Mostly on the Edge: An Autobiography

Customer Reviews:

fairly mediocre..........2003-01-25

I have two main gripes about this book:

1) It wasn't particularly well written -- there were reflections, within reflections, and all sorts of lengthy non-essential asides -- especially in the earlier chapters. Ironically, several of these annoying interludes occurred when the author was talking about what it takes to be a good writer!

2) The author stuck me as somewhat hypocritical. How can you be a libertarian as well as a major proponent of the bill of rights and yet be an unapologetic collaborator with the HUAC & Joe McCarthy? It seems to me pretty hypocritical to be a rabid anti-communist and participating in the ruin of people who were utilizing their 1st Amendment Rights, but expressing a view that the author just happened to disagree with.

There were hints at real humanity and a number of interesting ideas, but I had hoped for more stuff about his time in WV, his refusal to pay taxes, his interest in self-sufficiency, etc. I'll try to find "Dear America" and see if it has more of what I was looking for.

A worthwhile but incomplete autobiography.......1999-09-04

In 1976 I had the opportunity to write a review for Karl Hess' "Dear America," and this new autobiography contains much of the same material covered in that first autobiography. I had hoped for a more personal glimpse into his family life but strangely only about two sentences are devoted to his first marriage which produced two sons. It was odd that Mr. Hess could not even mention his first wife's name. His relationship with his sons is also largely ignored. These omissions, together with little or no discussion of such historical figures such as Nixon, Reagan, Ford, and Carter and their respective policies, made the book less than it could have been. HOWEVER, "Dear America" is out of print! Also, one must keep in mind that this book was put together while Mr. Hess was suffering from his terminal heart disease and was basically unfinished at the date of his death. His son, Karl Hess, Jr. has performed a labor of love by getting this book out on the market. It is a treat to read about Mr. Hess' early days and I believe that portion of the book was completed while his health was fairly good. I also enjoyed his discussions about his conversion from the right to the left and how the right and left have much in common. I consider Karl Hess to be one of unsung heroes of this century's political scene - a thinking political and moral man - all at the same time! I had hoped for his observations and his comments on the Nixon regime, Watergate, Reaganomics, etc. but I am still content with this autobiography and recommend it to anyone interested in Karl Hess, a 20th century Thoreau.

A remarkable book by a man ahead of his time.......1999-07-20

Karl Hess's journey through the 20th Century takes the reader through the intellectual development of a self-taught genius. His optimistic brand of community life is a model for the 21st century.

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Great Memories

Real West, Real Westerner, Great Native American Stories

The Real American West

A real taste of history

A Grade School Memory

The White Indian Boy:: The Story of Uncle Nick Among the Shoshones

Manufacturer: Fredonia Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The White Indian Boy: and its sequel The Return of the White Indian Boy

Wind River

ASIN: 1589635833
Release Date: 2003-08-13

Book Description

This is the true story of "Uncle" Nick Wilson. He was a man who not only lived part of his life with the Shoshone Indians but rode for the Pony Express. Wilson, Wyoming is named after him. This book contains many photos and is illustrated with drawings by F. N. Wilson.

Customer Reviews:

Great Memories.......2006-10-12

Just to reiterate. My [...] teacher, Mrs. Childs, from Madison Elementary in Ogden Utah read us this tale, daily, but only if we were good. We lived righteously in those days, just to hear the tale. I have bought it now, to read to my grandkids. Maybe the best book I remember as a child...right alongside Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, of course. A MUST READ! Please, don't let a chance to read this with your kids, or grandkids, pass.....you will never forget the experience.

Real West, Real Westerner, Great Native American Stories.......2005-08-10

This book was written as a series of stories told by the author early in this century. It was first published in the early 1900's and has been republished multiple times since. All of the versions, variously titled "The White Indian Boy", "Uncle Nick among the Shoshones", or "Among the Shoshones" have the same text and pictures. For many years it was required reading in the Intermountain West during Elementary or Secondary School. Whenever I give a copy to someone, many of them remember loving this book when they first read it or had it read to them by a teacher 50 or more years ago.

It really is that good. The tales are direct, simple and entertaining. You will remember them 50 years later just like all of those who have read it before.

Nick Wilson ran away from his Utah pioneer home in the 1850's, soon after Utah received its first settlers. The mother of Chief Washakie, a prominent Shoshone chief, had lost her 2 other sons and dreamed they would be replaced by a white boy. Nick was an 11 year old who spent his days herding sheep, working on a farm and living on "lumpy dick" and "greens", which are just as good as they sound. He had a facility for languages and had picked up Goshiute from an Indian Boy who was his childhood friend. When Shoshone Indians heard him speaking an Indian language, they offered him a pony, adventure, venison and grouse and, best of all, no tiring farmwork.

He left without a word to anyone and spent 2 years with the Shoshone as they wandered over Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. He learned Shoshone quickly and learned Indian skills. He hunted, travelled and participated fully in Indian life. He shot arrows at grizzly bears, gathered serviceberries and was an eyewitness of a large Indian battle between the Crow and Shoshone. He met Indians who knew Lewis and Clark.

The book also includes later adventures as a trapper, original Pony Express rider, Army Scout, and many other adventures. General Albert Sydney Johnson of Civil War fame was so enamored of his skills that he tried to talk Nick into going to the Civil War with him. Kit Carson spent a winter at his cabin. Nick was even shot in the head with an arrow and left to die.

This is the authentic article, well-told and gripping. The last year of his life, Nick Wilson was bedridden and his mind began to wander. He never spoke another word of English and spoke only Shoshone until his death. He recognized the faults of his Indian brothers but loved them dearly and wasn't afraid to say that the faults were mostly on the side of the white man.

Recommended highly.

The Real American West.......2005-03-31

Uncle Nick is my great, great, great, great grandfather. I have heard and read the stories many times. I own Among the Shoshoes which came after The White Indian Boy. I have been trying to find a first edition of this book if anyone can help please let me know. My E-mail address is hunterik1@comcast.net

Thanks!!

A real taste of history.......2004-10-20

Years ago, this book was given to me by Perry Driggs, the son of William Driggs who helped Nick Wilson record his stories. I scanned it at the time, but it has only been recently that I fully read it along with my 9 year old daughter. Neither one of us could put it down. Besides fascinating stories, this book gives very interesting insights into the early pioneer life, indian culture, and the indian-white man conflict. There are even very subtle insights about the influence of the Mormon Church in the life of young Nick.

Above all, I have the strong impression that these stories were told exactly as remembered by Mr. Wilson-- without hyperbole. He shows humility in freely admitting his weaknesses throughout the book and only a scholar could have reproduced the details as he has portrayed them. Some may be offended by the seeming "political incorrectness" in this book. I find it a refreshingly honest, unsanitized look at the way things were in the old frontier.

Written in a very simple style, this book is an easy and enjoyable read for even young children.

A Grade School Memory.......2003-04-24

This story was read to me in 4th grade in a small 4 room school
house in Wyoming, just about 60 miles South of the town of Wilson in Star Valley, Wyoming. My teacher read to the class for about 1/2 hour after the lunch recess to calm us down. I have never forgotten this book and at age 60 now am recommending it to a book group of women friends, most I have know for more than 30 years. We will go from the Bay Area of California, to Wyoming near where these events actually happened and review the book. We will go to Wilson, to the little town named after the author.

The book fascinated me as a child and as I have re-read it recently, I know it stirs my imagination and wonder again about the real experiences of this young boy with incredible courage and good luck. At his age I would have loved nothing more than to have done just as he did. Knowing the experiences he had, so very well expressed, I can imagine any child or adult with an active imagination for a life in the "Old West" will dream to have been this "white" Indian Boy. I recommend it as a gift for both young girls and boys to see the past from the perspective of a boy who really did go to another culture and had an incredible adventure. I wish it could of been me!

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The White Indian Boy - The Story of Uncle Nick Among the Shoshones (Pioneer Life Series)
E.N. Wilson
Manufacturer: World Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NTMDK8

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The White Indian Boy The Story of Uncle Nick Among the Shoshones
E. N. And Driggs, Howard R. Wilson
Manufacturer: World Book Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M0C0G0

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The White Indian Boy, The Story Of Uncle Nick Among The Shoshones
E.N. and Howard R. Driggs Wilson
Manufacturer: Yonkers-on-Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H5AV4I

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THE WHITE INDIAN BOY: THE STORY OF UNCLE NICK AMONG THE SHOSHONES Revised and Edited by Howard Driggs. Professor of Education, Univeristy of Utah
E. N. & Howard R. Driggs Wilson
Manufacturer: World Book Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M7ZC7M

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The White Indian Boy The Story of Uncle Nick Among the Shoshones Pioneer Life Series
Wilson E.N.
Manufacturer: World Book Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UI9R3I

Book Description

This book provides an accessible introduction to the life, times and work, and in particular, the ideas of Eleanor Rathbone. She was a prominent figure in British politics, both as a suffragette and as a member of parliament, but is best known as the leading proponent for the introduction of family allowances. This text outlines and explores the development of Eleanor Rathbone's ideas, which are presented in the political and intellectual context in which she wrote--a period of major change for women. Beginning with a survey of Eleanor Rathbone's personal and ideological heritage, the book explains her move from philanthropy to political action; her ideas on suffrage; and her changing ideas on whether feminists should focus on equality or difference. The book also considers the impetus behind her entry into parliament; the way she expressed and shaped her ideas within a parliamentary setting, and finally her involvement in India affairs. This intriguing volume is essential reading for students and academics of women's studies, sociology, social policy and history; it is also a highly readable book for the general reader interested in the life and ideas of a major feminist thinker.

Eleanor Rathbone and the Politics of Conscience (Society and the Sexes in the Modern Worl)

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Eleanor Rathbone and the Politics of Conscience (Society and the Sexes in the Modern Worl)
Susan Pedersen
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Irish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Political | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0300102453

Book Description

When British women demanded the vote in the years before the First World War, they promised to use political rights to remake their country and their world. This is the story of Eleanor Rathbone, the woman who best fulfilled that pledge. Rathbone cut her political teeth in the suffrage movement in Liverpool, spent two decades crafting social reforms for poor women and children, and was for seventeen years their advocate in the House of Commons. She also played a critical role in imperial policymaking and in the opposition to appeasement. In the last decade of her life she sought to rescue Spanish republicans and Jews threatened by Hitler's rise to power. In this important book, Susan Pedersen illuminates both the public and private sides of Rathbone's life while restoring her to her rightful place as the most sophisticated feminist thinker and most effective British woman politician of the first half of the twentieth century.

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Eleanor Rathbone.
Johanna Alberti
Manufacturer: Publisher Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UYJ50M

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Family Allowanced
Eleanor Rathbone
Manufacturer: George Allen and Unwin Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JWZKBI

War can be averted;: The achievability of collective security

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War can be averted;: The achievability of collective security
Eleanor F Rathbone
Manufacturer: Kennikat Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

International Law | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0804617597

Women and Parliament, 1918-1970 (An Exposition-university book)

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Women and Parliament, 1918-1970 (An Exposition-university book)
Beverly Parker Stobaugh
Manufacturer: Exposition Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Amazon.com

From the moment Churchwell and his wife watch their home pregnancy test turn positive, Expecting : One Man's Uncensored Memoir of Pregnancy launches a rollicking journey into expectant fatherhood. "Well, what do you think? Aren't you happy?" his wife asks when she sees the test results. Churchwell responds, "I'm thinking: 'Isn't that what Marie Curie said to her husband when she discovered radioactivity?'"

Expecting combines the scientific and the personal into a dead-on funny and often provocative narrative. Once the reader is welcomed into the intimate circle, a miscarriage occurs, opening the door to all the typical doubts and fears of a mid-life crisis, compounded by the insecurities of novice parenthood. While his wife is suffering her final excruciating labor pushes at the "ring of fire," Churchwell muses on the historical clash between doctors and midwives over the birth process, men's thoughts about sex, and the absence of ritual narratives for men--while livening things up with such descriptions as his wife's efforts at birth class "to build up her abdominals into a baby howitzer." As much as anything, Churchwell's story is one of change, of the bonding between parents. He asks the questions that count and then responds with his own theories about how men and women transform into parents and learn, from society and biology, the art of nurturing. --Byron Ricks

Book Description

Gordon Churchwell his a
problem he's never faced before--
his wife, Julie, is pregnant.

"What is happening to me? It's 6:30 A.M. My Wife is peeing on what looks like a scale model of the spaceship from 2001: A Space Odyssey. It's an early pregnancy test called something like First Alert, or Early Response, some name that sounds like a smoke detector or a piece of EMS equipment."

From this unavoidable physiological fact follows the greatest psychological crisis of his life, a story that eventually illuminates the journey of all men and women as they make the passage to becoming parents.

What really goes through a "pregnant" man's mind? Combining his personal story with interviews with doctors, midwives, evolutionary scientists, and other fathers-to-be, Gordon Churchwell delivers the gritty, intimate details, as well as important new information, in an irreverent style that mixes poignancy, wit, and laugh-out-loud humor.

He covers all the issues without flinching. On relationships: "There are moments when you are not just individuals trying to solve a personal problem, but representatives of your gender, acting out some social drama. Over Julie's shoulder I see a chorus of angry women. . . ."

On sex: "While the party line is that Julie remains 'my beautiful partner to whom I am devoted,' to Mr. Weenie, she is beginning to look like Danny DeVito in Batman Returns. . . ."

On why men find change difficult: "Why do I feel like a bystander in the most important 280 days of my life? Where are the stories that make a man feel like he's in it, and not out of it? The answer is simple. When it comes to the stories of fatherhood, our culture has discarded them."

When he starts having morning sickness, Churchwell turns science detective and makes some startling discoveries: He finds out that male pregnancy symptoms are extremely common and uncovers evidence of a physiological paternal response-men have hormonal changes, too, which help prepare them emotionally for fatherhood.

Does nature make fathers out of men? Working with a leading evolutionary psychologist, Churchwell argues for a revolutionary new perspective on a man's role in reproduction. Parental investment on both sides is not automatic. Pregnancy behavior is part of a continual process of negotiation about parental commitment. A man's response to pregnancy, including sympathetic symptoms, may signal his plans about investing in the child. His behavior can directly affect the mother's own response, including the quality of her maternal care.

By showing that men have a physiological transformation of their own that integrates them into the biology of the family, Churchwell restores men to the story of reproduction.

Expecting is an important contribution to the new literature of fatherhood that will amuse and inspire men and women as they transform themselves into parents. This personal story ends where it began, with him and his wife, Julie, struggling-this time as a team-through a harrowing thirty-five-hour birth ordeal, and welcoming their daughter, Olivia, into the world.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, excellent.......2006-07-06

This is not your superficial I-had-to-buy-her-pickles-at-midnight pregnancy book from the father's perspective. If you're looking for a book to introduce your new hubby to the idea of fatherhood, this is not the book for you unless you are both familiar with reading books with footnotes. This is not fluff.
This is a frank, frequently humorous, excellently written book that whets my appetite for the wife's side of the story as well if she is even half the writter Churchwell is. As a social scientist, I found the sociobiology chapters so insightful and intelligently written, giving meaning to the physiological and psychological changes both men and women experience during pregnancy. The interviews with various friends, medical professionals and researchers give a voice and personal testimony that validates and humanizes the information in an extremely effective way.
The frank responses of the friends especially when asked extraordinarily personal questions was a breath of fresh air compared to the usual I-don't-want-you-to-think-poorly-of-me responses I'm typically getting from people around me. I want to know the TRUE inner experience of a father-to-be, and this book is IT.
We are TTC next year, and this is exactly the book I was looking for. Bravo!

Not exaclty what I was looking for...but an ok book.......2005-12-14

I thought it would be a little more insightful and therefore purchased it for my husband as a baby gift and he was disappointed with it and so was I. I think for a good book for fathers to be we will stick with The Expectant Father that is a Good book, for first time fathers.

Probes beyond the usual - starkingly funny.......2001-06-04

What you always wanted to know but never dared to ask: Gordon Churchwell tells you in his book "Expectant". I never thought there could be so many angles to becoming father - at least to me everything seemed more simple. Churchwell's book is both a narrative in the best of senses about his and his wife's experiences in becoming parents and a more or less scientific, sometimes even philosophical explanation of all the things happening to men during the pregnancy of their partners. The narrative is strinkingly honest, often very funny and becomes quite dramatic towards the end. The "scientific" probing is interesting (did you know that one-third of men have pregnancy symptoms, too?!) and an attempt at getting behind the superficial level of merely going through an experience (as an "event", something that just happens to you). All in all, though, I found it less compelling, there is a lot of medical jargon and somehow the two parts (the narrative and the essay) do not really fit together. It is two genres in one. Nevertheless, the book can be highly recommended to becoming fathers (and to young would-be mothers wanting to make sense from the strange reactions they might get from their blokes during pregnancy). Churchwell should now write the sequel to "Expecting", something like "Surviving: One man's story of living through the first years as a young father". Pregnancy might have its ups and downs, but, boy, bringing up a child (or children) is something different alltogether! (much more demanding)

lots of wit and insight, a bit too much sociobiology.......2000-08-02

This was a great read, at least for someone who's recently been through the experience (though on the female side). Churchwell was really very funny, and also illuminating on the topic of men's reactons to their partners' pregnancies. I could have done without the longest chapter, the one on "pregnant" men's hormone levels, evolutionary advantages to active fatherhood, etc. I kept wondering why Churchwell never seemed to find it necessary to consider the possibility that all these physiological changes are related not to some mechanistic biological process but to the choices and attitudes that these men (and women) were developing toward their pregnancies. Like maybe you get high hormone levels because you're anxiously awaiting the arrival of your offspring, and if for whatever reasons you AREN'T looking forward to it, you don't produce those hormone levels. Cause and effect in the other direction.

Sociobiology notwithstanding, I'd recommend this highly to anyone who's been through this or is thinking about it. Kudos to the publisher on the title change (I read the uncorrected proofs), and I've just got to ask Kirkus, isn't this Churchwell guy a baby-boomer and not a Gen-X? What's the cutoff here?

Intensely humorous memoir.......2000-06-17

This smoothly written and extremely funny book presents a surprising bit of news about pregnancy - women aren't the only ones who experience physical symptoms in the months leading up to childbirth. From morning sickness to pronounced changes in certain hormone levels, men have a paternal response to pregnancy that strengthens their bond to mother and child and helps prepare them for fatherhood. The author explains this 'couvade syndrome' through scientific inquiry, cultural comparisons, anecdotes and personal experience, all while tracking his own unfolding saga as an expectant father. The result is a warm and intensely humorous memoir that is also a scientific and biological detective story.

Expecting : One Man's Uncensored Memoir of Pregnancy

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Expecting : One Man's Uncensored Memoir of Pregnancy
Gordon Churchwell
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEN2NO

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