Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liady (1745–1812); in imperial Russia; was the founder and first rebbe of Chabad; a branch of Hasidic Judaism that flourishes to the present day. The Chabad-Lubavitch movement he founded in the region now known as Belarus played; and continues to play; an important part in the modernization processes and postwar revitalization of Orthodox Jewry. Drawing on historical source materials that include Shneur Zalman’s own works and correspondence; as well as documents concerning his imprisonment and interrogation by the Russian authorities; Etkes focuses on Zalman’s performance as a Hasidic leader; his unique personal qualities and achievements; and the role he played in the conflict between Hasidim and its opponents. In addition; Etkes draws a vivid picture of the entire generation that came under Rabbi Shneur Zalman’s influence. This comprehensive biography will appeal to scholars and students of the history of Hasidism; East European Jewry; and Jewish spirituality.
#433174 in Books 2011-01-20 2011-02-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x 1.20 x 5.90l; 1.63 #File Name: 1611210763544 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Good story on a very unexplored topicBy Satyrman63One of the reasons I purchased this book is that it looked like an in depth description of what I had also wondered about for nearly 40 years; that is; what happened between July 4; 1863 and the Army of Northern Virginia crossing abck over the Potomac into Virginia.The book is sort of Union centered but that is ok as I am sure the historical documents and archives were easier to research. Quite a bit from the Confederate side is told.I was not disappointed in this book. Once one starts reading it is difficult to put down. The book has a nice assortment of maps and is better than many books describing that time period in that respect. I feel the reader gets a fair and unbiased look at the condition of both armies after three days of awful bloodletting. As a bonus; if you live in that area of PA/MD a driving tour of the retreat and the Wagon Train of the Wounded is included. Also a very nice order of battle for both sides is included.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Engaging account and analysis of the oft neglected retreatBy IpyThe authors follow their phenomenal account of Stuart's ride; with a well researched and astute analysis of Lee's retreat from Gettysburg and the Union pursuit. Interestingly; while this operation has been one of the most controversial of the war; it is usually one of the most neglected and least understood. This book goes a long way toward filling that gap; covering the movements of both armies and containing accounts of each battle and skirmish along the way. It makes clear that the retreat was truly one continuous fight and that the terrain; weather; and sheer exhaustion of the armies made this one of the most grueling campaigns of the war. It does not focus on the logistical aspects of Lee's retreat; instead recommending Kent Brown's book. (which unfortunately I have not yet read)The authors also debate whether Meade could or should have attacked Lee along the Potomac and are largely sympathetic to Meade. I tend to agree; but think he could have been more aggressive earlier in the retreat and made better use of his cavalry. That said; they rightly primarily blame Pleasanton for his failures to concentrate and utilize the Cavalry Corps to get between the ANV main body and its river crossings. Another person to blame is Halleck; for not moving more troops up both sides of the Potomac and for talking a good game but not really doing anything in a strategic sense. The authors touch lightly on this; I suppose because Halleck's failings as general in chief are well known and were obvious to many at that point of the war.The retreat was a very complex and confused operation and the authors do a largely excellent job of keeping the reader oriented. The maps are good and the appendixes contain driving tours for both the main retreat and the wagon train of wounded. That said it is not quite as focused as their work on Stuart's ride. My main issue; and the reason for the four stars; is in the formatting. The book is full of typos and weird spacing issues. Maybe this is only true of the Kindle version; but I was very surprised. Also; in the lengthy conclusion none of the footnote markers hot link to the notes; which is very annoying if you like to check the sources. On Kindle; some of the maps can be difficult to read; though this is largely mitigated in Landscape view.Overall; I highly recommend the work to any Gettysburg or Civil War enthusiast and look forward to more books by this writing team.**Took the retreat driving tour recently and it is a fabulous tour! Worth the price of the book alone. Even more highly recommended!**2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The fighting retreat from GettysburgBy Bob SudduthOutstanding volume that covers the retreat from the Battle of Gettysburg. It covers the; as the title says; almost continual fighting between the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia from July 4 until Lee's forces recrossed the Potomac and sheds light on a period that people say "what-if" about.George Meade gets criticism for not finishing off the Confederates with a final; decisive blow in the week and a half after Gettysburg. The authors cover this; the dogged pursuit; dogged defense; the missed opportunities; the exhaustion; and the suffering men on both sides experienced in the aftermath of the largest battle fought on the North American continent.This is a book for anyone interested in cavalry operations; The Gettysburg Campaign; or logistics. It's a much-needed volume of an oft-uncontemplated subject.
