The Civil War represented a momentous change in the character of war. It combined the projection of military might across a continent on a scale never before seen with an unprecedented mass mobilization of peoples. Yet despite the revolutionizing aspects of the Civil War; its leaders faced the same uncertainties and vagaries of chance that have vexed combatants since the days of Thucydides and the Peloponnesian War. A Savage War sheds critical new light on this defining chapter in military history.In a masterful narrative that propels readers from the first shots fired at Fort Sumter to the surrender of Robert E. Lee's army at Appomattox; Williamson Murray and Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh bring every aspect of the battlefield vividly to life. They show how this new way of waging war was made possible by the powerful historical forces unleashed by the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution; yet how the war was far from being simply a story of the triumph of superior machines. Despite the Union’s material superiority; a Union victory remained in doubt for most of the war. Murray and Hsieh paint indelible portraits of Abraham Lincoln; Ulysses S. Grant; William Tecumseh Sherman; and other major figures whose leadership; judgment; and personal character played such decisive roles in the fate of a nation. They also examine how the Army of the Potomac; the Army of Northern Virginia; and the other major armies developed entirely different cultures that influenced the war’s outcome.A military history of breathtaking sweep and scope; A Savage War reveals how the Civil War ushered in the age of modern warfare.
#579568 in Books Jon D Levenson 2015-10-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.60 x 1.00 x 5.50l; .0 #File Name: 0691164290264 pagesThe Love of God Divine Gift Human Gratitude and Mutual Faithfulness in Judaism Library of Jewish Ideas
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Spectacularly Well DoneBy Ira E. StollThis is a profound and erudite book that made me think about the love between God and the Jewish people in a whole new way. Prayers that will be familiar to most observant Jews — the Shma; Lekha Dodi; Yedid Nefesh; the phrase from Hosea that is said when wrapping tefillin on one's finger — take on deeper meaning with Levenson's guidance. The book is worth buying for the last two paragraphs alone; which are exquisitely crafted.What kind of love exists between Jews and God; and between God and Jews? Levenson takes us through the early biblical love modeled on the relation between a king and his subject; or a lord and vassal; through the prophetic description of the relationship at the "moment of rupture;" with the Jews as unfaithful; through the Medieval period and the critique by Hasdai Crescas and Joseph Albo of the Maimonidean God so abstract that he doesn't love back; and into modern times with Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig and their discussion of how law or commandment fit; or don't fit; into a loving relationship with God.This book is not long. It's not light reading; but it is reasonably accessible. If you are Jewish and/or interested in what the biblical commandment to love God means; go read it!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book as long as you understand gift.By Frederick J. HarrisJon Levenson helps us understand Judaism and its deep foundation for Christian faith. This book along with ' Paul and the Gift' by John Barclays make great companions and help us understand more about Levenson's contribution.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book is wonderful. Not only is the author an expert in ...By Robert B. LawtonThis book is wonderful. Not only is the author an expert in the Hebrew Bible and later Judaism; his book is filled with wise human insights. I couldn't put the book down. There were days when I read it from morning to night. A true masterpiece!
