Review of Banking in the Great Northern Territory: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

Written by the great-grandson of the railroad baron acquired and orchestrated the reorganization of the First National Bank of St. Paul, Banking In The Great Northern Territory is the true story of 150+ years of business and competition between the two major bank holding companies in Minneapolis and St. Paul: Northwest Bancorporation and First Bank Stock Corporation. Formed with the twin missions of protecting good banks in the area from predatory acquisition by non-area bankers and to provide a capital stronghold that would keep crucial banks open during hard times, these bank holding companies survived the test of time and even the Great Depression, when many of their competitors fell to ruin. Black-and-white and color photographs illustrate this adventurously presented history, accessible to lay readers, about the evolution of the banking business in Minnesota's capitol and the key figures behind the institutions' stability. A fascinating tour through a vital piece of Minneapolis and St. Paul history, Banking In The Great Northern Territory is very highly recommended reading.




Click Here to see more reviews about: Banking in the Great Northern Territory: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

Review of Gagging of God, The (Hardcover)

Wow, what a piece! While the subtitle reads, "Christianity Confronts Pluralism," Carson also gives an assessment of postmodernism. Carson especially deals with how Hermeneutics(interpretation of works) has been effected by pluralistic thinking andpostmodernism. Not only does Carson tackle the hermeneutical issue but hedives into the problems that have arisen in recent years in the area ofepistemology. Moreover, Carson discusses popular thinkers who areproponents of pluralism in light of the exclusive claims of Christianity.Some of these current popular thinkers include John Hick, David Tracy, andClark Pinnock. Additionally, Carson discusses law and morality in light ofpostmodernism and how these areas of thought/practice are effected, andwhat the evangelical stance via historical orthodox Christianity has tooffer. As you can see, the book is very detailed (569 pages of text and 47pages of bibliography). I believe this to be one of the better books on themarket dealing with pluralism/postmodernity.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Gagging of God, The (Hardcover)

Review of Reagan: A Life in Letters (Hardcover)

I'll admit off the bat that I love Ronald Reagan.I think he was a fantastic President.I really do.However, I've found that biographies of the man, and his own memoirs, have only shown us a little of who he was."An American Life", his post White House memoir, offered little in the way of great stories.It wasn't all together self-serving(that wasn't Reagan's way), but it had that same, kinda dull quality that seems to haunt all presidential memoirs.I get upset at Booth all over again when I think about what Lincoln's memoirs would have been like.Here though, in his own words, Reagan comes off as human.Flawed as any other person on this Earth, but with that absoute sense of right and wrong that galvanized his supporters and infuriated his critics.A previous reviewer who gave the book just one star obviously did not read the book, as Reagan's letters answer critics of Iran-Contra and address the Beiruit bombing.Whether you believe Reagan is up to you.That he addresses his critics in this book is a fact.

The book gives a very interesting portrait of Reagan.It starts with his earliest correspondence as a boy, and moves throughhis midwest years to his Hollywood years and into the governors mansion.It follows Reagan's travels on the campaign trail, and the sheer volume of letters is staggering.The man, who many on the left portray as an empty vessell, clearly had a lot to say, and he believed in what he talked about a wrote.The book features Reagans fair-mindedness, as he responds to letters from citizens that impune his character, his motives, and his upbringing.He treats each writer with a respect and affords them the dignity they denied him.It's clear that he was a master of the written word.

In fact, one of the prime reasons to read this is to relish what good letter writing could be.In the days of email, finely written letters are a lost art.Even if you are a critic of Reagan's politics, if you are an honest broker pick up the book.It reads quickly and lets you into Reagans thoughts in a way never before seen.Any person with an interest in the Reagan legacy needs to read this book.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Hardcover)

Review of The South under siege, 1830-2000: A history of the relations between the North and the South (Hardcover)

An exhaustive and often eye-opening review of relations between the northern and southern states and between the US government and the states of the south. This should be a "must read" for all those of southern ancestry.



Click Here to see more reviews about: The South under siege, 1830-2000: A history of the relations between the North and the South (Hardcover)

Review of Barney Frank: The Story of America's Only Left-Handed, Gay, Jewish Congressman (Hardcover)

This is a very interesting biography of a captivating figure. Very well written and actually quite quick and easy to read. Would recommend to anyone.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Barney Frank: The Story of America's Only Left-Handed, Gay, Jewish Congressman (Hardcover)