In Jared Diamond’s follow-up to the Pulitzer-Prize winning Guns; Germs and Steel; the author explores how climate change; the population explosion and political discord create the conditions for the collapse of civilizationEnvironmental damage; climate change; globalization; rapid population growth; and unwise political choices were all factors in the demise of societies around the world; but some found solutions and persisted. As in Guns; Germs; and Steel; Diamond traces the fundamental pattern of catastrophe; and weaves an all-encompassing global thesis through a series of fascinating historical-cultural narratives. Collapse moves from the Polynesian cultures on Easter Island to the flourishing American civilizations of the Anasazi and the Maya and finally to the doomed Viking colony on Greenland. Similar problems face us today and have already brought disaster to Rwanda and Haiti; even as China and Australia are trying to cope in innovative ways. Despite our own society’s apparently inexhaustible wealth and unrivaled political power; ominous warning signs have begun to emerge even in ecologically robust areas like Montana.Brilliant; illuminating; and immensely absorbing; Collapse is destined to take its place as one of the essential books of our time; raising the urgent question: How can our world best avoid committing ecological suicide?
#351430 in Books McPherson; James M. 2009-09-29 2009-09-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.40 x 1.00 x 5.40l; .72 #File Name: 0143116142352 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Condensed View of Lincoln as the War GeneralBy Daniel HurleyThis book is a rather condensed view of Lincoln as a military leader during the Civil War as McPherson rightly states that he was often his own Commanding General and early on; Secretary of War. Individuals familiar with Stephen Sears's great books on the Army of the Potomac and General McClellan will find much of the book familiar but McPherson provides a grand overview of Lincoln's responsibilities for the west as well as the east. McPherson covers well Lincoln's burden of using politicians as generals to satisfy his precarious support for the war and the union for that matter often enduring poor performance long before he could make a move such as with Butler; Shields; Banks and Fremont. The high point of the book is McPherson's demonstrations of Lincoln becoming his own General in Chief due to incompetence of his ranking officers such as McClellan; who often failed to move; to Henry Halleck who often feared making a decision. Lincoln's political timing is also well written such as the military/political timing of the emancipation proclamation and its effect on the south. Also of note; is Lincoln's great disappointment with Meade in not following Lee closely and attacking him on the northern side of the Potomac. What is notable is Lincoln recognizing; as McPherson provides direct quotes; the Confederate invasions north as opportunities not as an object of fear. In addition; McPherson captures Lincoln's ability to be humble yet instructive to his generals such as the now famous letter of his to "Fighting Joe Hooker" that tells Hooker of his support while telling him bluntly that he is aware of Hooker's undercutting of his superiors in the past and his call for a dictatorship; but as Lincoln's tells him; he is willing to take a risk to support Hooker for the good of the union. With the emergence of Grant; Sherman and Sheridan along with the competence of Stanton; Lincoln is in a far better position in 1864 but as McPherson points out; only until their successes eclipse Lincoln's political vulnerability. One thing that was needed in the book; was a more descriptive contrast with Jefferson Davis' military leadership. Davis; in contrast to Lincoln; was a West Point Graduate; Secretary of War and Mexican War veteran. Yet; Davis would let personal squabbles become magnified such as with Johnson and Beauregard to the detriment of the Confederacy and appoint personal favorites; Albert Sidney Johnson and Braxton Bragg; versus more competent staff. He also was a micro manager where Lincoln managed only as a necessity. Lincoln's humility served a constructive purpose in contrast to Davis' pride. Excellent book; in heavy quality paper of the type reserved for a classic. The actually text is approximately 272 pages followed by 100 pages of notes and index.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent and Unique Perspective on the Civil WarBy Dan D AndersonI stumbled upon this book on a discount shelf at Barnes Noble. I read the book and enjoyed it. I have listened via Audbile several times and absolutely love the book and its premise. Well written; easy to read/listen to; and it offers a unique perspective on the Civil War.Lincoln was in a tough position. The best military commanders were split between the Union and Confederacy. A new President with little knowledge of the Union's military commanders ( and untested military commanders at that) did not know who was competant and capabile. He did know the depth and breadth of his own capabilities.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well WrittenBy Dave GI was recommended James McPherson by someone who knew history more than most; and this particular selection from this pulitzer prize winner was in fact a winner. I have not read much on the civil war; but considering more people read and buy books on this subject than any other area of history; i felt that to start that an introduction about the man in charge was appropriate. Abe Lincoln; who has received a monumental revival these days; considering who is president now; was in fact a complicated; brillant man. McPherson really does provide a fair and balanced reading of the only president to be truly at war during his entire administration; except for our 21st century conflicts.
