The Jesus Machine: How James Dobson, Focus on the Family, and Evangelical America Are Winning the Culture War

Book Description

*The crucial Ohio get-out-the-vote effort that lifted Bush over Kerry.

*The Terri Schiavo controversy.

*The push for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

*Attacks on Roe v. Wade.

*“Intelligent design” in our science curriculum.

The evangelical right has pushed all of these initiatives, led by the immense behind-the-scenes influence of Dr. James Dobson, the founder and chairman of Focus on the Family: an organization that has grown from its roots as a local parenting advice center to a powerful ministry that broadcasts Dr. Dobson each day on more than 3,000 radio and 80 television stations in the U.S. alone. Dobson has supplanted Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Ralph Reed as the spokesman for tens of millions of American evangelical Christians--even though Dobson is not a minister, but a family therapist with a doctorate in child development.

Dobson maintains that the American political and social spectrums are firmly rooted in a centuries-old Christian tradition--one that has come under siege beginning in the 1960s, spear-headed by court rulings that have undermined the necessity of religion in public life. With the support of evangelical followers, Dobson has garnered more and support than many ever thought possible and has harnessed this power to wage a crusade in support of strengthening abortion restrictions and establishing anti-gay rights litigation.

The Jesus Machine is the first book to examine Focus on the Family as the cutting edge of the larger evangelical movement, backing what many view to be goals in common with the current political agenda of the Bush administration, as it works to become the voice of mainstream America.

Through exhaustive research, Dan Gilgoff, a Senior Reporter for US News & World Report, exposes the intricacies of the Focus on the Family’s rallying cry and the drastic implications they hold for the future of America’s political system.

Customer Reviews:

An important window into the evangelical political worldview.......2007-09-01

I am so glad I read this book. It is difficult for someone like me who believes that the intersection of religion and government is dangerous to the liberties I believe our country was founded on to understand why this movement acts in the way it does. This book helped me to see where they are coming from, without the divisive rhetoric that pervades most discussions of this topic.

I still found the evangelical vision for America a frightening one, and one I do not support, but a little knowledge about the movement helps remind me that these are human beings with deeply held beliefs, however frightening I may find them.

Very Well Written.......2007-08-24

Before reading this book, I expected that it would inevitably take sides on what has proven to be one of the most controversial issues in politics. I am pleased to report, however, that Gilgoff does an excellent job of keeping his own views and opinions (whatever they may be) out of the book, and instead relies on the facts he collected during extensive researching and interviewing. In addition, the book reads very well and flows smoothly; not at all like a textbook. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about the influence of religion in today's politics.

Name above all Names.......2007-08-14

Can we agree? This 2007 book has one of the most shameful titles in recent memory.

Still, please don't let yourself be too offended. Believers can still refer to these pages for top-flight reporting about contemporary national politics, seen through the prism of politically active evangelist Christians, especially author and radio personality Dr. James Dobson.

Use a book cover if you must. That way you won't miss this well-sourced and highly objective account of how evangelical activists helped swing our last presidential election. The author, a USNWR political reporter, obtains unprecedented access to back-room partisan maneuvering involving pastors and Capitol lobbyists. He describes in fighting among evangelicals that helps explain some rather surprising outcomes in recent U.S. Supreme Court nominations, U.S. Senate campaigns and failed attempts to amend the U.S. Constitution.

Church-going Americans vote differently. So, who will emerge to mobilize what could be the biggest single voting bloc in the 2008 election? Two things are clear, judging from this book's in-depth interviews with America's leading Christian public figures. First, there is no monolithic evangelical movement. Second, expect conservative American evangelicals to seek even greater involvement in partisan politics, despite their many disappointments chronicled here.

Next question: will new leaders like Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life), step forward on the national stage to mobilize American Christians? If so, we can pray that they re-read their NIV Men's Devotional Bible to remind themselves that Jesus did not call his followers to be "power brokers". This excellent political book offers a cautionary tale (or two) of how religious leaders and sometimes their followers too easily can lose sight of What Jesus Demands from the World, especially when we stop to consider the Great Commission.

Gilgoff on CSPAN.......2007-07-28

I just learned about Gilgoff's book a few minutes ago when Gilgoff appeared on CSPAN during it's book-talk program. It was aired on a Saturday afternoon and there had to be no more than 8 or so people in the audience. I found it interesting that Gilgoff told of receiving the "nastiest email I had ever received" from none other but the good Doctor Dobson himself. So, not having yet read the book, now my curiosity is piqued. I would like to learn what set off such a nasty response from Evangelical America's finest.

Misleading Title.......2007-07-01

Readers who pick up this book based on its provocative title are likely to be disappointed. It literally is a book about "how" evangelicals are winning, and definitely not a book about "why" they are winning. Gilgoff does an excellent job of talking about how the Evangelicals have grown and expanded, but doesn't provide very much analysis on how they were able to accomplish this beyond surface issues.

The book does not address the core question of whether this expansion is appropriate, nor does it really delve into the history of religion and politics in America. The book begins, essentially, by suggesting that before the modern evangelical movement, there was no serious or organized religious-political force in America, which is somewhat historically oblivious, particularly because Evangelicals themselves assert that religion has been a prominant aspect of our society since the beginning.

I would not say this is even a neutral book, because the net-effect of the book is simply to offer flattery and praise on the expansion of evangelicals because it doesn't touch any of the sensitive issues along the way.

All in all, I would not suggest that people read this book if they are looking for analysis on the subject of evangelicals in America, unless they are looking for a broad, decontextualized survery of the topic.

Average customer rating:

Gosh - where to begin...
The Religious Right
Confirmed some uneasiness I had about Dobson
Hocus-Pocus On The Family
A warranted public rebuke

James Dobson's War on America
Gil Alexander-Moegerle
Manufacturer: Prometheus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 157392122X

Customer Reviews:

Gosh - where to begin..........2006-03-07

Wow - what we have here is a clash of core beliefs. If you look at things from Dobson's core beliefs (whether you agree with them or not - and being in America we have to agree he has the right to believe and ACT on them) his actions and agenda are pretty consistent. Has he or his organization made mis-steps or been guilty at times of hubris? Arguably yes - but I dare say you would be hard pressed to find any organization anywhere that couldn't be accused of the same thing. Dobson admits his human-ness, and his falibility - despite the author's assertion that "Dobson's Nazarene belief that he is sinless and morally perfect results in Dobson's stance that he is morally superior to others, even his employees." I've heard Dobson admit a number of times on his own sinfulness - so this is an example of the trouble I have with many of the inferences the author makes from Dobson's background or associations.

Most of the reviews I've read wind up at a fundamental level disagreeing or mis-stating Dobson's core belief - and the mis-statement I'm guessing comes back to their own perceptions of what is "right and wrong". So - my bottom line is - you've got an author here who - like Dobson - has his own agenda. If you are looking for a "balanced" review of Dobson - you won't find it here. You will find compelling information, and certainly it will serve as a base for doing your own research. Just realize that a man writing a book and changing his whole world view because he got fired by the man he is writing about MAY be writing with a bias of his own. :)

For your reference, here's an example of the misunderstanding of where Dobson is coming from (with my comments in CAPS) from the April 2004 review

"a. Legislating so-called "Christian principles." As a religion, Christianity is to be accepted by individuals, not by imposing its principles into law by decree. The Christian faith cannot be spread by imposing it onto others. REMEMBER THAT DOBSON HAS MULTIPLE AGENDAS - HERE YOU HAVE THE REVIEWER MIXING HIS AGENDA FOR EVANGELISM WITH HIS AGENDA FOR PROMOTING A LEGAL FRAMEWORK THAT REINFORCES DOBSON'S VIEW ON RIGHT AND WRONG ACTIONS TAKEN FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE. ANY LEGAL FRAMEWORK PROMOTES A VALUE SYSTEM - E.G. MURDER IS WRONG, ETC. DOBSON IS LOOKING FOR ONE CONSISTENT WITH HIS BELIEF STRUCTURE - WHICH IS WHAT ALL OF US DO.

c. Furthermore, you don't have to be politically conservative to be a Christian. NO - DOBSON WOULDN'T FIGHT YOU ON THAT EITHER. HE WOULD HOWEVER ON SPECIFIC ISSUES CHALLENGE YOU TO SUPPORT BIBLICALLY SPECIFIC AREAS WHERE YOU DISAGREE WITH HIM. TO HIM THE BIBLE IS THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY - SO REFERENCE HIM BACK TO IT. HE FEELS SOME TRADITIONAL "LIBERAL" POSITIONS ARE INCONSISTENT WITH A LITERAL BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION - BUT IF YOU HELD THEM HE WOULDN'T SAY YOU AREN'T A CHRISTIAN - JUST THAT YOU AREN'T BEING CONSISTENT WITH CHRIST'S TEACHING ON THOSE ISSUES.

d. I am a straight married woman, but I don't think I have a right to interfere in the lives of the gay community. I don't see them as messengers of evil, and I have no vendetta against them, either political or religious. AGAIN - DOBSON'S VIEW ARE DRAWN FROM HIS VIEW OF THE BIBLE AS THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY. CERTAINLY READING IT AT FACE VALUE YOU ARE HARD PRESSED TO SAY THE BIBLE IS NEUTRAL OR "PRO" HOMOSEXUAL ACTIVITY OR THAT IT DOESN'T CAST A MORAL VALUE OF "SIN" ON IT. SINCE DOBSON BELIEVES THAT SOCIETY IS MOST "HEALTHY" WHEN IT HAS LAWS IN PLACE THAT MIRROR BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES - HE IS PURSUING ACTIVITIES THAT REINFORCE THAT VIEWPOINT.

2. His attitude towards women. Many women see Dobson as their friend, but he clearly upholds a hierarchical view of the male as the "head." While this doesn't necessarily need to be a problem (though it often ends up that way) he also puts women into a "Catch 22" situation:
AGAIN - YOU HAVE TO REFERENCE HIS BASELINE VALUES DRAWN FROM A LITERAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE. HE IS BEING CONSISTENT TO HIS BELIEF SYSTEM - WITH HIS CORE BELIEF BEING THAT A SOCIETY WILL BE HEALTHIEST WHEN IT HAS ITS LAWS AND FAMILY STRUCTURES BASED ON THAT BIBLICAL POSITION. SO IF YOU DISAGREE WITH HIS POSITION ON THIS, HE WOULD SAY HE ISN'T PUTTING YOU IN A CATCH 22 POSITION - SINCE WOMEN IN THE BIBLE HAD MULTIPLE ROLES IN HOME AND FAMILY THAT WOULD AVOID THE CATCH 22 THE REVIEWER REFERENCES. AGAIN - DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES ON FOUNDATIONAL ISSUES.
=================================

The Religious Right.......2004-12-26

Frankly, when I watch Jerry Falwell debate his arch nemesis, pornographer Larry Flynt, I am not sure who is more dangerous. I am not sure who is more of a disgusting and contemptible pig.

I was born and raised in the conservative evangelical movement, and I cannot stomach listening to Dobson, Falwell, Robertson, or any of the other imbeciles that my fellow teammates have dubbed their leaders.

What I find very difficult to swallow is how they have turned certain "sins" into whipping posts so they can prop themselves up as moral crusaders. Down with wine! Down with women! Down with wearing dungarees!

But what about being a proud jerk of a human being?

What is equally frightening is that the Bible clearly states that there will be people on that Day that will stand in complete shock when told, "Depart from me"; that somehow they miscalculated all of their moral filabustering and self-righteousness as something that God had intended them to do.

I've met Dobson's son... he's an idiot. Focus on your own damn family indeed.

Hooray Gil...

Confirmed some uneasiness I had about Dobson.......2004-04-25

Because Dr. James Dobson is such a prominent Christian leader, it is hard to provide a critique of his ministry without getting into hot water in some circles. But Gil Alexander-Moeggerle has done his critique, and I found that this book has answered some uneasy feelings I had for a long time -- especially after Dobson became so deeply entrenched into right wing politics.

I will not re-hash the book here. Previous reviews have shown the outline of the book, the topics covered, etc., as well as being able to look inside parts of the book here on Amazon.

However, I will share some problems I began having as I followed his ministry more. When I first started reading Dobson's books, I appreciated his views on the development of children and some of his practical psychological wisdom. However, my misgivings began to crystalize into two categories.

1. Political involvement. Now please understand -- I have no problem with Christians being involved in politics. But I do have serious issues with the following:

a. Legislating so-called "Christian principles." As a religion, Christianity is to be accepted by individuals, not by imposing its principles into law by decree. The Christian faith cannot be spread by imposing it onto others.

b. Although I am pro-family, pro-business and pro-life, I don't believe that the "conservative" camp exclusively owns these issues.

c. Furthermore, you don't have to be politically conservative to be a Christian.

d. I am a straight married woman, but I don't think I have a right to interfere in the lives of the gay community. I don't see them as messengers of evil, and I have no vendetta against them, either political or religious.

d. I get the impression that Dobson doesn't have a clue as to how the poor live and the challenges they face.

2. His attitude towards women. Many women see Dobson as their friend, but he clearly upholds a hierarchical view of the male as the "head." While this doesn't necessarily need to be a problem (though it often ends up that way) he also puts women into a "Catch 22" situation:

a. He wants women to make their homes and families the center of their lives.

b. But then, he has critiqued the fact that women don't seem to talk about topics from as broad a base as men do -- and has even had programs that impress on women that they need to have something in their lives besides home and family. But he forgets that MANY women have made the home and family the center of their lives by listening to HIM.

I worked at a religious radio station for a while where Dobson's program was aired, and one time I had the poor judgment to express some of my problems with Dobson's ideas -- and I was treated like I had attacked God Himself!

I think that Dobson is trying to amass too much power (if it hasn't already happened) and is trying to speak for the Christian community as a whole. Well, Dobson does not represent all Christians.

The best way to "Christianize" a country is for Christians to non-coercively share Jesus Christ with their family, friends, colleagues, etc., and let them accept Christ on their own. If enough Christians will simply live their lives as Christ would have them live it and practice GENUINE Christian love (I Corinthians 13) then I believe that more people will become Christians than through any kinds of laws made by any kind of government.

Hocus-Pocus On The Family.......2004-02-14

I can't believe some of the nutty reviews posted for this book. Some of the vitriol directed towards this book & its author reminds me of the remark Disraeli made about the Jewish fear of Christianity: Jews were terrified of Christians due to ages & ages of "Christian love," i.e. pogroms, demonization, persistent persecution, etc. That same "loving" spirit has saturated many of these reviews posted on Amazon.com.

Whether you like it or not, this nation was formed on secular principles, not on the Christian religion. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison and Paine were deists. John Adams had Unitarian views. The Founding Fathers based their experiment on rationalism, not on any transcendental foundation. They drew their inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including atheists (like Voltaire & David Hume). You certainly have a right to believe whatever you want, but don't rewrite history.

Gil Alexander-Moegerle was an insider in the weird world of Christian fundamentalism. In fact, he was the right-hand man to the Religious Right's most powerful (and clandestine) leader, Dr. James Dobson. Although it may be easy to dismiss it as "sour grapes" and a hatchet job, War On America actually has a balanced tone. Alexander-Moegerle never resorts to trash talk; frankly, I kind of wished that he would have hit Dobson a little harder. Alexander-Moegerle's relationship with Dobson is of minor interest, however, compared to the tell-all on the inner workings of Dobson's operation.

Taking refuge in the tax-exempt status of religious organizations, Dobson's Focus On The Family has played unfair hardball with other religious publishers, such as Word, Inc. According to the author, Dobson also has a penchant for meddling in his employees' personal lives. This is entirely believable, considering Dobson's self-appointed status as America's moral guardian.

Like many a successful multimedia preacher (Graham, Falwell, Robertson, Colson), Dobson makes it a point to lavish support on the Republican party, both secretly through lobbying, and openly. This itself should be enough to revoke the "tax-exempt" status of these men. Dobson's dubious lack of salary is also given an interesting twist, as is his boorish treatment of those he disagrees with. In this light, Dobson seems more of a wrathful Jehovah than a gentle Jesus.

One of the author's most interesting observations is his view on the political development of the Religious Right. It was initially a sleeping giant, awoke to become destructive, and now this giant has to decide as to which path it will take: dialogue or destruction.

The only quibble I have is that Alexander-Moegerle seems to imply that he never would have altered his ultra right-wing views except for the fact that he was fired by Dobson. If that is indeed the case, I'm glad he got canned. Unlike the vast majority of the Religious Right, Gil understands the need for compromise in a pluralistic society. For that, I salute him.

A warranted public rebuke.......2004-01-30

I found this book to be a wise, carefully thought-out analysis of the Religious Right's uncompromising agenda. More specifically, it's an insider's assessment of James Dobson's central role in that movement. Alexander-Moegerle pulls no punches in describing this religious hero's character flaws. However, it's hard to believe he still recommends the folksy Dobson as a radio family counselor. It's like saying you can trust Dr. Jekyll -- but watch out for Mr. Hyde.

While Christ's aim was (and still is) to change people from the inside-out, the Religious Right's aim is to change people from the outside-in, through legislation. Jesus' statement, "My kingdom is not of this world," is ignored, disrespected. Millions of dollars in Christian PAC money goes down a rat hole, as conservative vs. liberal PACs cancel each other out.

Alexander-Moegerle also admires (perhaps facetiously) the marketing and business acumen of Dobson, who became a millionaire via Focus on the Family. The Christian sub-culture is a marketing bonanza for booksellers and religious broadcasters. Gee, how did previous generations of families raise their kids without Dobson's daily program and books for sale? ("Send us a gift of $18 and we'll send you this wonderful book" is a questionable sales tactic, in my opinion). How did most of us turn out okay with parents who didn't mentally consume an endless diet of parental/Christian information? It's overkill, and it makes money for Dobson and his ilk.

Dobson's heroic stature in the evangelical community reminds me of the Armstrong cult (Worldwide Church of God), which I was in for five years. Members critical of the Armstrongs were suspect, blacklisted, and expelled. Tales of impropriety were treated with skepticism and charges of "bitterness." Alexander-Moegerle tells of a similar cold shoulder from Christian broadcasting after his ouster from Focus.

(I should add a personal experience with James Dobson. When I was single, years ago, I wrote to him and asked for his advice on a personal issue. He personally wrote back with an encouraging and compassionate response.)

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Church & State, published by Americans United for Separation of Church and State on May 1, 2002. The length of the article is 3233 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: All in the family: top Bush administration leaders, religious right lieutenants plot strategy in culture `War'.(George W. Bush)
Author: Jim Whittle
Publication: Church & State (Refereed)
Date: May 1, 2002
Publisher: Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Page: 4(4)

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James Dobson's War on America. (book reviews): An article from: Church & State

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James Dobson's War on America. (book reviews): An article from: Church & State
Joseph L. Conn
Manufacturer: Americans United for Separation of Church and State
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Church & State, published by Americans United for Separation of Church and State on November 1, 1997. The length of the article is 1501 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: James Dobson's War on America. (book reviews)
Author: Joseph L. Conn
Publication: Church & State (Refereed)
Date: November 1, 1997
Publisher: Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Volume: v50 Issue: n10 Page: p20(1)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

New England Transcendentalism was a vibrant and many-sided movement whose members are probably best remembered for their utopian experiments, their attempts to reconcile the contingent world of history with what they perceived as the stable and patterned world of nature. Richard Francis has written the first book to explore in detail the ideological basis of the three famous experiments during the 1840s: Brook Farm, Fruitlands, and Henry David Thoreau's "community of one" on the shores of Walden Pond.

Francis suggests that at the heart of Transcendentalism was a belief that all phenomena are connected in a repetitive sequence. The task was to explain how human society could be reordered to benefit from this seriality. Some members of the movement believed in evolutionary progress, whereas others hoped to be the agents of a sudden millennial transformation. They differed, as well, in their views as to whether the fundamental social unit was the individual, the family, the phalanstery, or the community.

The story of the three communities was, inevitably, also the story of particular individuals, and Francis highlights the lives and ideas of such leaders as George Ripley, W. H. Channing, Bronson Alcott, Charles Lane, and Theodore Parker. The consistent underlying beliefs of the New England Transcendentalists have exerted a powerful influence on American intellectual and cultural history ever since.

Customer Reviews:

Scholarly.......2000-09-27

This is a scholarly work and reads like a thesis - a bit dense, but well documented. The focus is on the intellectual underpinnings of the Transcendentalist movement in the mid 19th Century. With the name "Utopias", however, it seams lacking in a clearer treatment of Utopianism is general, or in influences from Thomas Moore, in specific. Perhaps that isn't considered relevent, but I would have liked to have seen it. None-the-less, an excellent source for research in this area of early intentional communities, which were truly the New Age movements of their time.

Scholarly Research.......2000-09-27

This is quite a scholarly work and reads like a thesis - a bit dense but well documented. The focus is in on the theory and intellectual aspects of Transcendentalism. Surprisingly little, however, on Utopianism in general, or influences of Thomas Moore in specific. I was living in Harvard MA, site of the Fruitlands, and found the book useful for research purposes.

Humanitarian Programmes and HIV and AIDS: A Practical Approach to Mainstreaming

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Humanitarian Programmes and HIV and AIDS: A Practical Approach to Mainstreaming
Marion O'Reilly , Vivian Walden , and Mary Vetter
Manufacturer: Oxfam Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0855985623

Book Description

This user-friendly manual draws on field experience from Oxfam and other agencies, offering recommendations on how to mainstream HIV/AIDS in emergencies. A tried and tested resource for training and guiding field staff, it features a number of cases studies including experiences in West Africa and Aceh.

The highly practical manual contains guidance on how to mainstream throughout the emergency project cycle and includes checklists, case histories, and planning tools, in accessible language and presentation. A CD-ROM to accompanies the manual features training materials for use in the field.

Kassandra-Rufe: Deutsche Politik in der Krise

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Kassandra-Rufe: Deutsche Politik in der Krise
Matthias Walden
Manufacturer: Langen-Muller
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Return to Walden West
August William Derleth
Manufacturer: Candlelight Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

San Francisco Restaurants (San Francisco Restaurants (Gayot), 3rd ed)

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The most thorough and accurate guide to Bay area dining.
The most thorough and accurate guide to Bay area dining.

San Francisco Restaurants (San Francisco Restaurants (Gayot), 3rd ed)
Alain Gayot , and Grace Ann Walden
Manufacturer: Gayot
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1881066592

Book Description

Arguably the nation's culinary capital, San Francisco is home to thousands of terrific places to eat. This thorough, discriminating guide reviews over 1,000 of the Bay Area's best, from classic establishments such as Fleur de Lys to bold newcomers such as Jardiniere - plus worthy cafs, markets, and specialty shops. It also covers the East and South Bays, Marin, Monterey, and the Napa Valley.

Customer Reviews:

The most thorough and accurate guide to Bay area dining........1999-07-27

I am very interested in reading restaurant reviews. We dine out very often, and found Gayot's guide to be very right on target. It was great to find a guidebook that also included wine country dining, as Sonoma County is an important and exciting area for food and wine. The reviewers were not biased towards famous or trendy restaurants. They mention several not yet well known "jewels" for the reader to discover. Much better than Fodor's or Zaggat's.

The most thorough and accurate guide to Bay area dining........1999-07-27

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WALDEN WEST
DERLETH AUGUST
Manufacturer: DUELL SLOAN AND PEARCE COPYRIGHT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MW7GS0

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Walden West
August Derleth
Manufacturer: University of Wisconsin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ORTWOE

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Walden West
August, Illustrated by Dotzenko, Grisha Derleth
Manufacturer: Verona: E.V.A.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OVECL8

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Walden West
August Derleth
Manufacturer: E. V. A., Verona, WI,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OV7SPU

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My Hometown

Walden West
August William Derleth
Manufacturer: University of Wisconsin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Midwest | Regional U.S. | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0299135942

Customer Reviews:

My Hometown.......2002-04-23

I read this book because I was given a signed copy of it as a gift (the author is now deceased). I grew up in the same town as the author, and he wrote extensively about the area in many books, not just this one. But this was the first (and so far only) book of his I read. His philosophy is similar to James Joyce's DUBLINERS or Sherwood Anderson's WINESBURG OHIO. The book examines the lives of people living in a specific community and how it shapes them, and although the other books were fiction, Derleth's is not. The book started out very slowly but I stuck with it and it did get better. He tells the story of people in a small Wisconsin town from the late 1800s to the 1950s. Many of the people went crazy or committed suicide. It also has a good dose of nature stories, as Derleth recounts his walks in the forest and marsh in the countryside and describes the wildlife he met. This book is definitely not for everyone but if you are patient and are interested in nature and a slice of life in olden days Sac Prairie (known more commonly as Sauk Prairie or Sauk City and Prairie du Sac), then this will be an enlightening read.

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