For this paperback edition of a major work on one of the most important black leaders of this century; the author; a senior editor of Newsweek; has added a substantial epilogue which argues convincingly that three of the five accomplices in Malccolm X's assassination in 1965 are still free. (Univ. of Illinois Press)
#162399 in Books 2016-11-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.50 x 6.10l; 1.00 #File Name: 0231172168512 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Pretty interesting history of NYCBy RosebudThis is a history of NYC as seen through the experience of the social elite. The elite evolved as our country evolved. Most interesting is the last chapter as the author tries to explain the evolution of elite criteria from yesterday's family and inherited wealth to today's larger focus on accomplishments. The author is uncomfortable with the hereditary nature of merit in today's society; is it the same as the social norms of yesterday?0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An engaging; well written social history of New York CityBy James E. BlackI read this book after reading "City of Dreams" (which I also enjoyed). This book hasn't gotten nearly as much press attention but is a worthy read and a great companion for "City of Dreams" - offering an alternative perspective on the history on New York City. Essentially; it is a social history of New York as told through the dynamic nature of it's elites; highlighting how the elites have shifted over the generations. The thrust of the story is well researched and very informative but I thought it was worth recognizing that it's a genuinely engaging read and great context for anyone living in or interested in New York cullture.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. About the changes that occurred in the upper class of NYC in 1750 to modern timesBy Debbie"In Pursuit of Privilege" is a collection of essays about the New York City upper class covering 1750 to modern times. The author focused on seven time periods where major events created changes in the upper class; though he also talked about what happened between those times. Those time periods were: 1750s/1760s (changed by the 7 Years War); 1780s/1790s (by the Revolutionary War); 1820s (by major growth in NYC); 1860s (by the Civil War); 1880s/1890s (Gilded Age); 1940s (by WWII); and 1970s (by a financial crisis).Different topics were covered under the different time periods; but each covered what defined the upper class (lineage; wealth; etc.); what they valued (manners; wealth; power; etc.); and how they interacted. The author also described things like where they built their houses; their social diversions (like clubs); what role or social responsibilities they felt regarding the common people; what they desired in schools for their children; how they spent their wealth; and the development of the NY Stock Exchange. He also briefly compared the NYC upper class's values and behavior to those of the upper class in other major cities.The tone of the writing was distant; looking back at events with hindsight and clinically dissecting each topic. While some specific people were named; they're used as a brief example to make a point. As in; it's not a popular history that puts you in the time; focuses on specific people; or shows their behavior in context. While the tone was academic; the writing wasn't dry and I found the topics interesting. I'd recommend this book to readers interested in the changes that have occurred in the upper class of NYC.I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
