With essays from one of America's preeminent African American historians; this book fulfills the missing story of Black America during the era of America's proclamations of liberty and justice as symbolized by the Liberty Bell. A book written from a lifetime of research and collection of African American documents and artifacts from one of America's most respected Black historians; Charles L. Blockson. To be released when America is celebrating the Liberty Bell.
#439809 in Books imusti 2001-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x .87 x 5.08l; .64 #File Name: 1861973500272 pagesPROFILE BOOKS
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. a bit light; but it is a solid introduction to the CatharsBy Robert J. CrawfordAfter having truly loved the author's Sea of Faith; I was a bit disappointed with this book: it lacked a certain density; offered little on the Medieval context; and concentrated on stories at the expense of a deeper analysis. It did not; as is the author's stated intention; make me hungry for more as did his masterful Sea of Faith.That being said; this is competent popular history that is essential to know; particularly if you want to understand French history. The story takes place during the great period of expansion following the Dark Ages: there are new technologies; a dynamic economy exploding with population growth; and a new openness to ideas about how society should be run. The Languedoc region; a loosely organized feudal domain south of the French kingdom and north of Navarre Spain; flourished in its independence; spawning not just poetry and a sensual life style; but an offshoot of Christianity that resembled the Gnostics of 2nd and 3rd C CE.According to Cathar theology; the world was a evil place that was made not by God but by the Devil. TO reach to the domain of God and overcome an endless cycle of sinful and blind reincarnation; adherents needed to renounce worldly pleasure and ambitions in order to become Perfects - wise ascetics who would transcend the evil world and enter the pure world of heaven. It was a joyful grouping; which apparently generated many ideas that would appeal to new age devotees at present; though in fact little is known about their beliefs and practices as no writings survive. Left to themselves and an easy-going count - the first in a bewildering succession of Raymonds involved in the conflict - the Cathars thrived for several generations to the growing alarm of Rome; where the Popes were refining a christian ideology as a power base to challenge the legitimacy of secular leaders.In this context; given Raymond's passivity and the enticements of a crusade far closer to France than the Near East (i.e. instant redemption of their sins and the opportunity for landless aristocrats to gain fiefs); it was only a matter of time before the Papacy focused on stamping out what it regarded as a heretical movement. Once the ax fell; the crusaders attacked the Cathars with an unrivaled brutality; wiping out entire villages and opening major cities; such as Caracassone; to takeover.This is a sad story that was a defining moment; not just for the expansion of the French Crown; but also as a testing ground for the development of the Inquisition; which led to the totalitarian ideologies of the 20C that used similar methods to guard the purity of their societies. As such; this is one of the most important episodes in European history.While the book is interesting and moves quickly; I just wish it had been more dense. Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is a great text that opens to us a world that has ...By billThis is a great text that opens to us a world that has historically been closed off. Here we see how Christian theology and dogma was created to protect an otherwise problematic belief system.Douglas Thomas; author of African Traditional Religion in the Modern World0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is it!By JB1976The definitive book on the Cathar heresy and the church's response to it. Readable and thorough. If this is a subject that interests you; as it must as you're reading this; you've found what you were after.
