PositiveMediumWineapple is superb in her storytelling and, more importantly, she is able to glean the big-picture takeaways from Johnson’s impeachment from a historical perspective. You will leave The Impeachers not just knowing the blow-by-blow details of how and why the impeachment happened. You’ll have a greater understanding of how this episode fits into the larger narrative and lessons of the Civil War and Reconstruction ... This \'dream of a just nation\' is what should make politicians tick. Brenda Wineapple’s The Impeachers is clear in this regard, and it was nice to see these American ideals at work in history. It is surprising how fun a book about impeachment can be.
Juan Cole
RaveMediumThis is both enlightening and important in our current context, as Islam is seen as a religion predicated on violence and conquest. Cole breaks down these preconceived notions throughout the book ... It is interesting to see the ways that Islam has changed since Muhammad, and Cole spends the conclusion of Muhammad detailing these changes as compared to Muhammad’s teachings. As a historical argument, it is highly compelling ... [Cole] approaches the topics without partiality and using historical documentation responsibly to make his points. He also is very upfront on the similarities between Muhammad’s teachings, Judaism, and Christianity. Muhammad often paraphrases parts of the Talmud or the Bible, and Cole points out a plethora of examples ... Pluralism and inclusivism also provide major themes ... His analysis of Muhammad’s religion on these grounds is enthralling ... highly illuminating and thought-provoking.
