This engaging history presents the extraordinary lives of Patty Cannon; Anna Ella Carroll; and Harriet Tubman; three "dangerous" women who grew up in early nineteenth-century Maryland and were vigorously enmeshed in the social and political maelstrom of antebellum America. The "monstrous" Patty Cannon was a reputed thief; murderer; and leader of a ruthless gang who kidnapped free blacks and sold them back into slavery; whereas Miss Anna Ella Carroll; a relatively genteel unmarried slaveholder; foisted herself into state and national politics by exerting influence on legislators and conspiring with Governor Thomas Holliday Hicks to keep Maryland in the Union when many state legislators clamored to join the Confederacy. And; of course; Harriet Tubman--slave rescuer; abolitionist; and later women's suffragist--was both hailed as "the Moses of her people" and hunted as an outlaw with a price on her head worth at least ten thousand dollars. Carole C. Marks gleans historical fact and sociological insight from the persistent myths and exaggerations that color the women's legacies. Though they never actually met; and their backgrounds and beliefs differed drastically; these women's lives converged through their active experiences of the conflict over slavery in Maryland and beyond; the uncertainties of economic transformation; the struggles in the legal foundation of slavery and; most of all; the growing dispute in gender relations in America.
#484752 in Books imusti 2016-11-22 2016-11-22Format: International EditionOriginal language:German 8.80 x 1.20 x 5.60l; #File Name: 0241256992368 pagesALLEN LANE
Review
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful. BlitzedBy S RiazIn this fascinating account of drug use in the Third Reich; author Norman Ohler takes us on a journey through the history of Germany and explains how; and why; it became a centre of pharmaceutical research. Although the National Socialist Party presented themselves as clean cut; and Hitler praised abstinence; it is clear that much of the Nazi hierarchy – including Hitler himself – were very reliant on drugs and; indeed; that their use was widespread both in the armed forces and in civilian life.Between the wars; Berlin; in particular; exploded in cultural excess and escapism; with drug use becoming prevalent. Ohler examines the use of a drug; called Pervitin; in particular. So widespread was this drug that it was even included in chocolates; advertised for housewives needing a little help to cope with the housework. It was known as the ‘people’s drug’ and was said to banish sleep and hunger; while promising euphoria. Now; it is better known by the name of crystal meth…Pervitin is linked to a senior staff doctor; named Professor Dr Otto F Ranke; director of the Research Institute of Defence Physiology. Ranke was involved in suggesting the drug could boost the performance of the army; which were under incredible pressure to perform; with Hitler making unprecedented demands. Indeed; the author suggests that the real enemy were not the British or Russian troops; but tiredness; and Pervitin offered a cure for exhaustion. Too late; Ranke saw the danger signs of addiction and side effects; but by then the army were marching for days and; while witnesses saw the invaders as virtually super-human; the troops themselves also began; dangerously; to believe in their own image.Speaking of delusion; a large part of this book looks at Patient A; or Hitler; and his relationship with his personal physician; Dr Theodor Morrell. Unlike Stalin; who was happy to leave running the war to his Generals; Hitler wanted to be in charge of everything. He gradually lost touch with reality – his delusions and fantasies causing him to be dangerously reckless. Meanwhile; afraid of being ill and unable to attend meetings; Hitler demanded that Morrell keep him healthy and active. He may have failed at helping Hitler stay healthy; but he was always there with a ‘pick me up’ in the form of an injection; if Hitler felt tired; unwell or out of sorts. Ohler tells of one meeting with Mussolini when; fortified by medication; Hitler ranted incessantly for over three hours – calling the meeting a resounding success when; in fact; nobody else had managed to interrupt his endless flow of words.This really is a very readable account of a fascinating period in history. The amount of drugs that Hitler was taking by the end of the war is truly staggering – indeed; when he travelled by train; there had to be regular stops so that Morrell could administer injections. Side effects of drugs used by both Hitler himself and the armed forces; who had tablets doled out to them like sweeties; eventually saw the initial excitement of enthusiasm; energy and excitement; collapsing in paranoia and exhaustion. This is an interesting and little explored aspect of the war; which really leaves you reeling in disbelief. I highly recommend this as a very engaging read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. lifts the veil on possible theory for this disasterBy L. G. RuchFascinating suggestion and partial explanation for what could have possibly moved a country in this direction. Very interesting distinction between the Hitler who came to power and the Hitler who lost power; as well as potential motivations and actions of the people around him.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. the most enthralling non-fiction work I've read - everBy R. DixonCouldn't put this book down. Packed with facts that not only I've never heard before; but were heretofore unknown or at least neglected by historians
