe. The Mahayana's view towards women has nothing to do with the southern; or the northern Buddhist lineages.Conclusion. This book reminds me of myself during my college days; when I would attempt to write a paper the night before it's due; and desperately try to drag myself across the final word count (while drinking copious amounts of coffee and energy drinks). The product in the end is poor. Looking back; I am ashamed of what I have written. Young should similarly be ashamed of this book.1 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Not Authentic and well understood representation of pastBy DDI agree with previous review by Gregory. The research paid for by several US sponsors cannot yield good conclusions as in the case of this book. Buddhism of ancient times is not easily understand by today's human minds (of 20th-21st century). Researching the materials and visiting sites and talking to experts does not make one spiritual enough to understand the background of 500BC-3AD(CE). Unless author in their previous incarnation lived in that era they wont be even able to write book on the same. Hence we should ignore such books written by amateur authors regardless of how much dollars and support that was poured in to the same.
