Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani (1879 – 1957) was a political activist; Islamic scholar; and supporter of Gandhi during the struggle for India’s independence. Humane and fiercely dedicated whether campaigning against the separation of Pakistan; or in favour of democracy and inter-religious peace; he brooked no nonsense and fought relentlessly for what he believed in. Spanning a lifetime of campaigning and controversy; Barbara Metcalf’s compelling biography draws from Madani’s letters and autobiographies; as well as detailed knowledge of the prevailing political climate; to create an intimate and revealing account of one of the most important men in the recent history of Islam.
#284133 in Books Polish Books 2011-02-15 2011-02-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .30 x .80 x 4.90l; .69 #File Name: 1849084793304 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Historical TestimonyBy RJM402I both agree and disagree with others who found this book an excellent source of historical accuracy. I believe it is; but also that the author does somewhat of a disservice by his overwhelming extolling of Polish accomplishments and bravery. However; who can argue that both historically (meaning it's on the record) and humanely - Poland was betrayed and used by her supposed allies.FDR was so obviously unmoved by appeals from the Polish government in exile in London; that at Yalta he virtually gave 'Uncle Joe' a green light to do what he pleased with Poland. Churchill alone fought and fumed for Polish independence but to no avail; as the Soviet presence at the doorstep of Poland in late 1944 was far too massive.This book deserves to be read and praised in spite of the self-serving tone that pervades each chapter. It certainly is no different from Max Hasting's insistence that Montgomery actually saved Patton's army at the Battle of the Bulge. There are plenty of American historians who still argue that MacArthur was a genius in military strategy giving him credit for virtually winning the war in the Pacific. If we can stomach that whitewash; why can't we endure a little self-aggrandizing from a people who deserve our respect and thanks for standing up to a fierce and brutal enemy?2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Unfortunate History of the Ending of WWIIBy GruntReconAn under recognized and under appreciated history of Poland; the reason for France and UK entry into WWII; being sacrificed at the end of WWII because of global politics. It was a enlightenment into the contribution by the Poles to the success of the Allies and the betrayal of the Poles by the Allies to Stalin's demands. It ties in events that in other WWII histories are glanced over and not specifically addressed; for example the Warsaw Uprising. This book needs to be read by all those who are following the actions of Russia and Putin. Poland; Ukraine; and Russia have a history that is not forgotten in the current event.Lest we forget; Semper Fi!39 of 40 people found the following review helpful. The OverlookedBy Ronald OstrowskiNever have a people been as overlooked in history books; particularly in the history books covering WW11; as the Polish people. My father served in the Free Polish Forces and books such as this make his sacrifice worthwhile. The Poles after bloody battles were occupied in 1939 by both the Germans and the Soviets; but never surrendered as their Government went into exile. They fought on as partisans; resistance fighters; Warsaw insurgents (1943 Ghetto Uprising and 1944 Warsaw Uprising). They fought as soldiers; paratroopers; amoured personnel; bombers; spys; pilots and sailors alongside their British allies in all Western theatres against Germany. Since 1943 they fought alongside the Soviets; and participated in the defeat of Berlin. They saw bitter defeat in France (1940) and Narvik (1940); but saw victories in North Africa; Italy (they took Monte Cassino) and Normandy (they beat the German panzers in Falaise). They gave the allies the Enigma Machine codes; which seriously undermined the German war effort. In return their country was handed over to the communists. The Poles were dismissed in history as easybeats and sickenly portrayed as collaborators that hunted down Jews. A complex history has been simplified and usually in favour of the negative. During the recent Normandy landing ceremony the ignorant French President failed to invite the Polish President and; thereby; insulted the Polish veterans who attended. This was one of several slights to those who; like my late father; fought for the freedom of others to ensure their own freedom. Books like this are very few and overdue for publication in English. I am of part Polish extraction and am very in interested in Polish history. I wish more people knew about the Poles and their contribution to WW11 rather than continue to make stupid and negative comments based on ignorance.
