Book Description
At seventeen, Bobby Sands was interested in girls, soccer, and music. Ten years later he led his fellow prisoners on a protest against repressive conditions in Northern Ireland's H-Block prisons that grabbed the world's attention. After sixty-six days of refusing to eat, Sands died on May 5, 1981. Parliaments across the world stopped for a minute's silence in his honor.
Bobby Sand's remarkable life and death have made him an Irish Che Guevara. Nothing But an Unfinished Song is the first biography to properly describe the motivation of the hunger strikers, recreating this period of history from within the prison walls. This powerful book illuminates for the first time this enigmatic, controversial and heroic figure.
Customer Reviews:
This is worth the read.......2006-03-22
The life in the Northern Ireland Prison system was a horrible existence. What these men and women went through for their people is something any student of history or of the cuase of Irish freedom should know about.
The details of the "Dirty Protest" are enough to make a person cry. What the British government did should never be forgotten. The author does a great job showing how Long Kesh and the H-Blocks became a school - a place where people learned what the definition of freedom really is... and how Irish freedom was just like the freedom of all colonial peoples in the world.
The death of Bobby Sands and the other 9 men who followed him is a story that needs to be told again and again and again.
inside a struggle.......2006-02-23
Every now and then a book comes along that can transport you inside a moment in history, or an aspect of human experience, that had seemed remote, or unimaginable, and bring it close in a way that changes how you see the world. Nothing But an Unfinished Song is such a book. If you are old enough, you probably remember the hunger strike and Bobby Sands' death, perhaps as your first awareness that something was terribly wrong in Ireland. If you are like me, your memory is colored by a sense of unreality - the dual shock of men starving themselves to death as a political statement, and of this somehow being acceptable (at least to those in power) in the latter part of the twentieth century in a country as culturally, politically, and historically close to the U.S. as Ireland. And yet, while the thought of prisoners being kept in conditions that drove them to such lengths was cause for enormous outrage, there was another source of confusion and moral discomfort. After all, these were IRA men, and the IRA was waging a military campaign. The Brits were killing people, but the IRA was too. So who were these men and what did they die for? This book is an extraordinary gift to all who asked this question. O'Hearn's exhaustive research, including interviews with many of the men who were imprisoned with Bobby, makes human and comprehensible the development of political consciousness that led Bobby from an unremarkable life to one that inspired millions. For those who continue to struggle against any form of oppression, it is as inspirational as it is heartbreaking. With truly nothing, behind prison walls, Bobby never ceased to think, learn, and create - and to strive to reach beyond those walls. Any group struggling for change must make choices about how their part of the struggle will be waged - however limited the range of possible means may be. By illuminating one moment in one struggle, O'Hearn's book offers much for all of us to ponder.
An Inspiring Life Story.......2006-02-10
This is a meticulously researched and gripping biography of the hunger-striker who gave his life in the struggle for political recognition of the Republican struggle in Ireland. Bobby Sands transformed politics in Irish society and became an inspirational and internationally respected figure for his selfless political activism. He later became renowned for his transcendent poetry and rousing songs that captured key episodes in Irish history. But few knew this man intimately even as he became an icon of the Irish struggle for self-determination and a member of the British Parliament while he lay in a prison hospital.
Denis O'Hearn has put this to rights in a historically informative and yet intimate account of Sands' short life that included community and military activism and a harrowing journey through a gruelling and oppressive prison system. Through sheer bloody-mindedness, mental and physical resolve, and the capacity to recognise 'opportunities' in the most brutal forms of detention, Sands changed the trajectory of Irish politics. O'Hearn reveals a character full of ceaseless energy, buoyancy, sensitivity as well as political vision in a brisk, gripping and deeply moving account of Sands' life.
This book challenges complacency, urges activism and rejects thinking within the narrow confines of mainstream political discourse. Bobby Sands, the activist, has been revealed to a new generation and continues to inspire.
nothing but an unfinished song.......2006-02-01
very good book a great life story of a irish hero
Bobby Sands in his true and pivotal place in Irish Republican struggle.......2006-01-20
This book is superb and should be read by anyone with even a fleeting interest in Irish politics and events. As a biography it is a wonderful account of one of the few truly great 20th century Irish political icons. As an historical record of political change and development in the Irish Republican movement in the 1970s and 1980s - the repercussions of which still resonate today - and the unique role played within it by Bobby Sands, it is an extraordinarily detailed, formidable and unmatched piece of political, social and personal research. And yet the book is also an enthralling read, breathlessly taking the reader through the tumultuous times of one man and his far too short but generation-changing life. Many, many books have been written about Ireland. Very few have achieved the level of empathy for the subject as "Nothing But An Unfinished Song". The Sands' family should feel proud and hugely indebted to the author for placing Bobby Sands in a pivotal position in Irish Republican struggle.
Book Description
This spirited history of the 1815 campaign provides a new and stimulating account of the epic confrontation at Waterloo and, in addition, acts as a reliable guide to the battlefield and all related sites. The authors have divided the battlefield of Waterloo into three distinct sectors: one for each of the three armies involved. This allows the reader to follow the fighting from three different perspectives and gain an objective understanding of the dramatic course of the battle. The authors also make use of vivid eyewitness testimony, drawn from participants in all three armies, and this brings to life the epic battle and provides a dramatic backcloth to the rapid course of events. Previously unpublished letters from British officers, the recollections of a Dutch-Belgian staff officer and the memoirs of a French colonel of cuirassiers all contribute to an understanding of just what it was like to fight in one of Europe's most crucial confrontations. In addition to covering Waterloo itself, this important book also examines the tense situation in Brussels as the French drew near, the aftermath of the battle, the battle at Wavre, the Prussian pursuit and Marshal Grouchy's stubborn defense of Namur.
Customer Reviews:
Walking the Fields of Glory.......2004-05-11
Anyone contemplating a trip to the Waterloo battlefield could do a lot worse than to read this book before you go. And then take it with you.
The writers present a detailed tour of the battlefield from three main perspectives, Wellington, Napoleon and Blucher and then Brussels and the aftermath.
Readers are invited to walk through the roads and fields ("You can reach the farm of La Haie Sainte by walking 250 metres point down the busy Brussels road to the eastern side of the farm...") to point out details of the action, the physical remains of the landscape and buildings and the memorials.
Throughout the book are many maps and diagrams showing in traditional military symbols (a key is provided) where each unit was and its direction of movement. There are also photographs of paintings and drawings as well as places as they are today.
However the highlight of the book for me was the numerous quotes from original sources, these brought each action and location to life relating as they do many different personal perspectives of the battle.
It is indexed and fully referenced with appendices of the orders of battle.
There is some incongruity in the title as the last words of the book are
"..In battle, there is no glory;in war there are no victors."
I commend this book to all.
Enjoyable & Different Account of the Waterloo Campaign.......1998-08-22
This was a very pleasing and easy to read account of the Waterloo Campaign, a bit different in style in that it takes you on a tourist type walk around the battlefield. The authors have produced a very well researched account of the battle and what you may find there now if you visited the site of the fighting. I was unsure if I would like this style of writing but I found it very enjoyable, with decent maps to follow the action and to find things present on the battlefield today. The photos and drawings were excellent and well chosen to assist in the narrative of the book. If you are planning to visit this great battlefield this book would be of great assistance. A delight to read!
Book Description
Edwards, George C. III; Wattenberg, Martin P.; Lineberry, Robert L., Government in America Brief, Study Edition, with L.P. com access card, 6th Edition*\ This Study Edition of Edwards' popular brief text is certain to improve readers understanding in American government. Contains an abundance of free quizzes to test your knowledge on American politics. Technology advantage
free subscription to LongmanParticipate.com in every new copy of the book! LongmanParticipate.com is a revolutionary website that is sure to engage readers in the topic of American government. For those interested in American government.
Customer Reviews:
Vigilance, Readers!.......2002-12-08
In fairness, I have not yet finished the book. Yet I am already disappointed that so little was included about the European ideological and theological heritage that went into the Articles and the Constitution. Also, very little was said about the motivations and concerns of the Anti-Federalists.
The layout is attractive and easy to read. At times, the information content per paragraph is low. Some of the incidents are interesting or good cocktail party fodder, but they seem to shy away from presenting thought provoking material without accompanying commentary. In other words, I feel they don't trust the reader to think for him/herself.
The authors manifest their views everywhere but do not admit that they are opinions or discuss how the presentation is crafted around those opinions. As with any book, it is important to recognize the authors' goals and rationale.
Product Description
Book Description
Framing its content within a politics matters theme, Government in America illustrates the impact that government has on the daily lives of each and every American, motivating students to become active participants in all aspects of political culture.
Book Description
Framing its content within a “politics matters” theme, Government in America illustrates the impact that government has on the daily lives of each and every American, motivating students to become active participants in all aspects of political culture.
Book Description
Framing its content within a “politics matters” theme, Government in America illustrates the impact that government has on the daily lives of each and every American, motivating students to become active participants in all aspects of political culture.
Customer Reviews:
BOO.......2005-09-25
After recieving the book, I took it to class and realized it was the teachers edition and it wouldn't work for me. Luckily my school's book store exchanged it.
Product Description
This special study edition has a built-in study guide at the end of the book that contains questions and reviews for each chapter.
Book Description
Framing its content within a “politics matters” theme and offering practice tests bound into the back of the book, Government in America, Brief Study Edition illustrates the impact that government has on the daily lives of each and every American, motivating students to become active participants in all aspects of our political system.
Customer Reviews:
Outside-the-box discussion on environmental issues.......2002-07-21
This is a collection of essays from the first ten years of the journal Wild Earth that is unlike anything being published about the environment today. Environmentalists, activists, and leading scientists recognize it as being on the cutting edge of environmental studies and proposals. It has consistently established environmental goals that, in the words of publisher Dave Foreman, "...should be scientifically justifiable, visionary, and idealistic." It is that and much more. The contributors typically look far into the future in an effort to envision a vibrant North America, both culturally and ecologically, and then suggest a game plan that will come into fruition a hundred, or perhaps a thousand years from now. If you are looking for a thoughtful, outside-the-box discussion on the ethical debate on whether we treat the natural world as a commodity or community, this is as good as it gets. But beware, this is not your typical collection of environmental proposals.
The essays range from the proposal to reintroduce free-ranging elephants along the lower Colorado River and the Rio Grande to proposals to preserve 60 percent of the state of Florida as wildlife corridors for panthers and bears. There is an essay by J. Baird Callicott, professor of philosophy at the Univ. of North Texas that argues the Wilderness Act of 1964 is outdated and outmoded and a reply essay by Reed Noss, an international consultant on biodiversity issues, that provides the reader with a concise, succinct summary of the issues involved and is guaranteed to raise your level of awareness to this hotly debated topic.
The essay by Jamie Sayen, a New Hampshire activist, argues there are a number of similarities between nineteenth century slavery in the South and the industrial forestry of the twentieth century. He argues that both proponents have used the central theme of property rights to control and exploit humans and the environment. If this essay doesn't get your juices flowing nothing will. There are essays on the proposal to stabilize and reduce the population growth; the slaughter of Bison in Yellowstone park; the importance of wilderness areas for grizzly habitat; the importance of the sound of silence to our physical and mental well being; and the never ending issue of logging, clear-cutting, and the preservation of jobs.
In all, 38 contributors combine to present as foresighted, controversial, and stimulating discussion on the future of the environment as one can find in one volume. Regardless of your political leanings or environmental philosophy, this book is bound to stimulate, invigorate and perhaps make you a participant in the ongoing debate. An excellent offering by a first rate publisher.
A great read from the Wildlands Project.......2002-07-19
I'm a huge fan of the Wildlands Project, an environmental organization started by Dave Foreman and others in the early 90s, so I was excited to read this new book. The book is more or less a "greatest hits" collection from Wild Earth, the magazine of the Wildlands Project. The book contains about 40 essays from America's best nature and conservation writers, including big names like Bill McKibben, Wendell Barry, and Barry Lopez, but it also has a number of really good pieces by lesser-known conservationists like Louisa Willcox, one of the country's leading experts on grizzly bears. This book is great for those new to nature and conservation writing, as it provides readers with a literary "who's who" of the conservation world. "Wilderness wonks" (like me) will get a lot from it as well, given the eclectic mix of authors represented and the quality of the writing. If you like this kind of writing, you should definitely look for Wild Earth magazine as well--its far and away the best environmental magazine out there. It's hard to find in bookstores, but well worth looking for (your best bet is to just get it from the Wildlands Project online).
Books:
- Of Permanent Value: The Story of Warren Buffett, 2006 Literary Edition
- Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God: The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest
- Paul: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
- Plain Speaking: An Oral Biography of Harry S. Truman
- President Kennedy: Profile of Power
- Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life
- Raise Your Hand if You Love Horses: Pat Parelli's Journey from Zero to Hero (Western Horseman Books)
- Ruth, A Portrait: The story of Ruth Bell Graham
- Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton
- Stanley Kubrick: Interviews (Conversations With Filmmakers Series)
Books Index
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Irish
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Ten Men Dead: The Story of the 1981 Irish Hunger Strike
On the Blanket: The Inside Story of the IRA Prisoners' "Dirty" Protest
Rebel Hearts: Journeys Within the IRA's Soul
Those Are Real Bullets: Bloody Sunday, Derry, 1972
The Troubles: Ireland's Ordeal and the Search for Peace
