An outspoken abolitionist; a founder of the Free Soil and Republican parties; and a leading member of the U. S. Senate for more than twenty years; Charles Sumner (1811–1874) has always figured prominently in histories of the American Civil War. For the most part; however; he has been depicted as a psychologically troubled extremist; a fanatical opponent of slavery whose self-righteousness was matched only by his arrogance.In this book; Anne-Marie Taylor challenges that long-standing view; offering in its stead the portrait of a man animated more by principle than by impulse or ambition. According to Taylor; Sumner's reform-minded politics; including his fervent commitment to put an end to slavery; must be understood in the context of a young nation still struggling to live up to the Enlightenment ideals embraced by its founders and embodied in its Constitution. Focusing on the first forty years of Sumner's life; before he took public office; Taylor traces the evolution of his character and thought among Boston's cultural elite. His belief in the virtues of cosmopolitanism; in the dignity of the human intellect and conscience; and in the possibility of a cultivated and just society; all find their roots in an education steeped in Enlightenment principles. At the same time; as a child of New England Puritanism and Revolutionary republicanism; Sumner was raised to believe in the moral obligation of the individual to work for the common good. As Taylor shows in this richly drawn biography; much of the triumph and tragedy of Sumner's story―the energy of his idealism as well as the poignancy of his eventual disappointment― derives from the overpowering sense of duty and national destiny imbued by his upbringing.
#210079 in Books 2001-01-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 6.00 x 2.00l; 3.15 #File Name: 155750217X1072 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. ... US submarine force in WWII … one of the worst [scandals] in the history of any kind This is ...By WilliamThe author calls “the torpedo scandal of the US submarine force in WWII … one of the worst [scandals] in the history of any kindThis is the definitive account of the USN’s submarine war in the Pacific theater in WWII. Why should you read this book? According to the United States Strategic Bombing survey “the war against [Japanese] shipping was perhaps the most decisive single factor in the collapse of the Japanese economy and logistic support of the Japanese military and naval power. Our submarines accounted for the majority of the vessel sinkings and the greater part of the reduction in tonnage.†In fact; the author explains that the Submariners made up less than 2% of the USN but accounted for 55% of Japan’s maritime losses. I believe this book chronicles every mission conducted by USN submarines in the Pacific. Also; you will learn about each one of the three problems that plagued the USN’s torpedoes. The author calls “the torpedo scandal of the US submarine force in WWII … one of the worst [scandals] in the history of any kind of warfare.†The bureau of Naval Weaponry denied there was a problem and said there weren’t enough torpedoes available to re-test them. To me this negligence was criminal and it took about 1.5 to 2 years to fix. There is also quite a bit of information about code breaking and how important this was to the submarine campaign. Just be prepared for a commitment. The book is 885 pages long and while it is well written and fairly readable it can get monotonous at times. This is especially true after the tide has turned and the USN has worked out all the bugs in the torpedoes and finally employed a sound strategy by wolfpacking. It is almost hard to read as the ships of the IPN are like fish in a barrel over and over again.This book stands as a tribute to the men of the Silent Service. I am glad that Clay Blair Jr. made the effort to put this definitive account together for people like me to read. God bless the USN and the men of the Silent Service and thank you for the sacrifices you made so that we can live as a free society. I get chills down my spine when I think of brave men such as Mush Morton; Dick O’Kane; Moon Chapel; and George Grider etc. Many of these men and their crews gave their last full measure of devotion so that we may live free."Tenacity Dick; stay with the bas*** till he's on the bottom.â€Mush Morton to Dick O'Kane.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Pulls the reader in -- you can almost hear the surf breaking; and smell the powerful diesel engines!By YBAVRGIf you like suspense; this action-packed history of U.S. submarines during World War II is for you! Author Clay Blair Jr. writes a gritty; detailed account of cliff-hanging undersea naval battles. The tension was constant because submarines; which were 2% of U.S. naval forces in the Pacific; accounted for 50% of the enemy ships sunk -- and sustained 25% casualties against skilled; vigilant and well-equipped enemy destroyers. The men never knew if this patrol would be their last.After serving on submarines himself; and conducting hundreds of interviews; Clay Blair Jr. has mastered the difficult art of making the reader feel that "you are there" as enemy depth charges thunder from above; threatening to end the lives of men not yet 25 years old. He captures the enthusiastic "all for one" comradeship of submariners; as well as the resourcefulness of officers and crew who; far from supply bases; came up with unorthodox materials to pull off desperately needed repairs -- or in one case; an emergency appendectomy!Readers will also enjoy Blair's lively; controversial account of the Great Torpedo Scandal -- the fact that due to political pressures; during much of WWII; the torpedos that were submariners' only defense either did not work; or worked sporadically.My advice to any friend would be to jump to the combat section of Silent Victory first; and go back later to read the historical account of the evolution of submarines. While interesting; it cannot match the thrilling accounts of real submarine patrols -- and it also makes more sense when read second.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Repurchased it recently when I found it at a good price in good conditionBy PJAI originally owned this 2 volume set when it was first published in the 1975. Repurchased it recently when I found it at a good price in good condition. Since the time it was originally published; many WWII fleet submariners have come out with books about their experiences in the Pacific. But before that; this book was; and in my opinion still is; the definitive history of the submarine war in the Pacific. Clay Blair has written a thorough and complete history of the submarine war in what must have taken thousands of hours of research. While much of this history is about overall submarine development; operations and strategy; most of the book covers individual actions by submarines; their captains and crews. And that's what makes it such an interesting read. Just a really good book about a part of WWII that I don't think very many people even know existed. If you're a history buff; particularly naval history; or are just interested in submarines; you'll won't be able to put this book down.
