This book examines the story of the ‘discovery of America’ through the prism of the history of the Franciscans; a socio-religious movement with a unique doctrine of voluntary poverty. The Franciscans rapidly developed global dimensions; but their often paradoxical relationships with poverty and power offer an alternate account of global history. Through this lens; Julia McClure offers a deeper history of colonialism; not only by extending its chronology; but also by exploring the powerful role of ambivalence in the emergence of colonial regimes. Other topics discussed include the legal history of property; the complexity and politics of global knowledge networks; the early (and neglected) history of the Near Atlantic; and the transatlantic inquisition; mysticism; apocalypticism; and religious imaginations of place.
#1480843 in Books 1990-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 7.75 x 1.25l; #File Name: 0316549703512 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Writing for the history buff; not the academicBy Alan IndianaWhoever heard of historical writing being a great read? Anyone who's read either Susanne or Robert Massie's books about the culture and politics of Russia; that's who.Suzanne Massie's Pavlovsk is a wondrous book about what might be the most beautiful palace (she says it is; I haven't seen it; so I can't say) in Russia; a land of magnificent baroque and neo-classical palaces. But this book is more than that--while Massie's clear; always fascinating description of the birth and death and rebirth of the palace makes it and its inhabitants come vibrantly alive; she uses the palace as a lens through which to view the cultural and political history of Russia from the late 18th to the mid-20th century; without stinting on the palace or the history. What an achievement! Makes me want to get on a plane to St. Petersburg this afternoon.Couple Massie's prose with the beautiful illustrations; and you have what is probably the best introduction to the subject of Russian culture and architecture available in English today.So why only 4 stars? Because someone was asleep at the switch when it came to proofing the text; and the first edition (were there others?) of 1990 is riddled with misprints. Some are confusing (saying October and meaning September; then saying September for the same event); and all are just plain annoying and sloppy.But except for that; the book is a treasure.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book for history buffsBy Tia KarenThis is a very interesting book. It tells Russian history through the lens of a particular palace; Pavlosk; just outside of St. Petersburg. (Pavlosk was built by the somewhat crazy son of Catherine the Great.) First; the reader relishes in the grandeur of tsarist lifestyle -- music (including a Strauss residency at the palace); art; international travel; palace intrigues; and more. Then the glamour dims to the horrors of WWII and the destruction of the palace. And just like the firebird (a symbol of Russia); the palace rises again to its former glory through the efforts of some very; very dedicated people. The details Massey provides are numerous; such that the reader feels he or she is there. Who knew that children from the ballet school could use their dainty toes to root out landmines around the palace? Read this book and you'll know this detail and lots more.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well written and excellent documentation in a historical and cultural gemBy KayWell written and excellent documentation in a historical and cultural gem. Personal interview bring the love and determination of the Russian restoration staff to life. Brings back personal memories of my own visits to Pavlovak.
