Brenda Wineapple Libri

The mid-nineteenth century in America was marked by ambition and expansion, as the nation sought new territories and technological advancements while grappling with the moral dilemma of slavery. Award-winning historian Brenda Wineapple delves into this tumultuous period, highlighting the emotional and ideological conflicts that led to a devastating civil war. The narrative captures the transformation of the country from a loose confederation into a unified nation, emphasizing the profound costs of this evolution in ideals of freedom and justice.

The book explores the dynamic connection between a renowned American poet and a passionate abolitionist who played a crucial role in introducing her poetry to the world. It delves into their collaborative efforts and the impact of their relationship on the poet's career, highlighting themes of art, activism, and the fight for social justice. Through this unique lens, the narrative sheds light on the cultural and historical significance of their bond in shaping literary and social movements.

Americans, expatriates, and virtually orphans, Gertrude and Leo Stein, lived together for almost forty years, collaborating in one of the great artistic and literary adventures of the twentieth century. This biography tells the story of that adventure and relationship.

"When Lincoln was assassinated and Andrew Johnson became President, a fraught time in America became perilous. Congress was divided over how Reconstruction should be accomplished and the question of black suffrage. The South roiled with violence, lawlessness, and efforts to preserve the pre-Civil War society. Andrew Johnson ... had no interest in following Lincoln's agenda. With the unchecked power of executive orders, Johnson pardoned the rebel states and their leaders, opposed black suffrage, and called Reconstruction unnecessary. Congress decided to take action against a President who acted like a king"--

Set against the backdrop of the 1925 Scopes trial in Dayton, Tennessee, this account delves into the clash between science and religion, embodied by the defense attorney Clarence Darrow and the fundamentalist prosecutor William Jennings Bryan. The trial, a media spectacle, highlighted deep divisions in American society regarding race, class, and faith. Historian Brenda Wineapple vividly chronicles the ambitions and ideologies of both men, exploring themes of individual freedom, religious intolerance, and the cultural battles that defined an era.