Carl Degler’s 1971 Pulitzer-Prize-winning study of comparative slavery in Brazil and the United States is reissued in the Wisconsin paperback edition; making it accessible for all students of American and Latin American history and sociology. Until Degler’s groundbreaking work; scholars were puzzled by the differing courses of slavery and race relations in the two countries. Brazil never developed a system of rigid segregation; such as appeared in the United States; and blacks in Brazil were able to gain economically and retain far more of their African culture. Rejecting the theory of Giberto Freyre and Frank Tannenbaum—that Brazilian slavery was more humane—Degler instead points to a combination of demographic; economic; and cultural factors as the real reason for the differences. “In the early 1970s when studies in social history were beginning to blossom on the North American scene; Carl Degler’s prize-winning contribution was a thoughtful provocative essay in comparative history. Its thoughtfulness has not diminished with the years. Indeed; it is as topical today as when it was first published. The Brazilian experience with rapid industrialization and its attempt to restore democratic government indicates that the issues which Degler treated in the early 1970s are more pertinent than ever today.â€â€”Franklin W. Knight; Department of History; Johns Hopkins University.
#594395 in Books 2015-08-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x .90 x 6.30l; .0 #File Name: 0295995041253 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Yesterday; today; and tomorrow--living with Seattle's topography.By Polly AirdI thoroughly enjoyed this book. Williams has an excellent knowledge of Seattle and its history and understands topography. It is fascinating to see how Young Seattle took it upon itself to become a functioning and successful city. And we are still doing it--with a new seawall and Bertha digging the new SR-99 tunnel. Williams is able to relate those earlier projects--filling in tidelands; creating Seattle's waterfront; creating the canal; locks; and connection to Lake Washington; and removing Denny Hill (I had heard about the Regrade of Denny Hill for years; but had no idea the extent of the hill or how it was done). Our forebears were visionaries! We still need to worry about getting around; but in addition; we have to deal with rising seas and earthquakes. Williams is a good writer and moves along with the story; with maps and photos from archives. I can't imagine; though; reading this on a Kindle--you really need to see the maps full size.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Thoroughly thoughtful; informative; and entertainingBy Final FlightToo High and Too Steep; the latest book by David B. Williams; is thoroughly thoughtful; informative; and entertaining. His historical perambulations through Seattle's topography; past and present; are an excellent commentary on how people adapt to their geology; geography; and environment until they demand their geology; geography; and environment adapt to them. This is a "must-have" addition to the library of every Seattle resident interested in their city's history.But Too High and Too Steep is also an important addition to the libraries of geographers; historians; and urban planners outside of Seattle. It will serve as a primer to understanding the role of topography in urban development. This new book by David B. Williams will also serve in understanding how far we will go to alter the landscape around us to suit our needs.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Bringing Seattle's history aliveBy Jared R. StarrHaving lived in or around Seattle for most of my 85 years; I had thought often; but not deeply; about the areas history. That all came to an end when I picked up 'TO HIGH TOO STEEP' from the 'new acquisitions' shelf at the Seattle Public Library. After thumbing through the copy I knew I had to have my own and read it through so I bought it. It is a slow read because I have to close my eyes and try to visualize scenes from my memories but I can hardly put the book down. Also I keep having to turn back to maps and photographs as Mr. Williams describes features of the city. I am awed by the amount of research Mr. Williams has put into this book and it brings to life an amazing amount of the history and geology that made my home what it is. I would recommend walking around the waterfront from West Point to the Duwamish Head while using this book as a guide. I plan on doing this before I die.
