If you suspect the Biblical writers were onto something; but aren't convinced by the sentimental religion-of-love talk you hear so much nowadays; then maybe you will find hope reading this book. Did you know that the Creation Myths in the Bible were copied from earlier Mesopotamian myths? Or that the Moses story was based on a bloke called Sargon? Or that the story of Job is all to do with politics? Or that the two loaves; five fishes and the number 153 have symbolic meanings? These are just a few of the issues addressed in this controversial book which is not for people who like their God as Indefinable Mystery.
#386595 in Books 2013-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .88 x 5.98l; 1.41 #File Name: 1743342160330 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Highly recommendedBy Leigh ReesThis has to be John Bailey's best book yet. If you know nothing about America's struggle for independence from Great Britain; then this is the book to read. Not only does he capture the ethos of the times; but you feel as if you are sitting at the table with Jefferson and Smythe; imbibing their food; drinking their liquor and contributing wholeheartedly to their intense vision for a free America.Bailey transforms history into a vibrant and easy read for the layman. Fact is fleshed out with thoughtful reconstructions of the leading figures as they argue for a Bill of Rights free from Britain and the Church of England. He tackles the question of slavery sourcing the pros and cons from correspondence between Jefferson and Smythe that provides us with real insight into its complexities.Although Bailey is master of the imaginative flourish; this book is thoroughly sourced and annotated for the historical fact finder. It's a book for students and lovers of a good read alike. I highly recommend it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Murder mystery historyBy Suzanne ReynoldsHaving read The Lost German Slave Girl by this author; I approached this with a lot of anticipation. And I was not disappointed. John Bailey's style is to tell the history of people with a narrative; so it's really compelling to read. The mystery of George Wythe's death is a huge part of this story; so it almost works as a murder mystery (which Bailey solves; but I won't spoil it for you here). But through this there's much information about Wythe's life and what he did. A compelling; informing book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Gripping historical narrativeBy MarkJefferson's Second Father is a really gripping narrative about George Wythe. Exploring his life and the mystery of his death; John Bailey constructs a history that is told like a story. It makes for an extremely interesting; page-turning book about a man who left an important legacy and lived in one of the most crucial times in American history.
