The Talking Book casts the Bible as the central character in a vivid portrait of black America; tracing the origins of African-American culture from slavery’s secluded forest prayer meetings to the bright lights and bold style of today’s hip-hop artists.The Bible has profoundly influenced African Americans throughout history. From a variety of perspectives this wide-ranging book is the first to explore the Bible’s role in the triumph of the black experience. Using the Bible as a foundation; African Americans shared religious beliefs; created their own music; and shaped the ultimate key to their freedom—literacy. Allen Callahan highlights the intersection of biblical images with African-American music; politics; religion; art; and literature.The author tells a moving story of a biblically informed African-American culture; identifying four major biblical images—Exile; Exodus; Ethiopia; and Emmanuel. He brings these themes to life in a unique African-American history that grows from the harsh experience of slavery into a rich culture that endures as one of the most important forces of twenty-first-century America.
#537146 in Books 2009-11-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.69 x 6.13l; 2.50 #File Name: 0300111886672 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A Great BookBy M. SwansonThis is a great book. 10 years ago I was a graduate history student and found his second volume of his Origins of the Korean War series one of the best explanations and overviews of US foreign relations in the period after World War II and start of the Cold War. The book had a big impact on my thinking along with Carrol Quigley; Franz Schurman; and Charles Beard.When I saw Cumings had a new book about the US and its in place in the world I was excited when I ordered it and the book exceeded my expectations. This book is written to fit more of a non-academic and mainstream audience than some of his other books so hopefully will reach a wide audience. It gives a great view of how the US got to be so big and powerful by focusing on the West Coast of the US from its first settlement to today and the several booms if went through - the gold rush; World War II; cold war military industrial complex; and the Silicon Valley. It also present a new way of thinking about foreign policy by creating a dichotomy between Atlanatic leaning internationalism and westward leaning thinking.There is much more to the book than just this. This is a great book worth your time to read.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. USA HegemonyBy Jim PhelanThis is a big-picture book. How did the USA make its way to economic; military and cultural global hegemony?Bruce Comings describes the westward expansion of the United States and how it didn't stop at the Golden Gate; but continued on out into the Pacific Rim. He stresses the active involvement of the Federal government in the growth of California and other western states. The future of USA prosperity and global influence can be glimpsed by looking westward towards the Pacific Rim and eastward not towards Europe.Based on a decade of historical research; here are 500 pages filled with interesting facts and solid interpretations of US history; this book is well worth reading!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Compelling look at the connections of civilizationBy Biz ReaderI read this book first when it was released in 2010 and have come back to it time and time again since. I am re-reading it again; as I prepare to take my family on a 10-day trip to California.The ability of Cumings to make connections across continents and describe how the American West facilitates human integration is remarkable.I am awed by this book and would recommend anyone interested in global affairs to put it on their shelf and refer to it often.
