While the debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas are undoubtedly the most celebrated in American history; they may also be the most consequential as well. For the issues so fiercely debated in 1858 were about various interrelated aspects of one momentous; nation-threatening issue: slavery. The contest between Lincoln and Douglas became a testing ground for the viability of conflicting ideals in a nation deeply divided. One of the most colorful and engaging episodes in American history; this series of debates is of enduring interest as an illuminating instance of the ever-recurring dilemma of self-government: what happens when the guiding principle of democracy; "popular sovereignty;" confronts a principled stand against a "moral; social; and political evil"? The tragic answer in this case came three years later: civil war.Important as they are; the Lincoln-Douglas debates have long since ceased to be self-explanatory. This edition is the first to provide a text founded on all known records; rather than following one or another of the partisan and sometimes widely-varying newspaper accounts. Meticulously edited and annotated; it provides numerous aids to help the modern reader understand the debates; including extensive introductory material; commentary; and a glossary. The fullest and most dependable edition of the Lincoln-Douglas debates ever prepared; this edition brings readers as close as possible to the original words of these two remarkable men.
#1057124 in Books 2006-10-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .80 x 6.00l; 1.03 #File Name: 0252073177336 pages
Review
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A "must-read" for all students and scholars examining Islam and the Muslim world.By Midwest Book ReviewWritten by Pieternella Van Doorn-Harder (associate professor of Islam and World Religions; Valparaiso University); Women Shaping Islam: Reading the Qur'an in Indonesia is an exploration of the active role Muslim women have played in the religious culture of Indonesia; the largest majority-Muslim country in the world. Though a large amount of the Muslim world excludes women from religious authority; Indonesia's two leading Muslim organizations have crafted networks led by women who interpret sacred texts and wield notable religious influence. Women Shaping Islam discusses the history; current standing; and future of women in both these organizations (the Muhammadiyah and the Nahdlatul Ulama) with a scholarly eye toward accuracy; meticulous detail; and cultural context. An invaluable insight into the great sphere of influence of female Indonesian religious leaders; and a "must-read" for all students and scholars examining Islam and the Muslim world.
