Reviews (7)

skip this biography
avoid books where the author's personality and florid prose obscure the subject. besides, what precisely does jenkins have against short sentences and one-dollar words?

Good, short, reverential biography
The late Roy Jenkins, in assessing Roosevelt, rates him in the top three of all American Presidents, along with Washington and Lincoln. Whether you like FDR or whether you are one of his critics, it is hard to dispute Jenkins' conclusion. Jenkins believes that had FDR not run for a third term, he would have been one of the better, near great Presidents, but that it took WWII to make him the icon he became. Jenkins fails to point out that FDR did not create any appreciable number of private sector jobs prior to WWII and that, in fact, unemployment was almost as high as it was eight years earlier, when he took office. The reason may be that Jenkins had been a Labour Party member of the House of Commons, accordingly, his world view was that of a government interventionist. However, I ultimately agree that nontheless, FDR was, at least, a better than average President during the depression years, due to the great optimism that he conveyed.
The Good Brief Book on Roosevelt
This is a very good brief introduction to Roosevelt, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a brief understanding of Roosevelt. It is very easy to read and suitable for high school students. Being written by a man from Britain, it also shows how the world views FDR - as one of the most important leaders in world history.
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Subjects:  1. (Franklin Delano),    2. 1882-1945    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Historical - U.S.    8. Political    9. Presidents    10. Presidents & Heads of State    11. Roosevelt, Franklin D    12. Roosevelt, Franklin D.    13. United States    14. United States - 20th Century/Depression   

Editorial Review

Malcolm X's searing memoir belongs on the small shelf of great autobiographies. The reasons are many: the blistering honesty with which he recounts his transformation from a bitter, self-destructive petty criminal into an articulate political activist, the continued relevance of his militant analysis of white racism, and his emphasis on self-respect and self-help for African Americans. And there's the vividness with which he depicts black popular culture--try as he might to criticize those lindy hops at Boston's Roseland dance hall from the perspective of his Muslim faith, he can't help but make them sound pretty wonderful. These are but a few examples. Read more

Reviews (265)

eye opener
Mike Young obviously did not read the book.I read it 3 times and it changed my life forever.The book clearly states that it is the autobiography of Malcolm X AS TOLD to Alex Haley and if you had read the book yourself you would realize that Malcolm was simply telling the story to Alex Haley.He was too busy to sit down and write the book himself and predicted his own murder in the last pages.Maybe you, Mike Young, should take on the challenge of being a thinking human being and read it on your own with an objective mind and then come back and tell us your real thoughts.

People Can Change!
Simply, one of the most amazing stories of change ever told in the English language - and still one of the most mis-understood men in the 20th century.

A tribute to Black Manhood
Some books can change your perception, but only a few can wipe out age-old assumptions, and force you to rethink everything you thought you knew. The question of RACE is at the heart of the American society, and in this book, not only African-Americans, but Americans of all colors, black, white, red and yellow, will find themselves reassessing what racism entails, for Malcolm X life, is a poignant testimony of the black man's struggle against both individual and institutional racism.
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Subjects:  1. Afro-Americans    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Black Muslims    7. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    8. Islam - General    9. People of Color    10. Political    11. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    12. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color    13. Biography: political    14. Black studies    15. USA   

Reviews (4)

The interviews make this book
Streissguth's journalistic approach is a refreshing contrast to the psychological blather of many biographical writers. There is a healthy balance of respect for Johnny Cash and a straightforward look at his extramarital relationships, substance abuse, and devotion to Christianity. Both the complex and simple sides of Cash are revealed through detail-rich interviews with those who knew him well. Indeed, the extensive interviews with band members, friends and family are what make this book so compelling and fresh. For instance, the interview with Rosanne Cash, his eldest daughter, helps us understand Cash's drug addition, his role as a father and the insecurities he experienced as a performer. The Man in Black has never been revealed in such color and light.
Review from friend and minister, Rev. Jack Shaw
JOHNNY CASH The Biography... is so much more than just another `Johnny Cash' book. As I began reading it, I quickly found myself wishing that this remarkable resource had been available before I met John. I believe that it would have better equipped me to... `Understand'.
A fresh look at Johnny and his life
I found the book to be a great read.More than just the same rehash of his life that I have read before.Streissguth has broken new ground in his telling of the Johnny Cash story.He brings important players--such as brotherRoy Cash and former manager Saul Holiff--out of the shadows, traces the roots of various Cashian myths and offers new insights throughout.Fits the bill for Cash fans and newcomers alike.Great photos, too.The following passage is an example of the new perspective that the book delivers: "Drug use became Cash's convenient sin, the one that made for a great redemption story but that had no visible victims other than himself.As long as the drug-obsessed media focused on his addiction, the story functioned as a smoke screen.Cash rarely had to deal publicly in any substantive way with questions about extramarital affairs he engaged in during the 1970s and 1980s or with the pain that he'd brought upon his wives, daughters, friends, and band members."
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Composers & Musicians - Country & Folk    6. Composers & Musicians - General    7. Country And Western Music    8. General    9. Genres & Styles - Country & Bluegrass - General    10. History & Criticism - General    11. Music/Songbooks    12. Biography: film, television & music    13. Country & western   

Editorial Review

Left to his own devices, John Adams might have lived out his days as a Massachusetts country lawyer, devoted to his family and friends. As it was, events swiftly overtook him, and Adams--who, David McCullough writes, was "not a man of the world" and not fond of politics--came to greatness as the second president of the United States, and one of the most distinguished of a generation of revolutionary leaders. He found reason to dislike sectarian wrangling even more in the aftermath of war, when Federalist and anti-Federalist factions vied bitterly for power, introducing scandal into an administration beset by other difficulties--including pirates on the high seas, conflict with France and England, and all the public controversy attendant in building a nation.Read more

Reviews (631)

A Life Well Lived
The book biggest strength is that it uses many quotations of John Adams, Abigail, John Quincy Adams, and Jefferson to tell its tale. These people were intelligent and very good writers. I enjoyed the biography. I enjoyed McCullough's writing style and the leisurely pace he sets for himself. The biography clearly portrays a man who lived long, did many great things, and died at peace with himself. The book glosses over Adams' weaknesses and I thought spent way too much time on what Jefferson and Adams thought of each other, but these are minor flaws. I enjoyed Morris's biography of Roosevelt more, but this book was a good summer read and was far better than McCullough's 1776. I learned how this nation owes a great debt to this great, but flawed man.

I wish I could have met him
Like another reviewer, my interest in history is quite new. The author's presentation of John Adams left me wanting to know much more of this great man. David McCullough's excerpting of Adams' professional and personal writings exposed a passionate man of deep convictions and possessed of an intellect and idealism beyond his generation. While Mr. Adams was acutely aware of and deplored his own ego, he, at the same time was critical of his own limitations. Even with this conflict, Adams could still say, "I thank God that he gave me stubborness when I am right."
More quotes and facts, less opinions and emotions.
First of all, I did not exactly 'read' this biography. Instead I purchased the CD version which I distilled via my car sound system every morning on my way to work (I have enjoyed countless biographies of great american figures this way, and still been able to read many more technology related books).
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Subjects:  1. 1735-1826    2. 1775-1783    3. Adams, John,    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Politics and government    10. Presidents    11. Presidents & Heads of State    12. U.S. History - Constitutional Period To Civil War (1789-1860)    13. U.S. President    14. United States    15. United States - Colonial Period    16. United States - Revolutionary War    17. Adams, John    18. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    19. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    20. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents    21. Biography: historical    22. Political leaders & leadership    23. USA   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (215)

Outdated junk.
This book was relevant at the time it came out, if nothing for the fact it helped pump the patriotism and zeal to go to war.
A tame book that adds nothing of value
I work for a book summary company.One of the books selected for summary is this book.
Like Being a Fly on the Wall in the White House
Bush at War was the first book that I have read by Bob Woodward. Of course, I am somewhat familiar with Woodward's work and his reputation as one of the greatest living journalists. But, "current events" is not a subject that I normally look for when choosing literature. The idea behind Bush at War intrigued me though. Here we have a presidential administration obviously very fond of secrecy, but they are also willing to grant extensive interviews to Woodward -- one of the reporters that exposed the covert goings-on of another secretive White House. My curiosity was peaked.
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Subjects:  1. (George Walker),    2. 1946-    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Bush, George W    5. Decision making    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. Military leadership    8. National security    9. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    10. Political Process - Leadership    11. Political Science    12. Politics / Current Events    13. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    14. U.S. Practical Politics    15. U.S. President    16. United States    17. United States - 21st Century    18. War on Terrorism, 2001-    19. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    20. Interviews    21. Political Science / Government / National    22. Political leaders & leadership    23. USA   

Subjects:  1. 1755-1793    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. France    7. France - History    8. France - History - Revolution And Napoleonic Empire (1789-1815)    9. Historical - General    10. History    11. Louis XVI, 1774-1793    12. Marie Antoinette,    13. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, King of France,    14. Queens    15. Royalty    16. Women    17. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography And Autobiography    3. Football    4. Football - General    5. Football - Professional    6. Football coaches    7. History    8. Lombardi, Vince    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - General    12. United States   

Editorial Review

This warm biography of Harry Truman is both an historical evaluation of his presidency and a paean to the man's rock-solid American values. Truman was a compromise candidate for vice president, almost an accidental president after Roosevelt's death 12 weeks into his second term. Truman's stunning come-from-behind victory in the 1948 election showed how his personal qualities of integrity and straightforwardness were appreciated by ordinary Americans, perhaps, as McCullough notes, because he was one himself. His presidency was dominated by enormously controversial issues: he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, established anti-Communism as the bedrock of American foreign policy, and sent U.S. troops into the Korean War. In this winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize, McCullough argues that history has validated most of Truman's war-time and Cold War decisions. ... Read more

Reviews (230)

20th century history to savor
The history of Truman and his birth in the 1880s through WW1 & WW2 as well as the Cold War and Korea is remarkable. The evolution of a man from small town farmer to President of the United States and the weight of history thrust upon him at the expected death of FDR makes for a great read.I found the difficulties in the post WW2 era to be most interesting such as the strikes and the creation of the Truman doctrine and the Marshall Plan.
The Best-Written Biography Ever
Truman' provides wonderful insight into the man who faced more difficult and heartbreaking decisions than most of us could imagine. The author brilliantly captures Truman's personality as son, soldier, husband, father, politician, and president. As a teenage newcomer to the fascinating world of history, I found 'Truman' to be both entertaining and extremely factual. Anyone interested in 20th century history, past presidents, or the post-WWII era would love this book.
Almost a Classic
While it's Ok for a historian to like the subject of the biography, he should not love him.David McCullough likes Harry Truman a bit too much.As a result he seldom takes a critical view of Truman's Presidency, politics or personal life.This is disappointing given that Harry Truman was the President at probably the key juncture of twentieth century - the end of War World II and the beginning of the Cold War.More time is spent describing the whistle-stop campaign of 1948 then in explaining the development of the containment strategy of Soviet expansion.He also dismisses Secretary of State Dean Acheson's January 1950 omission of South Korea as being in the United States defense perimeter as being the inspiration of the subsequent attack that June by North Korean forces.While it may not have been the inspiration, that statement along with troop withdraws in 1948 and 1949 were hardly discouragements.
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Subjects:  1. 1884-1972    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Historical - U.S.    7. Political    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. Truman, Harry S.,    11. United States    12. 20th century    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: general    15. Central government    16. USA    17. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (42)

Legacy--4.5 stars
This autobiography is unusual to say the least.It is replete with deep, profound, mystifying, eye-opening, tantalizing personal experiences rather than mundane happenings.It reads, at times, like a fantasy novel.I'd call this powerful book an impressionistic painting of Jung's life and work.It's very personal and very revealing.It's no wonder he left it to the very end of his life.Fortunately for us, he did provide the data & it was posthumously published.It provides a depth of context for his work that is available nowhere else.It is, however, expurgated--presumably by his family who didn't want all his dirty laundry (e.g. affairs with clients etc.) made public.After all, it was published not long after his death.There is much to learn from this book--even by those offended by it.As Jung says, p.247 "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves."George MacDonald said "Those don't know England who only England know."Jung asks, p. 246 "How, for example, can we become conscious of national peculiarities if we have never had the opportunity to regard our own nation from outside?Regarding it from outside means regarding it from the standpoint of another nation."Similar to his more scientific works, this one contains innovative thinking & timeless observations.
You gotta be crazy to analyze crazy people
If a regular person described the things that Jung describes in this biography, you'd say "this person is completely insane".
"But Who Manipulates The Apparatus?"
More than any other work in his oeuvre, Carl Jung's biography, Memories, Dreams, Reflections (1961) takes the reader inside the mind of the eminent Swiss psychologist.Jung was both a self-admitted gnostic and an introvert, and this very personal account of his life, which he was completing at the time of his death, is correspondingly subjective in tone.
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Subjects:  1. (Carl Gustav),    2. 1875-1961    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. General    8. Jung, C. G    9. Jung, C. G.    10. Jungian Psychology    11. Movements - Behaviorism    12. Movements - Jungian    13. Psychoanalysts    14. Social Scientists & Psychologists    15. Switzerland    16. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Business    3. Business & Economics    4. Business/Economics    5. General    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Rich & Famous    8. Business & Economics / General    9. Business & Management   

Reviews (29)

From a avowed Yankee Hater
About 1 out of every 2 baseball biographies seems to be about a Yankee.As a Yankee Hater, I loath that.However, I was at the library and decided to try The Big Bam by Leigh Montville.
An Exciting Update of Babe Ruth's Legend!
For those of us who grew up listening to baseball games on the radio rather than seeing them on television, this abridged audio is a real treat.Leigh Montville's dramatic story of the Sultan of Swat, the Bambino, the Big Bam, comes to life as Adam Grupper recounts both observed (the "called" home run) and recreated moments in this fine recording.After all, would you rather read about someone hitting the longest home run in a given ball park . . . or listen to a virtually breathless account of the same?I know which I would choose . . . every time!
Brings the Bambino to life
When my daughter saw me reading this book she exclaimed, "Don't you know everything about Babe Ruth already?" Well, even if I thought I did, this book made me aware of how little I knew. I had read most of the previous biographies from Tom Meany's to Robert Creamer's. But Leigh Montville's book is the last word on Ruth. What an enormous amount of research he put in, yet he did not let the material overwhelm his subject. The Babe comes through in living color. I don't think any player has ever captured the imagination of the American public more or has been treated more shabbily by the sport he enhanced. I think one reason that Babe Ruth continues to be the gold standard to baseball fans is because, unlike the spoiled players of today who make millions of dollars a year and charge for an autograph, Babe loved being "Babe Ruth." He made appearances for kids, he autographed baseballs, he autographed $20 bills. He gave as much as he received both on and off the field.
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Subjects:  1. 1895-1948    2. Baseball    3. Baseball - History    4. Baseball players    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Ruth, Babe,    10. Sports - Baseball    11. Sports - General    12. U.S. History - Early 20th Century    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Reviews (12)

Where have all the LADIES gone?
If pop star Pink sings "Where oh where have all the smart people gone, where oh where could they be?"... then this book cries "Where oh where have all the LADIES gone? Where oh where could they be?" If ever there is a role model for a renaissance in being a lady (not to be confused with a bombshell)... it is Audrey. Her grace, aristocratic sophistication, refinement, depth, humanitarian spirit, and genuine posh-like glamour was real as much as it was regal. In a world of cheap bombshell images the statement: that which is least seen is most beautiful is truer than ever. Audrey was an archetype of an era where being a lady was respected and advocated.

The Ultimate Guide to Loveliness, Both Inside and Out.
A lot of people misuse the term "hero."Lots of people think it's an athlete, an actor, or a singer.I regard Audrey Hepburn as my hero and a great role model.She was a rare and unusually timeless beauty with her gamine looks and a gorgeous accent, often mistaken as British, that also belied part of her time in Nazi occupied Holland.With the grace of a dancer and a princess to add to her intoxicating manner of speech, she had consistently excellent taste in clothes, impeccable hairstyles, and an approach to living that more people in this world would do well to adhere to.
Perfect Stocking Stuffer
I gave this book to my mom for Mother's Day and haven't stopped hearing how much she likes it.I highly recommend it as the perfect stocking stuffer, especially for the price on Amazon.Just ordered two more for my sisters. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1929-    2. 1929-1993    3. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    4. Hepburn, Audrey,    5. Personal & Practical Guides    6. Quotations    7. Reference    8. Sociology    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Biography: film, television & music    11. Films, cinema    12. Reference / Personal & Practical Guides   

Editorial Review

The famously taciturn South African president reveals much of himself inRead more

Reviews (108)

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela: with Connections
This book is awesome.It is a great privilege to be allowed a glimpse into the life of such a courageous individual.Its is really a great read.

The Greatest Man in the World

Amazing book
This account of Nelson Mandela's life is brutually honest. A complex and totally inspiring person.
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Subjects:  1. Africa - South - South Africa    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Blacks    7. Civil rights    8. Historical - General    9. Political    10. Presidents    11. Presidents & Heads of State    12. South Africa    13. Africa    14. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents    15. Biography: general    16. Political oppression & persecution   

Reviews (129)

Thank You!
Thanks so much for this book about Jesse Jackson. Jesse Jackson is for himself. He has exploited Black people and used them for his own good. Where ever there is a cause he's present. Not so much for the sake of those involved, but more or less for his own benefit. It's ashame that he has to speak for the common good of man for a fee. Before he speaks he wants to come to a payment agreement. He uses Black people. A Black problem is his gain. Black people please get hip. Jesse Jackson is a pimp in the worse way. He pimps and profits from Black problems.
A Great Book about a complete Fraud!
I've always had a thought about "REVERAND" Jackson, and this book proves it! Jesse jackson isn't black -He's just a white man that's so full of s**t tha his body long ago lost the ability to absorb it!

Mr Jackson is what Fela Kuti would call a pen robber
If the Abacha/Nigeria/Abiola story revealed in this book is fact, Mr. Jackson should be jailed for the part he played in Abiola's death. Concerning the son, if a congressman earning $26,000 owns 5 cars worth $300,000 it proves the truism that the apple does not fall far from the tree.
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Subjects:  1. 1941-    2. African American civil rights    3. African American civil rights workers    4. African American politicians    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Civil rights workers    9. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    10. Ethics    11. Government - U.S. Government    12. Jackson, Jesse,    13. People of Color    14. Political    15. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    16. Politics / Current Events    17. U.S. - Political And Civil Rights Of Blacks    18. United States    19. Jackson, Jesse    20. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

Gandhi's nonviolent struggles in South Africa and India had already brought him to such a level of notoriety, adulation, and controversy that when asked to write an autobiography midway through his career, he took it as an opportunity to explain himself. Although accepting of his status as a great innovator in the struggle against racism, violence, and, just then, colonialism, Gandhi feared that enthusiasm for his ideas tended to exceed a deeper understanding. He says that he was after truth rooted in devotion to God and attributed the turning points, successes, and challenges in his life to the will of God. His attempts to get closer to this divine power led him to seek purity through simple living, dietary practices (he called himself a fruitarian), celibacy, and Read more

Reviews (61)

Honest politician
Gandhi may have been the only honest successfull politician ever.
Gandhi, A man of Truth
Barrister Gandhi, in his book "Gandhi and Autobiography: The Story of my Experiments With Truth" is a real account of experiments with truth or what is percieved to be the truth. Gandhi, the youngest of three sons was born and brought up in Porbandar, India. His love for truth and respect for all humanity was put in him by his father who was "...a lover of his clan, truthful, brave and generous..." His mother too left him with an "...outstanding impression ... of saintliness" as "she was deeply religious", a woman devoted to prayer and fasting. It's on this background that Mr. Gandhi built his life of Experiments on.
Inspirational Convictions...
What can you say that hasn't been said about this man?A good read and a wonderful humanist perspective.I was amazed at his capacity and restraint to qualify his perspectives and avoid embellishments.It took a bit longer to read through this novel and left me to ponder.This should be on a list of books for suggested reading for everyone.I only understood the general history and concepts that he pursued in his life, which were admirable.This book allowed me to see why he was so exceptional. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1869-1948    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Gandhi,    6. Historical - General    7. India    8. India - History    9. Mahatma,    10. Political    11. Religious    12. Statesmen    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: general    15. Biography: political    16. Colonization & independence    17. Gandhi    18. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (56)

Meet Johnny Cash
What a fantastic book! Being a Johnny Cash fan all my life I wanted to read about his life, and, when I read it, I thought he was talking straight to me. He is really a great storyteller, he is straight and to the point, basically just tells you about his life, everything that made him who he was. He does't leave anything out. He tells about the good times on tour and at his childhood, and in the dark times with drug addictions. He really is good, so if your a Cash fan, and you want to learn more about him, Cash is the book to read.

Great Book
This is a great book.After watching the movie "Walk the Line" I wanted to learn more about Johnny Cash, his career and his family.

Meet Johnny Cash
On the cover, is the man, unashamed of his wrinkles and receding hairline, a man who defines the color black, a simple man who within the first sentence introduces the idea he is related to Scottish Royalty. This auto biography does not apologize for a lifetime of success. He admits to his drug addiction and his on the road philandering, wishing he had done different, but knowing he did the best he could. He admits to being a man who never expected to be perfect, but did his best trying to get over the imperfections pointed out to him.