From one of the most respected historians in America; twice the winner of the Pulitzer Prize; a new collection of essays that reflects a lifetime of erudition and accomplishments in history.The past has always been elusive: How can we understand people whose worlds were utterly different from our own without imposing our own standards and hindsight? What did things feel like in the moment; when outcomes were uncertain? How can we recover those uncertainties? What kind of imagination goes into the writing of transformative history? Are there latent trends that distinguish the kinds of history we now write? How unique was North America among the far-flung peripheries of the early British empire?As Bernard Bailyn argues in this elegant; deeply informed collection of essays; history always combines approximations based on incomplete data with empathic imagination; interweaving strands of knowledge into a narrative that also explains. This is a stirring and insightful work drawing on the wisdom and perspective of a career spanning more than five decades—a book that will appeal to anyone interested in history.
#749863 in Books Bridge-Logos Publishers 2015-05-14 2015-06-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .80 x 5.90l; .85 #File Name: 0993284507304 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. This is a great book and a real page turnerBy John JenkinsI don't write a lot of reviews - but this book is amazing! Not only is it one of the best books I have read in the memoir genre of "overcoming ones personal demons" it is one of the best books I have ever read.I intended to read this book after hearing about it on the radio as just another politician/addiction story but I was completely blown away. I was up until 3am the first night and finished it the next day. The author; Mr. DeRoche tells a very authentic story and puts the reader smack dab in the middle of some very intense and gritty scenes. The family side of the book is heart wrenching; and I won't spoil it here.On top of the drama and tension on about every page; I found myself laughing at different points in the book and cheering for not only Craig DeRoche - but the work he is doing today as a result of this "peculiarly perfect solution he found." He now works for Prison Fellowship; and reading this reminded me of the first time I read "Born Again" by Chuck Colson who founded the organization.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Annoyed but gladBy Kindle CustomerHaving lost a son; brother and niece to the disease of addiction I have invested my energies in helping those who suffer the disease and those who love them. When receiving an invitation to read Craig's book I was tired; busy and simply out of sorts. I did not need one more book to read! And yet...sigh...I ordered it.The one piece of my work and education missing recently is the mess of our criminal justice system. Yet books have been landing in my lap to expand my thinking. Sigh.As a memoir the author now feels like a colleague though we have never talked. It would be easy to write this off to some form of grandiosity except key issues are laid out well in the narrative of Craig's experiences and others portrayed within the pages of this well written book.Maybe you or a loved one have to have traveled somewhere near this path to appreciate the important issues within. Or maybe you should just read and then talk to others who will affirm the greater truth that change must happen...Not for Craig or my loved ones but for the greater good of our country.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A book that I learned a lot from for my own spiritual growthBy M. BienertThis is a wonderful book! It's Mr. DeRoche's personal story of his growth and deliverance from alcohol addiction into a life of honesty to himself; others; and God; and of service to God. If you are skeptical of what I just wrote; and if your impulse is to dismiss it; please give this detailed narrative close scrutiny. There are many beautiful and personal details that will explain to you what it's like when you allow God to transform your life; and how one could connect with the Lord to start this process in the first place. And may you be sweetly blessed!Although I am already a Christian of many years' journey; Mr. DeRoche's book taught me some things I needed to know in order to practice my faith-walk better. The part that helped me the most was when he explained how he applied the 2nd step of AA to his life. (My own addictions run to things like potato chips and other people's praise; small-time addictions; but the dynamics are basically the same and the book helped me examine myself anyway.) The 2nd step asks us to pray for help in getting out from under our own ego; and to stop trying to control circumstances and thinking of things to do so that things come out a certain way. He explained that there is another way to approach circumstances; which is to just be present honestly and say the truth with love and do your best; and then instead of trying to come up with a "plan B" or keep hacking away at it; just allow what you can do honestly and humbly to be enough; and then pray and leave the rest to the Lord. I can't tell you how often; since I read this book; that stopping my own struggle and listening to others and to God instead has made life much simpler and better. The Lord has His own time and way to work things out; and as Mr. DeRoche says; God's plans are always so much better than mine!Another quick note--I'm a liberal; grassroots; 'it's gotta work for the lady in the laundromat'-type person; while Mr. DeRoche is a noted and accomplished Republic politician. He didn't gross me out with political sidetalk at all! And now that he's heading Justice Fellowship; I can honestly say that both our oars are in the water and we're both rowing in the same direction. I am so grateful for this book; and for the Lord's work in Mr. DeRoche's life; and His love and deliverance for us all.
