Customer Reviews

George Washington Carver: In His Own Words

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Having read other books on George Washington Carver's life I was very impressed with his faith in God, humility and refusal to accept promotion and monetary gain. Not to mention his incredible scientific contributions to all races. I bought this book thinking it would include a collections of his own writings (which it does) to get a more personal view of the man. Instead it seemed to be a book about George Washington Carver in the author's words. The letters are obviously edited and I found myself at variance with the author on his interpretations of them. Carvers human traits are magnified until he is often portrayed as a egomaniac who continually sought the praise of others and was unsure of his accomplishments. Tuskagee is even portrayed as a plantation! (Chapter 4 is entitled "The Tuskagee Plantation"). The other books I have read certainly did not hide his flaws (which all of us as humans share) but I came away with a desire to read more about a man who I came to admire and desire to emulate in many ways. His humility and sense of God's purpose in his life have been an inspiration to myself and my family. My opinion of Carver remains the same. This book will not remain in our library.

This book is filled with an unhidden utter contempt for the subject (GW Carver). The writer is unable to conceal his disdain for the character, often characterizing him as an uncle tom, one who always "seeks the approval of white people", "a mystic" etc. The writer's so called "positives" about the author last about two sentences each, after which follow paragraphs upon paragraphs of what can only be characterized as a condensation of condescending memos about Carver. I definitely do not recommend this book. I am still looking for an objective book covering Carver's work and beliefs - it's a shame he never wrote an autobiography.

A good introduction to Carver, who was a man of charm and impracticality, intensity and feminine tenderness, humility and immense ego, and who was simultaneously devoted to Christian orthodoxy and an ideosyncratic strain of nature mysticism. Kremer's introduction is nicely written and strikes a proper balance between hero-worship and debunking. Despite the black scientist's unusual combination of personality traits, his virtues and faults remained largely constant throughout his career, so some of Kremer's examples seem repetitious. That's no problem. In books like this one, you can skip and skim in good conscience.

George Washington Carver is a pioneer.his accomplishments are the foundations of this Country.a must read for all people who want to know about people that have made contributions to Society&the World at large.