5 comments about Forgotten Fatherland: The Search for Elisabeth Nietzsche.

1. An odd little book that defies category but keeps the reader engaged throughout. History intermingled with journalistic memoir works well, in this case. Especially since the history continues to play out. Far too many people still think the real Friedrich Neitzsche inspired the Nazis, rather than the fake Neitzche, proferred by his anti-semitic sister. Ah, but I digress. This tale of Elizabeth Neitzsche's Paraguayan colony, the history that provoked it and stoked it, and the fear and desperation that have kept it alive -- albeit devastatingly inbred -- offers a continuing warning to all of us. The tools and techniques used to propagate and justify bigotry by Elizabeth Neitzsche and her cohort are painfully reminicent of the scapegoating so prevalent in US politics today. With the recent creation of a group of fundamentalist Christians working to secure a state and secede from the Union in order to create their own Christian-only utopia, this story is all-too prescient. History continues to repeat itself, even while we enjoy its well-done iteration in eclectic literature.
   
   I am no writer, as you can tell. However, I am a reader, and this book is worht a look. Enjoy.



2. I was eager to read Forgotten Fatherland because of the fascinating and odd topic. Much of the story of the Nietzsches, the colony, and Paraguay comes through in the book, but in spite of the efforts of Ben MacIntyre. Ben MacIntyre's writing is embarassingly poor. His ideas are disorganized and poorly stated, and some of the metaphors are laughable.



3. I started the book with the expectation to read something about the fate of an Utopia - the fate of the settlers of the New Germany Colony in Paraguay in 1886 and their descendants. However, the book is rather a very nicely and interesting written story about Friedrich Nietzsche's sister Elisabeth. The colony of New Germany in Paraguay - in my opinion - is supposed to be a catching hanger for Elisabeth's story. This is why the books starts to tell about the beginning of the colony and the author's own journey to find the descendants of the early settlers in Paraguay. But then the books starts again with the life story of Elisabeth, the relationship to her brother, her marriage to Bernhard Foerster and move to Paraguay, her return back and the re-interpretation and publication of Friedrich Nietzsches work. Only the last chapter deals with the lost descendants of the colony. Probably the author is not to blamed for this - apparently nothing much can be told about it, i.e. because the descendants do not talk to him.
   
   Elisabeth's story is very intersting and worth reading. The author tells this story in lot of details (sometimes too much detail and to lengthy) and the twist between Elisabeth's life, the colony's fate, and the author's own journey to Paraguay is nicely done. I loved the pictures because the gave the whole story more depth and made it easier for me to picture the characters and the country.
   
   I give only four stars because I expected more about the colony. The story is based on extensive material, i.e. diaries of Elisabeth and other books. However, I had sometimes a hard time to tell what exactly is fiction and what not. I also would have preferred a time table because I was sometimes lost and did not know what year the author was talking about.



4. I should get one thing taken care of right off the bat: The author's trip to an Aryan colony in Paraguay is only a pretext for a larger discussion of the rather interesting dynamic between the philosopher Nietzsche, his strong-willed if intellectually mediocre sister, and the rather tumultuous events swirling around fin de siecle Germany. This has its good points and it bad points. The bad first: From the blurbs on the book one expects the author to recount a journey of unremitting horror, fascination and farce as he discovers the depraved Ubermen who still people a failed and fading 19th Century experiment in Aryan race politics gone awry. This isn't what one finds. In fact, the colony of Nueva Germania really acts only as an incidental prop or set-up for the real meat of the story: What happens to Nietzsche the man, the myth and the philosophy under the willing and able hands of his manipulative and single-minded sister. So, like a reviewer below, I would that the author had spent a bit more on the colony and its people and indeed his adventure and misadventures as he made his way to them and lived amongst them for a month. I suspect that the author chose not to do this not only because he had a bigger fish to fry, but also because he is a bit lacking in the skills that the best travel writers possess which allow them to really string an audience along over every rut in the road, sore belly and improbable situation. On the other hand, I believe that the author does an excellent job of describing the political foment that overtook Germany and eventually produced the Holocaust. Before reading this book, for instance, I had no idea how prolonged and widespread was the phenomenon of active, political anti-semitism and what it meant for the likes of people such as these. Furthermore, as I have never actually read the works of Nietzsche, but have been bombarded by incessant and inane references to most of his more quotable nostrums, I felt a definite familiarity with, albeit mixed with a strong dose of repugnance toward, his philosophies. As such, after reading this book, I am definitely open to and perhaps a little eager to read his works and also thanks to the author am forewarned about what to watch out for. This is to say that, and I don't want to ruin the story for you, it is a supreme irony that it appears that much of what is worst about the uses to which Nietzsche's writing have been put may be attributed to his sister's meddling but also that were it not for her monomaniacal quest to bring her brother and, by association, herself to glory, Nietzsche might have gone down in the annals of history as just another mad philosopher. A note about the criticism made by a reviewer below about the author's interpretation and defense of Nietzsche's philosophical intent: I believe that a closer reading of the present text will produce answers to these objections. Of course, this begs the question of defining that shadow line between reality and insanity in the context of Nietzsche's works, but that is for another time and a different essay. I think that you will enjoy this book if you fall into the following categories: You enjoy voyeuristic travel journals/personality characterizations; you are interested in Nietzsche the man; you are interested in Nietsche-Forster the woman; you have an affinity for the cultural history of Paraguay/South America. I don't recommend this to anyone else.



5. This is one of the most curious books I have ever read: on the one hand, there is the story of a failed 19th C German colony in Paraguay, founded on eugenic principles that would be echoed in Hitler's time; on the other hand, there is the biography of one of the most overlooked figures in 19th C philosophy - Elisabeth Nietzsche, sister of the famed philosopher, and apparently the one who twisted her brother's ideas to conform to her own concept of racial purity (and a woman who Hitler courted in his early years of power).
   The author, Ben Macintyre, does an admirable job of bringing these two stories together: Elizabeth and her husband, "professional anti-semite" Bernhard Forster, attempt the Paraguayan colony as `New Germany' (Nueva Germania); this colony was designed to appeal to `true' Germans who wanted to establish not only an ideological power base, but flee economic problems at home. The colony does not succeed, as Macintyre discovers when he journeys there in 1991: there are a few of the old families around, and the dangers of inbreeding, according to one recent German immigrant doctor, are becoming noticeable, heralding the inevitable decline of what Elisabeth envisioned as her own pure, private kingdom.
   As the parallel story of Nietzsche develops, we see perhaps Elisabeth's real impact on history: her reinterpretation - or even reinvention - of her brother's theories. Macintyre makes an excellent case for Elisabeth's "mythologizing" of her brother and his works to further her own agenda (and help set the stage for Hitler and company's racial programs of the 1930s): although Nietzsche himself was "anti-anti-semitic", during his insanity and after his death, Elisabeth shamelessly made herself the custodian - and editor - of many of his works, linking her brother to an ideology he actually despised. It is no wonder that Nietzsche's named became philosophical "mud", as Macintyre recounts. This part of the book is worth reading for the blatant rewriting of history done by a woman who would not apologize for her views or actions (and whose death in 1935 prevented her from seeing the result of racist views she helped promulgate).
   Macintyre's physical investigation of what happened to New Germany is entertaining, and provides a respite from the depressing - but riveting - narrative of the rest of the book. His concern with becoming a `stud' to a colony of desperate young German colonists is hilarious, as are his equestrian, translating, and lodging adventures. When he finds the remnants of New Germany, the book seems to lack content - until you realize, as Macintyre does -- that the colonists' dreams for a racially `pure' paradise is exactly what will cause them to disappear. The lack if information on the descendents of the original colonists seems to be because they either won't talk, or avoid talking by hiding in the forest. The pictures included in the book provide a great backdrop to what the colony wanted, and what it actually received. The book also relates a brief history of Paraguay and several colorful characters (some not even connected with the events the book is about), that put the whole thing in an understandable historical context.

3 comments about Did Lincoln Own Slaves?: And Other Frequently Asked Questions about Abraham Lincoln.

1. This work is practically an encyclopedia in scope. Propowicz synthesizes, assesses and summarizes, in a well-divided, Q&A format, the latest scholarship and views on Lincoln issues and shows how, when you blend all that we factually know, Lincoln was a true pragmatist; ahead of many in thought but practical in deed, and commited to no idealogue's camp.
   Thanks to the book's division of life and time subjects, it can almost be read like a life sketch. There is also a section that dicusses Lincoln museums, newly-found Lincoln artifacts, and even "fun" stuff, like Lincoln impersonators, movies, etc.
   The book is generously illustrated with a good selection of relevant photos.
   OK, why would I minus half a star? C'mon, LINCOLN OWN A SLAVE? Who ever seriously considered that? A better title should have been chosen so the book isn't mistaken for one of these recent "Lost Cause" racism defenders.



2. Did Lincoln Own Slaves? And Other Frequently Asked Questions About Abraham Lincoln,Gerald J. Prokopowicz, Pantheon Books, 311 pp., illustrations, photographs, bibliographic and reference notes, index, 2008, $24.95
   
   Well, when Civil War Librarian received a first notice of the book, a stereotype was placed in a mental pidgeon hole. Probably a slim book published for the middle school-high school library. Probably lots of often published photographs. Maybe a 'Dummy's Guide to Abraham Lincoln'. But, there was the author's name: Gerald J. Prokopowicz. Civil War Librarian is a listener and fan of Civil War Talk Radio and its host and faculty member of East Carolina University. Hmmmm.
   
   Prokopowicz doesn't write/talk down to the reader of Did Lincoln Own Slaves; it is as if the reader is in a seminar on Lincoln and the author is the the discussion leader and instructor. Aristotle and Socrates would be pleased; Prokopowicz employs questions to bring the reader through the implications of the simplest question. What are the assumptions implied in the questions? How has this question been answered previously? What is the current scholarship on the question?
   
   As scholar-in-residence at the Lincoln Museum of Fort Wayne, Indiana for nine years, Prokopowicz probably had to handle this questions. The book is organized somewhat chronologically but also topically. In the sections 'Boy Lincoln,' 'Rail Splitter,' 'Springfield,' 'Politician,' 'Speaker' and seven other chapters, the author organizes the material in chronological fashion but also explores the implications of the questions and stretches outside the confines of the immediate dates.
   
   In the section 'Speaker' an articulate essay on Stephen Douglas brings the reader into the historical context of competitive politics. The answers to such questions as 'What was his greatest speech?' four pages long and contains a note and portions of Lincoln's remarks. Wonderfully, Prokopowicz conditions his answer with the remark "You already know about his presidential speeches, like the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address . . ." and then presents 11 paragraphs of cogent description and discussion of the October 16, 1854 Peoria, Illinois speech addressing the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
   
   Chapter Six, 'President,' Prokopowicz begins with 'How old was Lincoln when he became president?' He deals with the answer in one declarative sentence and then a remark that Lincoln was the third youngest president up to that time. The chapter builds to longer answers in the middle then wind downs to shorter answers. The author leads the reader into an in depth discussion and out again. At the end of the each chapter, a section 'For Further Reading' not only suggests books in the field but also offers a brief historiographical discussion of the resources.
   
   From first to last, the author is not a sage-on-a-stage but a guide-by-the-side. A clear writing style and a concise delivery of the facts presents the reader with an enjoyable experience. A foundation of facts with citations offers the reader a thoughtful and scholarly return on the time invested. Each of the chapters leads the reader to the next; Civil War Librarian at times could not put it down missed several hours of sleep. Of the many satisfying chapters, 'Legacy' is the most appreciated; Prokopowicz's discussion of the variety of interpretations and the climate of the times in which each interpretation was written, capped 'Did Lincoln Own Slaves?'
   
   With Andrew Ferguson's Land of Lincoln in 2007 and Prokopowicz's 'Did Lincoln Own Slaves?, both the general reader of biography and the dedicated reader of Lincoln books will have a Lincoln book in both their hands.



3. This is a great book to browse through and pick up fascinating facts about Lincoln. The format is enjoyable, and the author uses clever humor throughout. In addition to facts about Lincoln's life, he gives opinions on the best and worst books and movies about Abe. Highly readable and educational!

No comments about Old Square Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas.

5 comments about An Amazing Adventure: Joe and Hadassah's Personal Notes on the 2000 Campaign.

1. One cannot possibly read this book and not develop a greater appreciation for the sacrifices, courage, determination and faith that the Liebermans made throughout the campaign and throughout their lives.
   
   Not only is this a "biography" but it is also an excellent book on the political process, namely the campaign process. Throughout the book, the reader becomes acutely aware of the amount of work, energy and choregraphing a national campaign requires.



2. The writing is straightforward and the story is fast-paced. The book furnished me with a far greater appreciation than I had of the difficulty and complexity of conducting a national campaign and of the demands made upon the candidates and the many workers, mostly volunteers, who surround and assist them. The personality and character of the narrators comes through quite clearly and with considerable honesty and self-knowledge (although I must add that Mrs. Lieberman's insights are often the more interesting ones). The narrative makes clear that these are real human beings with real children and parents and problems. When their lives are stirred into the soup of arguably our most chaotic Presidential campaign, a very interesting tale emerges.



3. 
   The reviewer below - An.McCracken - is a fake. He reviews countless books each day but he does not read the books, just paraphrases other people's reviews. REPORT THIS TO AMAZON. Click on (Report this) link under the review, next to the voting buttons.



4. It's a light, quick, fluff read. If you liked Gore/Lieberman in 2000 you'll like the book. Lieberman falls all over himself emphasizing his religion while feigning shock that it could be an issue. He also sidesteps any criticism from fellow Jews that his positions are decidedly unorthodox. He emphasizes that everywhere his wife ever went and everyone she ever spoke to always loved her. If something went wrong in the campaign, it was because he didn't follow through with his instincts. He even quoted an editorial where someone said that Lieberman can make an attack not feel like an attack. Hardball politico, but with a smile.



5. In the last election, I did not know much about Joe Lieberman and that is because I did not give my self the opportunity to do so. When this book first came out, I scoffed at it, because it looked so "light" and yet after reading it I was taken aback, not only on what an interesting look it is into a presidential campaign, but also into the man himself.

   Suffice it to say I agree with much of the man's politics, but that non-withstanding, this book was an interesting look at a family who lives their faith while working on the campain trail. It was touching as well as eye-opening.

   In addition this book was able to tell its tale without totally stomping on the opposing party. It was obviously written by a man with good character and ethics. Perhaps it was released to coinside with his run for the presidency, but it has made me take a second look at this man and boy am I impressed!

4 comments about My Body Politic: A Memoir.

1. I would advise the person and the family of the person with a spinal cord injury (SCI) to learn. When you become able to read, that is. I found that I could not read anything at first. Partly because of denial and partly because I was suddenly pluncked down in an alien world, much like the world I had always lived in, just considerably taller. The simplest things I had done before my SCI became incredibly difficult, if they were possible at all. My mind, body and emotions were in such shock that I could not read anything. The information which was given to me became impossible to understand. I didn't ever think that I would just get up and walk, although my dreams were (and still are) full of running, climbing and even flying. I was dealing with pain that cannot be discribed and I got remarkably little help with it. Until my constant pain was somewhat under control, I didn't plan, for the future or even for the next moment.
   
   The idea of having some kind of normal life was not even a consideration for me. Just breathing and existing; in an odd sort of way a kind of Zen "being in the moment," was all I could achieve. And it was NOT a form of enlightenment; on the contrary, it was an "indarkenment."
   
   So I might not recommend this book for the newly injured. It is possible that it would not make sense, even if the newly injured person were able to read. For someone who is past that first shock and confusion, though, this could be very helpful. It is clear in pointing out that there are as many different people with a SCI as there are people without one. Very clear and helpful in pointing out the main directions which are still available for people with a SCI. Get this book for someone you love, but don't push it. Just make sure it is available and, when the person is really ready, it will be there for them.



2. I am happy to recommend this book to anyone who wishes to gain insight into the daily, lifelong challenges faced by individuals with physical disabilities. It is a book which educates without slapping those of us without obvious disabilities in the face using the "you can't possibly understand how it is for me" method of "enlightenment." Instead it allows the reader to peer through a window into Ms. Linton's life, to develop an understanding of the many barriers and related challenges she and others with similar disabilities face related to what most people take for granted: traveling freely throughout one's environment, gaining an education, dancing, making love, making a life. The book educates by engaging the reader in the journey Ms. Linton has taken from her early days as an activist for peace to her later days as an advocate for equality.



3. This is a beautiful book that I couldn't put down once I started reading. Linton's account of her entry into the world of the disabled and her gradual movement toward activism answers questions I've always been afraid to ask. Besides being funny, angry, compassionate, frank, and always interesting--she's a wonderful storyteller. The book reads like a great novel. It's as powerful as James McBride's memoir, The Color of Water, and should become a classic. Read it and you'll see why.



4. I innocently picked up this book from the table at a relative's house, read the first page and could not put it down. The story of Simi Linton's internal and external struggles and revelations in a new world are presented in an effective understated tone that treats the reader as a partner in the adventure. Along the way we get to examine our own attitudes about disability. The book is so well written and real that I feel that I have been taken for that 'ride' the little girl asked about (you have to read the book).

No comments about Journal of Colonel George Washington, Commanding a Detachment of Virginia Troops.

1 comments about GI Resister: The Story of How One American Soldier and His Family Fought the War in Vietnam.

1. Given the current state of affairs, the American involvement in Iraq and is misconceived attempt to fight terrorism, Dick Perrin's book, "G.I. Resister," is to say the least, timely. Although the book was written before the conflict in Iraq it is now powerfully relevant. Perrin was opposed to the Vietnam War and one of the earliest G.I.'s to go AWOL. The book describes his time in the stockade, his escape from Germany, his involvement in the Resistance movement in Paris and eventually his flight to Canada where he now lives. Like many of his contemporaries his commitment to peace has not waned.
   
   Perrin's book is important for two reasons. It demonstrates that it is possible for men and women of conscience to withdraw their services from a war effort gone awry and that there are people all over the world who are willing to assist them in whatever ways they can. I was struck in Dick's account, by strangers who opened their doors, took him in, fed and clothed him, gave him shelter and found him work. At the same time he worked tirelessly to help others like himself who found they could no longer serve Uncle Sam in his misadventures.
   
   As I read the book I kept hoping that the American public had come to terms with Vietnam, for if they had then there would be hope they might see more clearly what is going on today. But as Dick's story reveals many of the same mental attitudes, "my country right or wrong," are still alive and well. This does not bode well for the ending of the current conflict and averting the increasing globalization of it, in the form of terrorism and its counter force; what many Muslims are now pointing to as an apocalyptic clash between Christianity and Islam.
   
   The Bush administration's oft repeated statements about staying the course in Iraq suggests that more and more American G.I.s are going to be the focal point for Muslim fundamentalists bent on drawing the blood of the "Great Satan." Despite America's high tech weapons they are not able to defeat those who are not afraid to die. An endless supply of suicide bombers means that more and more young Americans will be killed and maimed in a conflict where the Geneva conventions governing war are disregarded on both sides.
   
   Young Americans are being seduced with the promised rewards of fighting for a noble cause, career training, and their education paid for if they survive their military service. Young Iraqis are being seduced with promises too, the rewards of fighting for a noble cause and giving their lives to gain what they've been taught are the eternal benefits of paradise. In both instances the seduction is aimed at those who have not experienced enough of life to see the seduction for what it is.
   
   As the hostilities escalate more and more of our young will find themselves in situations similar to those experienced by young Dick Perrin. Hopefully those of us who are older will have the wisdom to recognize their courage and the ability to provide whatever love, solace and support they need.
   
   Colin D. Mallard, Ph.D.

No comments about Panegyric, Volumes 1 and 2.

No comments about Fdr's Fireside Chats.

No comments about Anatomy of a Civil Rights Worker.