Mario Cuomo

Why Lincoln Matters: Today More Than Ever

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Reviewed by Jim Melcher
Lincoln does matter
Our current political leaders could learn a lot from this book/
Mild Polemic Against the Present Bush Administration..
An Attempt at Historical Inquiry Falls Short

Why Lincoln Matters: Today More Than Ever
Mario M. Cuomo
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Reason to Believe
Lincoln on Democracy
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The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln: A Book of Quotations (Thrift Edition)

ASIN: 0151009996

Amazon.com

Politicians have been casting themselves as inheritors of the banner of Abraham Lincoln since his assassination nearly a century and a half ago, as former New York governor Mario Cuomo chronicles in the first of this slim but eloquent political treatise. From William Jennings Bryant to William Jefferson Clinton, from FDR through W, figures on the left and right have declared themselves heirs to the martyred "secular saint" of American statesmanship. (Ronald Reagan went so far as to misattribute eight conservative maxims from the great man at the 1992 Republican convention; the adages turned out to be the creation of a early-20th-century clergyman who was putting his own spin on the Lincoln legacy.) Cuomo notes that Lincoln is too complex a figure to belong exclusively to either the left or the right, but that doesn't stop him from finding an enduring link from Lincoln's vision to Cuomo's brand of unabashed liberalism. The notion may be debatable, but Cuomo, one of the great orators of his generation, is as fluent at the keyboard as he is at the lectern, making Why Lincoln Matters a rewarding read for those on both sides of the divide. Fired by 9-11 and the 2004 presidential election, Cuomo surveys a host of contemporary issues---from the battle against terrorism to religion, race, and the role of government---interpreting the words and notions of his political hero like a true believer deciphers the Bible. One can dispute his conclusions, but his rousing passion and sense of mission are at the very least thought provoking and articulately reasoned. --Steven Stolder

Book Description

Abraham Lincoln, long the most resonant voice of American political values, was a founding member of the Republican Party. In today's charged political climate, he would be hard-pressed to recognize the issues in the contemporary GOP, argues Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York and a gifted political philosopher.

Challenged by slavery, secession, and war, Lincoln was able to forcefully articulate the values and ideals that have sustained our country since its inception. His speeches, writings, and actions melded the Constitution, the Bible, and his own experience into an American scripture that inspires faith in the future

Mario Cuomo shows how the big issues - equality, the role of government, war and peace, the responsibilities of the fortunate few - resonate in today's political climate as he brings to life the contemporary relevance of Lincoln's message for today's hot-button issues. Today's political discourse often lacks depth and wisdom, but Mario Cuomo's analysis of Abraham Lincoln will inspire readers to believe that government can still be a force for greater good in American society.

Customer Reviews:

Reviewed by Jim Melcher.......2007-01-26

Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, one of the most prominent figures in Democratic Party politics of the late 20th century, has written several books since leaving office about his view of current American politics. In Why Lincoln Matters Today More Than Ever, he does so again, but this time through the lens of the past through the eyes of Abraham Lincoln. Cuomo argues that while Lincoln died in 1865, the usefulness of his view of America is still very much alive. Cuomo sheds light both on how Lincoln developed and articulated his views and on how Lincoln's view of society might be used to analyze current American political issues, including the war in Iraq.

How much the reader enjoys this book will depend on what he or she expects to find here. The title might suggest that Cuomo is offering a non-ideological general examination of Lincoln's significance in modern decades in general. That reader might be disappointed in this book. But if the reader is looking for a book by an articulate, prominent liberal who knows and admires Lincoln and who applies what he believes are Lincoln's lessons about very specific political issues, then he or she will enjoy this book very much. Readers who've enjoyed Cuomo's earlier analyses of American politics such as Reason To Believe will enjoy this book, too.

Like Reason To Believe, this book offers Cuomo's view of current politics, but this book does so with an eye toward answering the question: what would Lincoln say about that? Not surprisingly, Cuomo argues that Lincoln would agree with a modern liberal perspective on a wide range of issues facing America going into the 2004 presidential election. More importantly, he argues that President George W. Bush--like Lincoln, a Republican wartime president--has not operated according to Lincoln's principles on a wide range of topics. And, all the worse for Cuomo, where Bush has followed Lincoln's lead, he's done so on the issues where Lincoln didn't proceed as Cuomo thought best--particularly in the efforts to curb civil liberties during wartime by both presidents.

The 2004 election, which Cuomo clearly had in mind when writing this book, was a notably polarizing one in the eyes of many. Partisan reaction to this book will almost certainly break down along the same lines. What's more, the issues discussed here are still very current today, as are the divisions. Cuomo's use of Lincoln in these debates may need to be taken with a grain of salt, but his command of Lincoln and strong ability as a writer means he makes his case very effectively for the most part. While this book will certainly provide ammunition for liberals in current American politics, it will also provide food for thought--or for argument--for people of all political stripes with an interest in the American politics of the past, present and future. More importantly, it is a fresh reminder of how enduring and relevant the views of Lincoln remain--a point on which both Democrats and Republicans for once can agree.

Lincoln does matter.......2006-06-05

Cuomo applies the moral and rational perspective of Lincoln to the present day issues. Needless to day he does not find Bush & Co in line with what he thinks Lincoln would have done. He contrasts Lincoln's consistent evoking of a higher moral purpose, and his intellectual integrity to what we have now. The book ends with a draft of what Lincoln might have said to Congress in 2004 if he'd been newly elected.

People who dislike this book call it a screed, full of Bush-bashing, etc. To which I say "the facts are biased." However, any fair reading of Lincoln's morality, his invoking of religion, and of course, his eloquence all are in evident contrast to the current leader.

Cuomo's suggestion for Lincoln's 2004 State of the Union address contains this: "What constitutes the bulwark of our own liberty and independence? It is not our frowning battlements, our bristling sea coasts, our missiles, or the strength of our gallant and disciplined armed forces. These are not our most important safeguard against the terrorizing of our fair land: Our principal reliance must be on the love of liberty which God has planted in our bosoms."

In the moral wasteland we now find ourselves, it is good to be reminded that we, at least once in our history, had a leader that could summon us to consider our situation from the highest moral perspective.

Our current political leaders could learn a lot from this book/.......2005-09-10

This book should be required reading for todays politicans. It gives the reader an understanding of the mistakes being made by the government today.

Mild Polemic Against the Present Bush Administration.........2005-05-25

This is very short, easy to read commentary on the greatness of Lincoln, and on how Abe's speeches and actions can be relevent today. Needless to say, in the comparisons between the Great Emancipator and the current Administration, Abe easily overwhelms Bush II,&Co. Gov. Cuomo's main point is the Lincoln's actions and words were for all time, and addressed to everybody,literally in all lands. His thoughtful, last resort approach to war is contrasted with the current deceptive drive to war in Iraq. Cuomo suggests that FDR and Lincoln had a lot in common in attempting to aid those who have troubles helping themselves. He also states that Lincoln's ecumenical religious approach is in sharp contrast to today's GOP. All in all, a thoughtful argument, and the author's criticisms are never overwrought. In fact, he seems to make a special effort to maintain civility throughout the book.

An Attempt at Historical Inquiry Falls Short.......2005-05-17

Mario Cuomo's essential approach to Lincoln is "How would Abraham Lincoln have responded to the challenges present in today's America?"

This, of course, leads to some very biased presentations of the facts in order to present Abraham Lincoln in as positive and liberal a light as possible. Missing is the fact that Lincoln was forced to write the Emancipation Proclimation in order to appease the strong Abolitionist wing of the Republican party and other such instances where Lincoln was not the brightest Presidential star. While I do think that within the pantheon of Presidents, Abe Lincoln definitely ranks up there with George Washington, and FDR as one of the greatest Presidents, I also think that a book that is trying to present a case for Lincoln should focus less on the present occupier of the White House and more on the former. Cuomo simply makes it too obvious that this entire book is one enormously jaded propoganda piece for the Democratic party. The true parts on Lincoln doesn't even begin until 50 pages into the work because the author is too busy talking about all that is wrong with the current Republican-lead government in Washington.

I consider myself a Democrat and see the importance of the role of the federal government, but this book should focus more on what Lincoln did right to change his own age and how that went on to impact American down to the present period and less on what he might have done had he been alive today.

The New York Idea: An Experiment in Democracy

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The New York Idea: An Experiment in Democracy
Mario Cuomo
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 051759644X
Release Date: 1994-05-03

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Extraordinary!
Courage for the Liberal Soul
Great book
Thoughtful and inspiring for discouraged liberals
Another Liberal Manifesto

Reason to Believe
Mario Cuomo
Manufacturer: Touchstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Why Lincoln Matters: Today More Than Ever
More Than Words: The Speeches of Mario Cuomo
Mario Cuomo: A Biography

ASIN: 0684825333

Book Description

<FONT SIZE="+1"><B>The democratic party's most eloquent statesman in a triumph of heart, mind and voice.</B></FONT>

With the unmistakable fire that has lit up Democratic thinking for more than a decade, Mario Cuomo delivers Reason to Believe -- a vivid rebuke to the radical Republicans running riot in Washington, and a clear-eyed, common sense assessment of "where we are, where we're going, and what we should do about it."

Forthright in confessing his party's own failings, Cuomo is remorseless in dismantling the opposition, using the floodlight of his clear prose to reveal the evasion and show the inadequacy of the now-famous, celebrated Contract with America. In its place, he offers a hopeful vision of what we the people might achieve if we can only learn to remember that "we're all in this together."

Written with a depth of understanding drawn from twenty years of daily involvement with local, state and federal government and six decades as th! e American son of quintessential immigrants, Reason to Believe is Cuomo's tribute to the uncompromising wisdom of people like his parents and the parents of his wife, Matilda, seekers and believers who taught him the lesson America needs so badly now: "that what is right is usually also what is necessary; that in helping one another we almost always help ourselves."

Customer Reviews:

Extraordinary!.......2004-05-28

If you want to be witness to a very active and functional liberal mind, it's Cuomo's writings you should explore.
Cuomo lays out several well thought-out arguments against the 1990's republicans, and successfully argues, I think, for the need to strengthen the democratic party, in order to get back to the democratic principles that made this country great!

Cuomo has excellent speaking skills and this is reflected in his marvelous writing.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Courage for the Liberal Soul.......2001-03-07

Already known in Progressive circles as among the best political thinkers and speakers of the last 20 years, Governor Cuomo paints a clear and gripping picture of modern American politics.

From the decline of the middle class and the demonizing of education and government to a new political climate he calls the New Harshness, Cuomo is on target. As usual his rhetoric is uplifting and his points are concise. Economics, Labor Unions and Republican linguistic warfare all get their due as Cuomo takes apart modern conservative thought and puts together a new progressive doctrine for America's future.

Like the title, the content is what it claims to be. Cuomo's thoughts and observations are A Reason to Believe that we cannot cast aside the liberal ideas that made America great. He makes a strong case that these values -- and not divisive rhetoric -- will save our nation.

It's a must read for Progressives who want to do better and for Conservatives who want to know what the enemy is thinking.

Great book.......1999-08-29

I really enjoyed this book. Mario Cuomo really has a strong grasp on the most important issues of today. His views should be those shared by moral americans. As he says we are not all just 250 million lone horsemen riding off into the sunset, we're all in it together. It is our unity that keeps us strong. I agree with Cuomo that the Republicans are all just a bunch of babbling bafoons filled with greed. They are always pandering to the basest fears of people. Man's basest nature is greed and desire for control over other humans....... The Republicans embody all of that. Greed and Control.

Thoughtful and inspiring for discouraged liberals.......1999-01-14

In an age of cynical self-interest, Cuomo's book is water to a thirsty liberal soul. Informative, but neither academic nor inaccessible, Reason to Believe is a sermon and apology for compassionate liberal values as an antidote to the Contract with America's economic social Darwinism.

Another Liberal Manifesto.......1998-08-12

Conservatives will probably dislike it. Liberals will find it a good, fresh rally 'round the liberal flagpole. I'm a liberal, so it was fun for me. But have you noticed how the word "community" is becoming the new flashword among liberals? "We are all in this together," says Mario, so we had better take care of ourselves. Like Hillary Clinton's "It Takes a Village." The use of "community" is like the use of "opportunity" by the conservatives. Both are code words for points of view that, taken to their extremes, can be far more detrimental than helpful. Americans ultimately prefer the middle. Just remember that, folks, and no one will get hurt.

Tony Bennett: In the Studio (The New York Edition): A Life of Art and Music

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Tony Bennett: In the Studio (The New York Edition): A Life of Art and Music
Tony Bennett , and Robert Sullivan
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1402752334

Book Description

Sterling is pleased to announce the printing of two limited editions of Tony Bennett In the Studio: A Life of Art & Music. We are printing 350 copies of each edition, The New York Edition and The Florentine Edition. Both editions are bound and slipcased in fine woven cloth and printed on a luxurious 157 gsm Gold East Matte paper. Each book includes a copy of the exclusive Tony Bennett CD Pop ART Songs, as well as an exquisite limited-edition giclée published here for the first time, printed on high-quality archival watercolor paper. Each print measures approximately 11 x 14 inches, is numbered, and hand-signed by Tony Bennett. The New York Edition, bound in midnight blue cloth, contains a print of Still Life New York, which was painted in the artist’s own studio overlooking Central Park. The Florentine Edition, bound in siena, contains the print A Garden in Florence, painted at a Tuscan villa. Each book also includes a tipped-in, numbered vellum frontispiece signed by Tony Bennett, as well as a ribbon marker.

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A heartfelt life lesson
great present
The Governor's words will always be a learning experience.
I heard you on the Radio this morning .
not bad for a politician

The Blue Spruce
Mario Cuomo
Manufacturer: Sleeping Bear Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Why Lincoln Matters: Today More Than Ever
Jam and Jelly by Holly and Nellie (Individual Titles)
Chrysanthemum

ASIN: 1886947767

Book Description

Illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen

An inspiring story of determination, hard work, and belief in your dreams until you capture them. Former Governor Mario Cuomo shares this endearing life lesson passed down to him from his father.

Papa told Mario that having a house with a yard and a tree to call our own was his very special dream. Papa was excited about moving his family to their new home, after leaving behind their grocery store for many years, and sharing his dream with them. Papa and Mario loved the magnificent Blue Spruce that grew in the front yard of their new home, often sharing quiet moments in its cool shadow. Each year the Blue Spruce grew taller and stronger, holding within its branches their secrets and dreams. Then, one evening, unusually strong winds began to blow as dark clouds filled the sky. Mario watched anxiously through the window as the Blue Spruce fought against the winds...

The Blue Spruce is a story that children will love and parents will love reading. Wonderfully illustrated by Royal Academy of Arts trained Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, illustrator of the bestselling The Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of Mackinac Island.

Customer Reviews:

A heartfelt life lesson.......2000-01-12

This book brought to my heart a flood of emotions that will not likely be forgotten. It is an absolute "must read" for every parent to their child and for themselves. A truly magnificent peice of literature... Bravo Your Honor!

great present.......1999-12-25

My son received this book as an early Christmas from his grandparents. We lived in New York for 11 years before moving out of state. Mom bought it to remind us of our old place. Our son was captivated by the beatiful pictures and the beautiful and inspiring story. He is at an age where stories like this affect him personally. After we read it together he asked if we could visit that tree when we go back to visit grandma and grandpa.In a child's simplicity he said,"see mom, if people try hard enough they can do anything" Thankyou Mr. Cuomo it is a beautiful story you share. Thank you Mr.VanFrankehuyzen for the illustrations that brought the message to life.

The Governor's words will always be a learning experience........1999-12-22

The illustrations are just the way I pictured them at the time of the first writing.

The Governor's sensitivity and caring ways always show through in his writings. Gov, thanks for continuing to teach us with such thought provoking simplicity. My grandchildren also thank you.

I heard you on the Radio this morning ........1999-11-30

I will buy this book for my grandchildren, but most of all I want it for myself. I heard Governor Cuomo on the John Gambling Show on WOR this morning and he was great. I'm a great fan of the Governor and am sure I will love his book. My husband and I grew up in Washington Heights, the upper part of Manhatten.

not bad for a politician.......1999-11-28

I picked this book up for the bold cover. I collect children's books that attract me visually and hope for the best with the text. I was pleasantly surprised with the story. That is why I feel I need to write this review( which I've never done before). The cover caught me first and Mario Cuomo's name peeked my interest. The story read like it came from the heart. The paintings are the best and I have found two more beautiful books by the same artist that I will add to my collection. Very impressive package Mr. Cuomo..especially if you really are donating all proceeds to a charity. Thanks.

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A wonderful collection of Abraham Lincoln's writings
The best short compilation of Lincoln's speeches & writings
Lincoln on Democracy
The Rights of Man
Mario Cuomo Does Lincoln

Lincoln on Democracy
Abraham Lincoln , and G. S. Boritt
Manufacturer: Fordham University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Democracy | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0823223450

Book Description

Back in print after ten years, this unique book brings together 141 speeches, speech excerpts, letters, fragments, and other writings by Lincoln on the theme of democracy. Selected by leading historians, the writings include such standards as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address, but also such little-seen writings as a letter assuring a general that the President felt safe—drafted just three days before Lincoln's assassination.

In this richly annotated chronology, the writings are grouped into seven sections with introductions written by well-known historians: Gabor Borritt, William E. Gienapp, Charles B. Strozier, Richard Nelson Current, James M. McPherson, Mark E. Neely, Jr., and Hans L. Trefousse. In addition, each section's title page displays a photograph of Lincoln from the time period covered in that section, with a paragraph describing the source and the occasion for which the photograph was made.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful collection of Abraham Lincoln's writings.......2007-04-03

This book is a wonderful collection of Abraham Lincoln's writings. Everything is included here, from private letters to public speeches, coving every possible subject from the right to strike, through slavery, and on to Lincoln's views of America.

Overall, I found this to be a wonderful book. With the passage of time, Abe Lincoln has become less beloved by the establishment, and as such he is fading from the public view. But, this book does a wonderful job of bringing him back, and letting him speak for himself. I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.

The best short compilation of Lincoln's speeches & writings.......2004-01-03

This is a book of the highest caliber, making available in a compact and accessible form a set of speeches, letters, and other writings by President Lincoln that rank in importance with the Federalist Papers, speeches by the American founding fathers, and even to some extent philosophical works like Locke's *Second Treatise* and Rousseau's *Social Contract*. I have used this book in a course in American political philosophy from the founders to Lincoln and it worked perfectly (I also used *Lincoln at Gettysburg* and a single-volume abridged edition of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, of which only a few selections could be reprinted in Holzer and Cuomo's volume). *Lincoln on Democracy* badly needs to be reprinted, since no other work like it is currently available. The introductory essays and short intros to each section are by first-rate scholars, and are very helpful. This volume clearly shows the growth of Lincoln's thought from his roots in the Whig political tradition (with its emphasis on internal improvements paid for by taxes falling largely on the rich, free labor, and the supremacy of the federal government). When the Republican party began under Lincoln's guidance, it stood for almost the opposite of everything it stands for today. Lincoln also developed the crucial argument against slavery in the enlightenment natural rights tradition, arguing that the sovereign authority of a democratic government rested on moral presuppositions concerning the natural freedom and dignity of each human person, which, therefore, no legislature could validly violate in laws it makes without losing the authority to make laws at all. One also finds in this book source, such at the Letter to the Boston Republicans, that echo Emerson's and Hegel's arguments against slavery, namely that enslaving others distorts the master's own psyche by basing his self-respect on coerced rather than free recognition from others, thus implicitly denying his own right to liberty. In sum, I recommend this book wholeheartedly to any student of Lincoln's thought, both in politics and democratic theory.

Lincoln on Democracy.......2002-09-12

Lincoln on Democracy edited and introduced by Mario M. Cuomo and Harold Holzer is an anthology written by Lincoln, in his own words with essays by America's foremost Civil War historians. These include: Gabor S. Boritt, William E. Gienapp, Charles B. Strozier, Richard Nelson Current, James M. McPherson, Mark E. Neely, Jr., and Hans L. Trefousse.

I found this volume to be very valuable in understanding, not only Lincoln's psyche, but that of the country as a whole. Lincoln has been called one of the best writers among the American presidents, even though his delivery was not as dynamic. This unique anthology includes such well-known selections as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address, but that is only the beginning. As there are equally inspiring speeches, letter, notes and diary entries. Not to mention a revealing dream that Lincoln wrote down for posterity.

"Lincoln on Democracy" documents Lincoln as an extraordinary leader, taking him from a local politician to a national leader in time of crisis. The reaffirmation of Lincoln's commitment to the ideas of liberty and the savior of the union.

This book is dedicated to the people of Poland as this volume was assembled at the request of the Solidarity teachers in a newly democratized Poland. There are seven chapters in this book dividing it into easily followed and logical order.

They are: "The People's Business" Lincoln and the American Dream 1832-1852

"All We Have Ever Held Sacred" Lincoln and Slavery
1854-1857

"Another Explosion Will Come" Lincoln and the House Divided 1858

"Right Makes Might" Lincoln and the Race for President 1859-1860

"Hour of Trial" Lincoln and the Union 1861

"Forever Free" Lincoln and Liberty 1862-1863

"For Us the Living" Lincoln and Democracy 1863- 1865

This is a fully annotated collection also containing an extensive chronology linking Lincoln's life and accomplishments with the world and national events with photograghs from various periods in his career. The essays are written extremely well and set the tone of each chapter making this volume compelling as we reexamine our republic with Lincoln as our guide for the time period of this book.

The Rights of Man.......2002-02-12

This is a great book for getting an overview of President Lincolns life in a chronological way. We learn how his thinking process develops as he encounters the diverse situations of his life and times. Through actual letters, speeches and business dealings we see the man. We find it is a man in the making. President Lincoln did not arrive full and complete in terms of philosophy. He developed his thesis of the rights of man as he lived the conflicts of his fellow citizens especially as it related to the slavery of the black man. A great book you must have in your personal library. A true resource for any student of civil rights and demorcacy in the western world. Makes a great gift for any student of history.
Respectfully submitted by;
Mark V. Aarssen
Canada

Mario Cuomo Does Lincoln.......1997-04-24

Mr. Cuomo has put together a rewarding synopsis of several of A. Lincoln's Speeches and Writings. He added his own editorial content to make us better understand Mr. Lincoln's thoughts. This volume is easy to read and the themes are current for the times. Highly Recommended.

The Italian American Family Album (American Family Albums)

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The Italian American Family Album

The Italian American Family Album (American Family Albums)
Dorothy Hoobler , and Thomas Hoobler
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195091248

Book Description

An Italian immigrant says, "I came to America because I heard the streets were paved with gold. When I got here, I found out three things: first, the streets weren't paved with gold; second, they weren't paved at all; and third, I was expected to pave them."

Against all odds--a new language, new customs, and the ethnic slurs and catcalls of prejudice--Italian Americans paved the streets, rolled the cigars, sewed the clothes, cooked the meals, and did all manner of back-breaking work to build a new life in Lamerica, the land of success. The Italian American Family Album brings us into the heart of those immigrants's experiences. Through diaries, letters, interviews, and articles from magazines and newspapers we share the ordeals and the triumphs of the Italian American first setting foot on his new homeland.

These personal accounts and family photographs of scores of Italian American families tell inspiring and courageous stories of hardship and suffering. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, the journey across the Atlantic was remembered by many as the via dolorosa, the "sorrowful way." And even after arriving in the new homeland and successfully getting through immigration, finding a job and a place to live, and learning new ways of doing almost everything was a challenge. But there was joy in the new country, as well. The new arrivals were embraced by a community of fellow Italians with a grand sense of humor, an intense appreciation of music, and an even greater appreciation of good food. Life for the newcomer was full of old traditions and pleasure, and we hear first-hand how the old ways endured even as new philosophies and customs were embraced daily. Through the stories of the children of those early immigrants--writers Gay Talese and John Ciardi, entertainers like Tony Bennett, baseball great Yogi Berra, and others not famous, but still proud to call themselves Italian Americans--we see how family pride and strong ties to the old country survive even today.

As Governor Mario Cuomo says in his introduction: "I have always been intensely proud that I am the son of Italian immigrants and that my Italian heritage helped make me the man I am." That pride and the unique experiences of the early Italian Americans are an integral part of our country's history. Through the memories and photographs from the albums of generations of Italian families we meet real people, cut of the same cloth as we are--a many-colored and multi-textured cloth of ethnic customs, languages, traditions, and memories. We are a nation of immigrants, and The Italian American Family Album belongs to each of us.

Customer Reviews:

The Italian American Family Album.......2000-05-14

This book, although written for older children, is a good read for adults as well. It shows the story of Italian immigration starting in Italy, which few accounts do. The pictures from Italy give the reader a setting to contrast with American cities and towns of the times. The interviews with the immigrants give a flavor of the struggles they went through and clarify their reasons for leaving their homes and families. The sections on Italian American ommunities and their traditions and contributions are a source of pride for all Italian Americans. A highly recommended book for those wishing to understand the immigrant experience.

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Mario Cuomo: A Biography
Robert S. McElvaine
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Reason to Believe

ASIN: 0684189704

More Than Words: The Speeches of Mario Cuomo

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I watched a small man with thick calluses on both hands.....
Inspiration in print!

More Than Words: The Speeches of Mario Cuomo
Mario Cuomo
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312113854

Customer Reviews:

I watched a small man with thick calluses on both hands............2001-10-22

An excellent collection of speeches by Governor Cuomo. Governor Cuomo is without a doubt the greatest political orator alive. His "A Tale of Two Cities" from the 1984 convention is a masterpiece. The same collection on video would be even better.

Inspiration in print!.......2000-05-12

This is an excellent compilation of the best speeches of America's foremost orator. While the speeches lose some of their magic on paper (the Governor's delivery is an essential compliment to the texts), they remain eloquent and beautiful examples of the speechwriting art. Consequently, the book will appeal to fans of Mario Cuomo, students of speechwriting, and those interested in history (especially political history in the 1980's and 1990's).

A few speeches stand out as masterpieces, specifically two from 1984. The first is Cuomo's most famous speech, his keynote address to the Democratic Convention of 1984. The second, which is even better, is the Notre Dame speech in which Cuomo explains how, as a Catholic governor, he also supported abortion rights. An entire book could be built around this one speech. Once Cuomo gets into his argument, his every word is carefully chosen. He uses the structure of his speech to construct a penetrating, complicated and ultimately sensible argument. Since this speech, other politicians have attempted to ape Cuomo's argument without fully understanding it by claming they are "personally against abortion, but pro-choice in their official capacity."

This book can probably best be appreciated if read along with other speech books. The individual style of the speakers emerge when several examples are read, and then contrasted with other styles. Ronald Reagan's speeches, which he did not write, nevertheless stand out as evoking compelling patriotic visual images using simple but entrancing language. FDR's are marked by religious-sounding language translated into entirely secular contexts. John Kennedy's are distinguished by soaring rhetoric that was global in scope and timeless in the use of ancient, present and futuristic allusions. Cuomo's speeches are great as arguments. He doesn't just paint pictures, he builds meaning on top of meaning. They are best appreciated as wholes rather than strung-together sound bytes. In this regard, Cuomo is a disciple of Abraham Lincoln. Like Lincoln's, Cuomo's speeches should stand the test of time and give future generations insight into the logic of the speaker's governing philosophy.

Again, the one thing missing from the book is Cuomo's voice. As great as these are in print, they sound even better when he's delivering them. Perhaps it's too much to hope for a video collection. Until then, "More than Words" is more than adequate. It's the kind of book you want to keep for inspiration.

Book Description

Richard D. Heffner is the producer and host of public television's prize-winning The Open Mind—the nation's longest-running public television interview program—which he began in 1956. Now he draws on nearly fifty years of his broadcast conversations to form As They Saw It. Heffner has woven decades of provocative and thoughtful discussions with major figures from Malcolm X to Donald Rumsfeld, Gloria Steinem to Norman Mailer, Robert Caro to Jonas Salk, into a unique and authoritative mosaic exploring the major issues of our time. As such, the book is an account of the past fifty years as spoken by figures who made and lived our history. It is a treasury of never-before-published material from a dazzling array of public persons—both tremendous reading for the general public and a major new resource for students and historians alike.

Political Leaders:

Political Leaders

Political Leaders