LUCKY... OR BLESSED?The history of the United States displays an uncanny pattern: At moments of crisis; when the odds against success seem overwhelming and disaster looks imminent; fate intervenes to provide deliverance and progress. Historians may categorize these incidents as happy accidents; callous crimes; or the product of brilliant leadership; but the most notable leaders of the past four hundred years have identified this good fortune as something else—a reflection of divine providence. In The American Miracle; bestselling author and radio host Michael Medved recounts some of the most significant events in America’s rise to prosperity and power; from the writing of the Constitution to the Civil War. He reveals a record of improbabilities and amazements that demonstrate what the Founders always believed: that events unfolded according to a master plan; with destiny playing an unmistakable role in lifting the nation to greatness. Among the stirring; illogical episodes described here:• A band of desperate religious refugees find themselves blown hopelessly off course; only to be deposited at the one spot on a wild continent best suited for their survival• George Washington’s beaten army; surrounded by a ruthless foe and on the verge of annihilation; manages an impossible escape due to a freakish change in the weather• A famous conqueror known for seizing territory; frustrated by a slave rebellion and a frozen harbor; impulsively hands Thomas Jefferson a tract of land that doubles the size of the United States• A weary soldier picks up three cigars left behind in an open field and notices the stogies have been wrapped in a handwritten description of the enemy’s secret battle plans—a revelation that gives Lincoln the supernatural sign he’s awaited in order to free the slavesWhen millions worry over the nation losing its way; Medved’s sweeping narrative; bursting with dramatic events and lively portraits of unforgettable; occasionally little-known characters; affirms America as “fortune’s favorite;†shaped by a distinctive destiny from our beginnings to the present day.
#1643777 in Books 2011-06-08 2011-06-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .81 x 5.31l; .71 #File Name: 0547520212352 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Historical Document Adventure! Yes; Really!By CC ThomasThe introduction to this book was so captivating; so masterful; so story-like; it's hard to believe such a tale actually happened! Who says great adventures only happen in the movies? I find the best ones are the ones from real life and this proves my point.This is the story of one of the fourteen original Bill of Rights. There was one made for each of the thirteen colonies and one for the federal government. The one for North Carolina was apparently stolen during the sacking of Raleigh at the end of the Civil War and was discovered/revealed decades later in Indianapolis hanging on the wall of a modest home. Let the bidding begin! But; who owns it? The homeowner from Indianapolis or the State of North Carolina? Or is it really the missing document from another state?A cast of characters-both villains and heroes-inhabit these pages and are fit for any Hollywood screen. The convoluted workings of tracing the who/where/what and why of this is so interesting and underling it all is patriotism and greed. I love how a story such as this is so full of scandal and intrigue. So much fuss for such a tiny scrap of paper! This was a very interesting read with a very sobering ending. I have definitely never read a book like this one. If you like mysteries from history; be sure to check it out!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nice easy read. Not a story you need to read; but it is a fun one.By M. J. SearsA very good story about a copy of the original bill of rights. It is written more like fiction; which means it is not the normal narrative. It does jump around a bit with a few too many characters.It was enjoyable. Although historically accurate - not an essential piece of American history.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Time to find "Lost Rights"By PeterA great historical whodunnit; but also a whostoleit; whosoldit; and whoownsit? Fascinating characters in pursuit of the seminal document of the American idea; with greed commingling with patriotism; and history in battle with today. A lovely; thought-provoking read. Perfect gift for a 4th of July celebration.
