115 results for "Historical Biographies"

The Prophet Armed: Trotsky 1879-1921

Deutscher, Isaac
Few political figures of the twentieth century have aroused as much controversy as the Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky. Trotsky’s extraordinary life and extensive writings have left an indelible mark on revolutionary conscience; and yet there was at one time a danger that his name would disappear altogether from history. Isaac Deutscher’s magisterial three-volume biography was the first major publication to counter the powerful Stalinist propaganda machine, and in this definitive work Trotsky emerges in his real stature, as the most heroic, and ultimately tragic, character of the Russian revolution. This first volume of the trilogy, originally published in 1954, traces Trotsky’s political development: his early activities, the formation and crystallization of his distinctive and motivating idea—the permanent revolution— his long feud and final reconciliation with Lenin and Bolshevism, and his role in the October insurrection of 1917. The volume ends in the year 1921, when Trotsky, then at the climax of his power, unwittingly sowed the seeds of his own defeat.
Verso 2026-05-19 512 pages

How We Elected Lincoln

Abram J. (Abram Jesse) Dittenhoefer,Julius Chambers
"How We Elected Lincoln: personal recollections of Lincoln and men of his time" offers a fascinating glimpse into the political landscape of 19th-century America and the pivotal election of 1860. Abram J. Dittenhoefer, a contemporary observer, provides firsthand accounts and anecdotes illuminating the personalities and events that shaped this critical period in United States history. Explore the political climate leading up to the American Civil War through the eyes of someone who witnessed it firsthand. This volume delves into the strategies, personalities, and turning points that led to Abraham Lincoln's election. A valuable resource for anyone interested in political history, the Civil War period, or the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, this book provides a unique and insightful perspective on a nation on the brink. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Creative Media Partners, LLC 2025-03-29 62 pages

Almost utopia: the residents and radicals of Pikes Falls, Vermont 1950

Lepkoff, Rebecca
In the summer of 1950, Rebecca Lepkoff and her husband Gene bought land in Jamaica, Vermont, a small, south-central Green Mountain town on the West River. A 34-year-old photographer, Rebecca had already made a name for herself as a member of the Photo League, which viewed photography as a tool for social change. Her photographs of her native Lower East Side in the 1930s and ‘40s were already becoming renowned. The Lepkoffs were drawn to the communitarian homesteaders who populated the Pikes Falls area of Jamaica, clustered near Scott and Helen Nearing. Published here for the first time are some 60 photographs that Rebecca Lepkoff took of natives and transplants at work and play during that summer of 1950, as the Korean War engulfed the nation’s headlines. These intimate images are the work of an artist at the peak of her craft and they portray a rural Vermont town at a moment in time just before paved roads and postwar development would alter its character forever.
Vermont Historical Society 2008 109 pages

A life with history

Blum, John Morton
The author of such classic works as The Republican Roosevelt, V Was for Victory, and Years of Discord, John Morton Blum is one of a small group of intellectuals who for more than a quarter of a century dominated the writing of American political history. Writing now of his own career, Blum provides a behind-the-scenes look at Ivy League education and political power from the 1940s to the 1980s. Blum insightfully recounts a long and distinguished journey that began at Phillips Academy, where he first realized he could make a career of teaching and writing history. He tells how young men were socialized to the values of the Northeastern establishment in those years before World War II, and how as a non-practicing Jew he learned to overcome bigotry both at Andover and at Harvard, which then had no Jewish professors. In 1957 Blum joined the faculty of Yale University's history department, widely regarded as the nation's best, where he became both influential and popular and where his students included one future U.S. president as well as others who aspired to the office. He reveals much about the inner workings of Ivy League education and tells of controversies over the Vietnam War and the Black Panthers, his role in Eugene McCarthy's presidential campaign, and how he searched for common ground between reactionary faculty and radical students. More than a recounting of a singular life, Blum's story explains how political history was researched and written during the second half of the twentieth century, describing how the discipline evolved, gained ascendancy, and was challenged as historical fashions changed. It also offers revealing glimpses of such prominent academics as Kingman Brewster, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., C. Vann Woodward, and William Sloan Coffin. Over a distinguished career, Blum witnessed considerable change in elite educational institutions, where minorities and women were grossly underrepresented when he first entered academia. In a memoir brimming with insight and laced with humor, he looks back at the academy—"not a refuge from reality but an alternative reality"—as he reflects upon his intellectual journey and his contributions to the study and writing of twentieth-century American history.
University Press of Kansas 2004 283 pages

Warrior nation: a history of the Red Lake Ojibwe

Treuer, Anton
The Red Lake Nation has a unique and deeply important history. Unlike every other reservation in Minnesota, Red Lake holds its land in common -- and, consequently, the tribe retains its entire reservation land base. The people of Red Lake developed the first modern indigenous democratic governance system in the United States, decades before any other tribe, but they also maintained their system of hereditary chiefs. The tribe never surrendered to state jurisdiction over crimes committed on its reservation. The reservation is also home to the highest number of Ojibwe-speaking people in the state. Warrior Nation covers four centuries of the Red Lake Nation's forceful and assertive tenure on its land. Ojibwe historian and linguist Anton Treuer conducted oral histories with elders across the Red Lake reservation, learning the stories carried by the people. And the Red Lake band has, for the first time, made available its archival collections, including the personal papers of Peter Graves, the brilliant political strategist and tribal leader of the first half of the twentieth century, which tell a startling story about the negotiations over reservation boundaries.
Minnesota Historical Society Press 2015 447 pages

Samson Wertheimer ... 1658-1724, Und Seine Kinder

David Kaufmann,Samson Wertheimer
Samson Wertheimer was a prominent Jewish financier and philanthropist in 18th-century Europe. This book provides a detailed look at his life and legacy, as well as his impact on the Jewish community of the time. Written by historian David Kaufmann, the book draws on a wide range of sources to paint a vivid and engaging portrait of this important figure. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
LEGARE STREET Press 2023-07-18 284 pages

An American in the Making The Life Story of an Immigrant

Marcus Eli Ravage
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Creative Media Partners, LLC 2022-10-26 276 pages

The Jews of Windsor, 1790-1990: a historical chronicle

Plaut, Jonathan V.
Beginning with the first Jewish settler, Moses David, the important role that Windsor Jews played in the development of Ontario's south is mirrored in this 200-year chronicle. the founding pioneer families transformed their Eastern European shtetl into a North American settlement; many individuals were involved in establishing synagogues, schools, and an organized communal structure in spite of divergent religious, political, and economic interests. Modernity and the growing influences of Zionism and Conservative/Reform Judaism challenged the traditional and leftist leanings of the community's founders. From the outset, Jews were represented in city council, actively involved in communal organizations, and appointed to judicial posts. While its Jewish population was small, Windsor boasted Canada's first Jewish Cabinet members, provincially and federally, in David Croll and Herb Gray. As the new millennium approached, jews faced shrinking numbers, forcing major consolidations in order to ensure their survival.
Dundurn Press 2007-05-30 320 pages

Erasmus, man of letters: the construction of charisma in print

Jardine, Lisa
Overview: The name Erasmus of Rotterdam conjures up a golden age of scholarly integrity and the disinterested pursuit of knowledge, when learning could command public admiration without the need for authorial self-promotion. Lisa Jardine, however, shows that Erasmus self-consciously created his own reputation as the central figure of the European intellectual world. Erasmus himself--the historical as opposed to the figural individual--was a brilliant, maverick innovator, who achieved little formal academic recognition in his own lifetime. What Jardine offers here is not only a fascinating study of Erasmus but also a bold account of a key moment in Western history, a time when it first became possible to believe in the existence of something that could be designated "European thought."--
Princeton University Press 2015 284 pages

Last rites

Lukacs, John
A master historian offers an eloquent and personal auto-history of his life and his ideas Twenty years ago, John Lukacs paused to set down the history of his own thoughts and beliefs in Confessions of an Original Sinner, an adroit blend of autobiography and personal philosophy. Now, in Last Rites, he continues and expands his reflections, this time integrating his conception of history and human knowledge with private memories of his wives and loves, and enhancing the book with footnotes from his idiosyncratic diaries. The resulting volume is fascinating and delightful--an auto-history by a passionate, authentic, brilliant, and witty man. Lukacs begins with a concise rendering of a historical understanding of our world (essential reading for any historian), then follows with trenchant observations on his life in the United States, commentary on his native Hungary and the new meanings it took for him after 1989, and deeply personal portraits of his three wives, about whom he has not written before. He includes also a chapter on his formative memories of May and June 1940 and of Winston Churchill, a subject in some of Lukacs's later studies. Last Rites is a richly layered summation combined with a set of extraordinary observations--an original book only John Lukacs could have written. Praise for Confessions of an Original Sinner: "[Lukacs] is an often witty and always fascinating--even entertaining--writer."--Washington Post
Yale University Press 2009-02-24 187 pages

Echoes of the underground: a footsoldier's tales

Harris, Lee
Echoes of the Underground: A Foot Soldiers Tale is a unique collection of 'underground' writings by Lee Harris, the majority of which were originally published in the 'alternative press' of the 60 s and 70 s; International Times, Oz, Home Grown and 'Other Scenes'. Also included are rare interviews with beat poet Michael McClure, the director of the musical 'HAIR' Tom O'Horgan, the man who 'turned on' Timothy Leary, Michael Hollingshead, and Harry Shapiro, author of 'Waiting for the Man' and the Jimi Hendrix biography 'Electric Gypsy'. Some previously unpublished work is included in this insightful and personal collection of writing which covers some of the most exciting and revolutionary times in recent world history."
Barncott Press 2014-03-21 221 pages

Oliver Tambo's dream: four lectures

Sachs, Albie
"If a paternity test were done on South Africa's widely admired Constitution, whose DNA would come up? Is the Constitution just a beautiful piece of paper? If Oliver Tambo were alive today, walking around South Africa, would he be pleased with what he saw? In this riveting, direct account of the genesis of South Africa's Constitution, former Justice Albie Sachs answers these crucial questions. In Oliver Tambo's Dream, Sachs writes about the years he spent working under Tambo's leadership in exile preparing for a post-apartheid constitutional order in South Africa and about the extreme crises that were overcome during the post-1990 constitution-making process to arrive at the document we have today. Tackling the burning issues that face our country today, he argues that the Constitution is a framework for struggle and decolonization that can be used to bring about land reform and true equality"--
African lives 2017 142 pages

Essays in Jewish Biography

Alexander Marx
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
BiblioBazaar 2015-09-05 314 pages

The Chess-monthly

Hoffer, Leopold
Dive into the rich history of chess with "The Chess-monthly, Volume 8", a fascinating glimpse into the world of 19th-century chess strategy and culture. Authored by chess masters Leopold Hoffer and Johannes Hermann Zukertort, this volume offers a wealth of insights into the games, players, and controversies that shaped the era. Originally published as a periodical, "The Chess-monthly" provided enthusiasts with detailed game analyses, tournament reports, and biographical sketches of prominent chess figures. This particular volume captures a pivotal moment in chess history, showcasing the evolution of tactics and the growing popularity of the game across Europe. Whether you're a seasoned chess player, a history buff, or simply curious about the intellectual pursuits of the past, "The Chess-monthly, Volume 8" offers a captivating and informative journey into the world of chess. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Hutson Street Press 2025-05-22 394 pages

Yashka

Mariia Bochkareva,Isaac Don Levine
"Yashka: My Life as Peasant, Exile and Soldier," by Maria Botchkareva and Isaac Don Levine, offers a rare and compelling first-hand account of World War I from the Eastern Front. This remarkable autobiography details the extraordinary life of Maria Botchkareva, a Russian peasant who defied convention to become one of the first women soldiers. Experience her journey from humble beginnings to exile, and ultimately to the battlefield, where she fought with unmatched bravery and resilience. This is more than just a war story; it's a powerful human document of courage, perseverance, and the fight for equality during a time of immense upheaval. A crucial historical text, "Yashka" provides invaluable insight into the personal experiences of those who lived through the Great War and offers a unique perspective on the role of women in the military. This carefully prepared print edition ensures the enduring legacy of Botchkareva's unforgettable story. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Creative Media Partners, LLC 2025-03-29 240 pages

Shimmering details: a memoir. Volume 1

Nádas, Péter
The magnum opus of one of Europe's greatest living writers. “When telling one’s life story to someone else one manufactures not chronicles but legends for oneself,” Péter Nádas writes in his fiction masterpiece, Parallel Stories . Now, in his illuminating memoir, Shimmering Details , the renowned author investigates what it means to reconstruct a life without recourse to the techniques and embellishments of traditional storytelling. Taking his firmly embedded memories—the “shimmering details” that give this work its title—as his starting point, Nádas dissects them using a method inspired by Freudian dream interpretation. Sounds, scenes, smells, feelings—all are probed for details that might allow him to reconstruct what happened, and when and where. To avoid conscious or unconscious distortions, he deconstructs the stories of others, too—moving in concentric circles toward cause and effect, until their meaning and significance come to light. In Shimmering Details, Volume I , Nádas probes the history of his family from the late nineteenth century to his birth in 1942 and beyond. In a work that encompasses World War II and the Hungarian Revolution, Nádas traces the hidden connections between the seemingly random events of a life and assembles them into a memoir like no other.
Picador 2024-11-19 576 pages

Travels and Adventures of the Rev. Joseph Wolff

Joseph Wolff
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Creative Media Partners, LLC 2022-10-27 626 pages