In the darkest days of the American Revolution; Francis Marion and his band of militia freedom fighters kept hope alive for the patriot cause during the critical British "southern campaign." Employing insurgent guerrilla tactics that became commonplace in later centuries; Marion and his brigade inflicted enemy losses that were individually small but cumulatively a large drain on British resources and morale.Although many will remember the stirring adventures of the "Swamp Fox" from the Walt Disney television series of the late 1950s and the fictionalized Marion character played by Mel Gibson in the 2000 film The Patriot; the real Francis Marion bore little resemblance to either of those caricatures. But his exploits were no less heroic as he succeeded; against all odds; in repeatedly foiling the highly trained; better-equipped forces arrayed against him.In this action-packed biography we meet many colorful characters from the Revolution: Banastre Tarleton; the British cavalry officer who relentlessly pursued Marion over twenty-six miles of swamp; only to call off the chase and declare (per legend) that "the Devil himself could not catch this damned old fox;" giving Marion his famous nickname; Thomas Sumter; the bold but rash patriot militia leader whom Marion detested; Lord Cornwallis; the imperious British commander who ordered the hanging of rebels and the destruction of their plantations; "Light-Horse Harry" Lee; the urbane young Continental cavalryman who helped Marion topple critical British outposts in South Carolina; but most of all Francis Marion himself; "the Washington of the South;" a man of ruthless determination yet humane character; motivated by what his peers called "the purest patriotism."In The Swamp Fox; the first major biography of Marion in more than forty years; John Oller compiles striking evidence and brings together much recent learning to provide a fresh look both at Marion; the man; and how he helped save the American Revolution.
#660539 in Books Melissa Fay Greene 2006-08-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x 1.12 x 5.50l; 1.35 #File Name: 0306815184514 pagesThe Temple Bombing
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Compelling Chapters of U.S. HistoryBy David HammersteinThe found the book riveting. I connected with the book on many levels. The book’s main character; Rabbi Jacob Rothschild; who served as the Temple’s rabbi during the October 1958 bombing; began his career at Rodef Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh where he grew up. I belong to Rodef Shalom in Pittsburgh. The book presents a thought-provoking discussion of the cultural chasm between German and Eastern European Jews. The book uncovers tensions within the Jewish community about some Jews’ reluctance to support integration during the post World War II civil rights movement.Although the book spans 502 pages; the story moves quickly. The account of the bombing and the ensuring investigation and trial reads like a thriller. I was disappointed that the trial failed to reach a conviction; leaving the crime unresolved. It was heartening to read how the bombing evoked sympathy within the community at large.To my surprise and delight; I learned of a family member; Rebecca Mathis Gershon; who is portrayed in the book. A Temple congregant; she was a civil rights activist and confidant of Rabbi Rothschild. Her branch of the family provided refuge to my father who fled Nazi Germany in 1939.Author Melissa Fay Greene has enriched tumultuous and vital chapters of our history. I commend her.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Historical book that reads like a suspense thriller!!By IheartbooksThis book was about so much more than just a historical bombing; though it's the title that first drew my interest and attention. It's the story of the Jewish community in Atlanta; Georgia; and in particular one rabbi; who put himself and his congregation at the center of the Civil Rights Movement. It's packed with historical reference and information; but reads a suspense thriller. I'm now a Melissa Fay Greene fan and will see out her other books.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy David SamskyGood read
