Few buildings in Manhattan have had a richer and more varied life than 200-year-old Castle Clinton; the magnificent red sandstone structure that lies in historic Battery Park. Although originally built as a fortress just before the outbreak of the War of 1812; its actual fame rests on the years when it was known worldwide as Castle Garden; a name that underlined its intimate connection with the surrounding park. Under that name; it served successively as Manhattan’s preeminent public events hall and theater (1824–1855); then as America’s first great landing place for millions of immigrants (1855–1890); and finally as the oldest and grandest municipal aquarium in the United States (1896–1941). Castle Garden and Battery Park invites readers to step back in time and dip into this legendary monument’s dramatic story and learn how it has managed to survive into the 21st century.
#117238 in Books Weatherford Jack 2016-10-25 2016-10-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.33 x 6.25l; 1.14 #File Name: 0735221154432 pagesGenghis Khan and the Quest for God How the World s Greatest Conqueror Gave Us Religious Freedom
Review
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful. Thoroughly enjoyable book with great insight into faith in the Mongol EmpireBy SanjayI'm a bit over halfway through this book and I wish it never ended. I agree with a previous reviewer that this may be the best work of the author. Genghis Khan conquered so many different lands that he had to have faced the challenge of administering people of a large variety of religions. These were lands where the people were probably unfamiliar with what lies 100 miles in any direction. The author also refines some of the stories from his previous books (e.g. the birth of Genghis Khan) and he does this in an appealing way.His empire dealt with the variety of beliefs in an effective way... but that wasn't easy. This book is a phenomenal essay on the what it took to handle the oppression faced by the people of those times. This book is relevant today as well - not a day passes without fanatics using religion as an excuse to kill or be killed.16 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Genghis Khan; Messiah and ConquerorBy William P. LeeAmazing read of a messiah-conqueror who who separated state and religion and created a peaceful; ecumenical society for oft-warring religions of Christianity; Buddhism; Judaism; Daoism; Zoroastrianism; Manicheanism; Hinduism; and Mohammedanism. And apparently influenced both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in their drafting of the establishment clause of separation of church and state. Living a relatively simple; non-indulgent life; he preferred his yurt against his favorite mountain to the lavish fortress palaces he had conquered. His spiritual lineage the Mongolian Sky-Light God from above to whom all are linked by some energy rope to the North Star; yet Genghis Khan invited religous authorities; including European Christians; to debate their truths in his court. None; apparently; made more sense to him than his unadorned animism. He would thank them and send them on their way.Genghis apparently felt that his Sky God sent to cleanse the earth of both corrupt religious and political leaders whose feet he ruthlessly - and literally - put to the fire. In audience with those who surrendered; he often told them that he send by God to punish them for their evil ways. Man on a Mission!The book is well researched and chock full of sources. So; this isn't some New Agey pseudo-historic fantasy. It's readable academics. A very nice read; tooGenghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDBy Erwin A. KelenGreat story... thoroughly researched...very readable.This is Jack Weatherford's third book on GENGHIS KHAN; and he gives the world a fascinating insight into the true genius of this much maligned major historical figure....HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !
