No comments about African American Frontiers: Slave Narratives and Oral Histories.

2 comments about Martin Luther King the Man Behind the Myth.

1. Author of Fourth Reich of the Rich and other, Des
   Griffin (or whatever his real name is?) has done
   a masterful work here in exposing one of the most
   misunderstood individuals of the twentieth century,
   Michael King, or as his father started calling him
   in 1935, Martin Luther King, Jr.
   
   Martin was used by the establishment until they had
   no more use for him then they set him up for the fall.
   It is interesting to note that Jessie Jackson was very
   agitated that day in Memphis and kept asking King to
   come out on the balcony. Jackson then made sure to
   stand far enough away to allow the fatal shot to kill
   King. Coincidence? Hardly...Taken Clarence 'What's-his-
   name, Malcolm (In The Left field) X...Same thing only
   another 32nd degree Masonic flunky, Luke Farakan had
   X's brains blown out and both Jackson and Farakan have
   had their way dividing the black leadership position
   since King's death! Don't want to beleive it? Fine...
   
   But James Earl Ray was in London, U.K. breaking into
   an apartment when King was shot down in Memphis. How
   could he have killed King then AT THE SAME time with
   a browning automatic rifle? Can't be in too places at
   once! Even Coretta Scott King helped get Ray an attorney!
   
   Well, truth is stranger than fiction, usually. And Des
   Griffin's booklet proves that! Get it from Midnight Mess-
   enger Pub(s) or here from amazon dot com while you can.
   Pick Up On It!



2. _Martin Luther King: The Man Behind the Myth_ by Des Griffin is an interesting little pamphlet concerning the civil rights leader who has been beatified by the Establishment. What was behind the civil rights movement and the social and racial chaos in the fifties and sixties? This book does not provide all of the answers, but an interesting figure in American history is revealed as a pawn in a much wider conspiracy. This book is sure to be offensive, and would be condemned as "racist," but any "racism" on Griffin's part does not come from Christian Identity theology or neo-Nazi paganism. Martin Luther King was known for his parties and exploits with women. He also, as many have noted, was affiliated with communists for his whole career. The SCLC (Southern "Christian" Leadership Conference) was the creation of liberal whites and communists. King's theology was not one of traditional Christianity, but rather the social gospel of liberal humanitarian social radicalism. _Martin Luther King_ gives many examples of the connections that the Communist Party USA had with King. King was enamoured with the Hegelian Dialectic. This theory states that societies are relatively stable and do not tend to change unless massive irregularities and disturbances affect them. If the rulers of society want to mould the people for their own gain to achieve a goal or a certain set of outcomes, then they need to manufacture a crisis and offer their own solution for it. It is like creating a deadly strain of plague and simultaneously developing an antidote for it. The plague is released, causing death and destruction, and when the people are desperate for a cure, the plague farmers sell the antidote for their own profit to the disease they created. The Establishment (controlled by the Illuminati at the highest and most hidden levels) propagandized about oppression of African-Americans in the south, and created "popular opinion" to implement its radical goals of social change. The civil rights marchers were in fact controlled and used by the regime they claimed to be against. This way the Establishment could forcefully integrate the races, which itself is part of some much larger obscure plan to set up the future New World Order. King was a useful pawn in this game, and his speeches were delivered to arouse the maximum possible emotional response. A great amount of suspicion comes up concerning his assassination in 1968. Was this the work of some "lone gunman" or part of a larger plot in the intelligence community? The FBI keeps a huge amount of files containing all the goodies on King's questionable political affiliations and personal life under lock and key. King himself was becoming rather isolated and unstable toward the end of his life, and the Establishment needed a martyr to keep the civil rights movement going. When King was assassinated, America's ghettoes erupted in riots, thus forming the popular support for the machinations already going on behind the scenes. During the 1960s, these events allowed the government to greatly expand its powers. St. Paul teaches that even Satan "poses as an angel of light." So why not make the American people dependent on government handouts and regulations and line the pockets of international bankers and promote cultural destruction, in the name of "Equality," and "Freedom"? A section on Jesse Jackson is included, one of the most radical-leftists in politics. The last part of this pamphlet describes the attack on South Africa by just about every single country in the world, and how the destruction of white nationalism in Africa has actually caused more material problems on the Dark Continent than they hoped to solve. Griffin could have cited more of his sources in the text and elaborated his research in more detail. However, _Martin Luther King: The Man Behind the Myth_ has great quality in that it is the only publication which contradicts the pop-culture-cult around MLK and its misguided adherents.

3 comments about Dead Man Blues: Jelly Roll Morton Way Out West.

1. This would be a difficult book to understand for someone not already familiar with the life of Jelly Roll Morton. Focusing on the years Morton spent in California in the 1910s and 1930s, particularly at the beginning, the book focuses on how recent information on Jelly's life on the West Coast sheds new light's personal life on Morton and adds to consensus that despite harrowing conditions, illness that would become fatal, that in the late 1930s Morton was writing some very advanced music that was unfortunately neither recorded nor performed in his lifetime.
   
   Be brave and muscle your way through the first part of this book which contains a bit more speculation than this reader would have preferred.
   
   The book to start on Morton is _Jelly's Blues: The Life, Music, and Redemption of Jelly Roll Morton_by Howard Reich



2. WOW. After Alan Lomax's _Mr._Jelly_Roll_, this is THE book to get to understand the most boastful musical genius to grace the 1st half of the 20th Century. Jelly Roll Morton claimed to be the "Father of Jazz", and it seems certain that if he wasn't it's father, he was at least waiting in the delivery room at it's birth. This book covers the critical "lost years" of 1916-1922, and has a lot of material that escaped Mr. Lomax's attention when his book was published in 1950--in 53 years, enough has surfaced to justify a treatment like this, and Morton certainly deserves it. Until the transcriptions of his complete Library of Congress Recordings are published, this and Mr. Lomax's book are crucial to understanding this almost-forgotten genius, to whom modern music owes so much.



3. Jelly Roll Morton, the self proclaimed "inventor of Jazz," remains one of the most complex figures in American music. Largely forgotten by the time of his death, Morton had pioneered the early New Orleans style jazz on record and seemed to be on the comeback trail and to be experimenting with the dominant swing style of the 1930s. Pastras provides an insight into Morton by examining his years on the West Coast(roughly the late teens to early twenties and then again in the early 1940s). The first period was among Morton's most satisfying both musically and personally, and the second seems to indicate an attempt at a comeback. Pastras sheds light on Morton's relationships with his godmother and his long time companaion Anita Gonzales and in the process examines the roles played by voodoo and "passing for white" among the Creole community. While the contributions of this book are many, one of the main thrusts is the often conflicting and, at times untrustworthy, nature of oral history as evidenced by Alan Lomax's previous oral history biography of Morton. In the end Lomax's book is more folklore than history. However this does not negate Lomax's contribution, but rather illuminates the pitfalls of not balancing oral history with other evidence if such evidence exists. It is Morton as he wished to present himself to the world. Pastras' text is not only interesting but instructive to those dealing with oral history, but the average reader may want to start with Lomax's book and then move to Pastras' more compelling investigation.

1 comments about Right Worthy Grand Mission: Maggie Lena Walker and the Quest for Black Economic Empowerment.

1. Although long and sometimes tedious, this book tells the story of Maggie Walker a Richmond legend for being the first black woman bank president and her work to improve the lives of African Americans. For residents of Richmond, this book explains why Maggie Walker is a lasting local hero.

No comments about Freedom Song: A Personal Story of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

5 comments about Mama's Girl.

1. An incredibly moving, REAL memoir. Veronica takes you right beside her as she grows-- through every bit of ugliness and hardship growing up in her family all the way to seeing a dream come true. I could read this again and again. I first read it in college when I was 24. Hard to put down. Very compelling and sincere-- made me want to jump in and be her friend. If you are a high school age girl, I suspect you will really enjoy this book.



2. This book was very good, it wasn't excellent but it was good.Although the beginning of the book might not get your full attention keep reading.This book talks about the trials and errors of the life of Veronica Chambers.One of the main issues of this book is domestic violence, and how she and her mother deal with it.I'm sure the title might not seen interesting but give it a chance.You will see that not everyone has a perfect life and that you can succeed in many things and accomplish many goals.



3. Mama's Girl was a great book. I really liked how Veronica explained everything and said everything correct. She had struggles almost everyday of her life and she overcame them almost every time.I loved that. I also like how the story was detailed; it was like you are Veronica. I learned from this book not to be selfish because it will come back. I think my friend Lee should read it because he has struggles everyday and he needs to know how to deal with them.



4. I liked this book because it reminds me of my mother. Whenever my mom was around 13 years-old her dad would go to clubs. This book should be read by teenagers because it has bad words and little kids should not be reading this kind of book. If I was Vickie I would put my stepmom in jail for beating me up. By reading this book I feel how she felt because of all the beating and cursing of her dad. I wouldn't like to be in her spot because I would probably run away from home. I think she shouldn't forgive her mom because her mom really didn't pay attention to her. I learned to have patience before doing something that you would regret later in life. Veronica had lots of patience because she never argued with her parents instead she kept things to herself.



5. I've read the book Mama's Girl and I find it interesting.I just know why they named the book "Mama's Girl", because it she never became her mother little girl. I read the different thing that young teen go through.The book shows the ups and downs of children with divorced parents.If I put myself in her positon I would have taken things differently. This book shows how hard it can be being the only parent with little money. Knowing that it is a high percentage of women getting abused help them run away from it all. I don't think that Veronica was as strong because she keeps thing to herself which lead to anger.

No comments about Speaking for You: The Vision of Ralph Ellison.

No comments about The Splendid Drunken Twenties: Selections from the Daybooks, 1922-1930.

5 comments about The Girl Watchers Club : Lessons from the Battlefields of Life.

1. What do you get when a group of retired men in their eighties get together and discuss life? This group of men have been doing just that for years, and they have formed powerful bonds of friendship that resonate throughout the book. These men came of age during the Great Depression of the 1930's and World War II, so that they are part of what Tom Brokaw has called the "Greatest Generation," a label that none of them would willingly accept for themselves. These men share the stories of their lives and expound upon the lessons they have gleaned from their lives. They have strong opinions, many of which are out of fashion these days, which are tempered by their good humor and camaraderie. This is a terrifically candid look into the lives of a group of men who have lead full lives and are comfortable with who they are and what they've accomplished. They certainly could serve as a model for how to grow old gracefully.



2. As I was reading this book we were talking about it around the office and it has led to some great discussions because there are 3 different generations represented in my office and 3 very different perceptions of "the greatest generation". Whether you agree with the premise or motives behind war, or believe there is a God or not, or if you just want to read what some very interesting characters have to say, Harry Stein's book is a must read.
   The men themselves have great life stories to share, and I have to admit, I've developed a bit of a crush on the crusty and crazy Moe. If he were only 45 years younger and single....
   Stein has done an outstanding job of tying in the ideals from his parents' generation to his experience in the 60s to the changes that are sweeping our country now. I don't think he demonstrated "liberal guilt" as much as he just blatantly reveals that maybe the social changes of the 60s, although had their history-making moments, may have gone too far in some ways and undermined what the older generations had worked for.
   If nothing else, pick up a copy and read Chapter 14. Outstanding. Well-written and thought provoking. This is one to share.



3. I enjoyed listening to Stein's transcription of these fascinating, eccentric and brave men. They have a lot to say and Stein gives them their due..but when he starts editorializing, he can be a bit annoying. In his introduction(and at various times throughout the book) Stein gets into the "good old days" business. Those days weren't all that good.
   Also, I think he asumes that all of the "greatest generation" were rather conservative. Not true. They probably were more self-reliant and a bit more brave..though some were brave communists and so on, who fought in the Spanish Civil War or in the leftist underground.
   All the same, he does honor these special WW11 veterans and I am glad I read the book.



4. Too often, we tear down our heroes in a misguided attempt to "humanize" them -- but if being perfect is a prerequisite, then nobody can ever truly be a hero. Thankfully, in "The Girl Watchers Club," Harry Stein sets things straight. These men demonstrate that the essence of heroism is character. It's the will to do what must be done, and to keep on doing it because it's right. That's not a small thing by any means, especially in these days of moral relativity, but it requires no special skills or training, and any of us can do it if we're willing to try. Yes, the Girl Watchers are a most interesting bunch of characters, and it's immensely enjoyable to get to know them through Stein's engrossing narrative. The book is a winner on that level alone. But the book's subtitle is no afterthought -- life really is a battlefield, and these guys have much to teach us about winning. Truly inspiring.



5. Harry Stein seems to be suffering from the conservative equivalent of liberal guilt. Contemplating the inequities of a 60's draft that he admits to having evaded, Stein philosophically strokes his chin and says, I still think the war was wrong, but maybe I should have gone; it might have been character building. Forget about the millions dead; Harry Stein could have had a character building experience!

   It is indeed odd that in this ode to personal responsibility, Stein so often uses the circumlocution "my generation" when he is so clearly talking about himself. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of his own generation fought in that war he avoided. One of them (and only one of them) is running for president right now.

   Another problem with this book is the way it writes off, in a way that sometimes borders on contempt, its female cast of characters. The male leadership of the 60's "revolution" that Stein now says he regrets his role in was notorious for relegating women to the kitchen and the bedroom. Reading this book, one can't help but wonder if that wasn't one part of that revolution that Stein would have kept. Indeed, the WW2 generation men Stein is writing about often seem to respect the women in their lives far more than Stein does.

   In spite of its flaws, however, this is a book well worth reading. If you can get past Stein's neo-conservative handwringing, there is a story here. It is a story worthy of Steinbeck, and (polemical digressions notwithstanding) Stein tells it very well indeed. This book fills an important gap in the social history of modern America, and I can only hope that some day that Stein will grow up enough to write about his own generation with the same respect and nuanced understanding that he gives the men who raised them.

5 comments about The Tao of Muhammad Ali.

1. Reviewed by Richard Hill, Liverpool John Moores University
   
   
   'The Tao of Muhammad Ali' is initially a narrative documenting Davis Miller's childhood relationship with Muhammad Ali. The intimate approach, which Miller adopts throughout the work, is accessible both in terms of language and structure and is effective in highlighting the diverse emotions and responses which Ali generated across the world. Miller's own personal affections for Ali were typical of the social significance which Muhammad Ali's influence and character stimulated. Miller thus presents Ali as something of a role model to both blacks and whites in America. This is revealed in the way that the timid twelve-year-old Miller patterned his early life on the image of Ali. The work therefore provides an intimate portrait of Miller's relationship with Ali, which ultimately culminates in Miller's transcendence from this reserved and constrained teenager, to a successful writer. His childhood fascination later evolves into an adult relationship with Ali, which further influences his life. The personal narrative is worthy in terms of providing a sense of Ali's remarkable stature in successfully determining and shaping the lives of a generation.
   
   
   The work is also a tender memoir detailing Miller's very personal relationship with his own father. In this sense, it can also be read as a tale of fathers and sons - a personal account, which explores the interaction between Miller and his father. Consequently, one can draw parallels between this father-son relationship and Miller's connection with Ali. This is due to the character of Ali, who functions as a patriarchal and reassuring figure after the death of Miller's father. This loss is therefore partly compensated by his close friendship with Ali. Miller summarises, "He may as well have been adopting me". This association is indicative of Ali's ability to generate a creative harmony or Tao - an idea Miller expresses throughout the work.
   
   
   Rather than adopting a fanzine-centred approach, which documents and celebrates Ali's boxing achievements in great depth, the work focuses more on this intimate narrative style which demonstrates Ali's accomplishments as a figurehead, whose influential character stimulated massive social response. Davis Miller reveals how he is just typical of the millions of people who have shared some sort of spiritual connection with Muhammad Ali. In this sense the work is highly effective in terms of highlighting the social and cultural consequences of Ali's great character. Miller surmises his contention that even if Ali had never boxed, his unique Tao would still have made him one of the most influential people of this century. It is a well-written work following the pursuit of happiness and the overcoming of personal barriers, whilst showing the role of Muhammad Ali in advocating a life of harmony.



2. In this biography the author, Davis Miller, analyses the personal inspiration and education he has taken from the life and times of Muhammed Ali and by doing this brings a new literary perspective to one of the 20th century's most discussed icons.
   
   Miller discusses the impact of Muhammed Ali on his life, so goes in a completely different direction to traditional Ali biographies such as Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, by Thomas Hauser (This is also excellent and works well to complement Miller's book). I feel that this is good because Muhammed Ali's influence and enduring appeal is more to do with his personality and on how he impacted on people's lives than with his superb boxing feats.
   
   The aim of this book is to understand Muhammed Ali rather than to learn about his accomplishments, this is both a strength (it makes the book unique) and a weakness (people expecting a history lesson will be disappointed).
   
   I recommend this book, I feel it is one of the best sports biographies I have read.



3. The Tao of Ali provides a wonderful insight into the daily life of one of the most recognizable faces in the world. I have also read the other two books by Davis Miller, and they all provide fascinating details on how people like Ali have influenced and affected the lives of millions all over the world.
   
   In this book, Miller does not inundate the pages with statistics or details of Ali's fights, but rather provides a very personal account of his relationship with Ali. The Ali in this book is not the brash, arrogant fighter of his youth, but an older, mature man performing magic tricks to amuse others, playing practical jokes on his friends, spending hours signing autographs and talking to complete strangers, and dealing with Parkinson's disease with dignity and courage.
   
   Miller's writing style is very refreshing, and this book - like his others - is a pleasure to read.



4. I bought many books on Mohammad Ali because I find the character truly amazing : the first modern icon, the first brand, the most recognisable face on Earth, and one if not the best boxer ever (especially in his early days).
   I bought the book out of curiosity five years ago and from page one it grabbed me. I did read the book in one go.
   Davis Miller's style is crystal clear, to the point; it sounds as if he is writing a letter to you.
   His life is as boring as anybody except for the light that Mohammad Ali puts in it. Videos, articles, books, photos you name it, he has collected them all throughout his life.
   What makes this book work is the paralell between the life of a star and a life of a fan : they nearly have the same age but they couldn't be more world apart if it wasn't for the dedication in the training they both had.
   One day the aged fan meets his star and his life takes another spin : he has at last found his way, he will write about the only thing he knows that is Mohammad ALi.
   Mohammad Ali is miles apart from the bragging Cassius Clay he once was and that is a reassuring discovery.
   He pulls tricks, he plays like a kid, he shows his kindness towards any other human beings but the revelation is that he is not as disminished as the press would like to see him.
   What this books tells us ?
   it tells us that you can live your dream at any time, you can grab your destiny if you really want to. It gives us a true insight into the daily life of the most famous face on Earth.



5. I have also read Tao of Bruce Lee by the same author. I feel he really gets to the essence of each man's character rather than giving detail after detail. For most people it will be the only chance to gain the feeling of being there in their prescence. In the case of Bruce Lee this is particularly true, since he's no longer here with us.