Customer Reviews

Left Out: A Political Journey

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To the reader from NYC, Oct. 20th. Did you read the book? At all? The review you gave tells us nothing of the books content and just seems like a bitter, big ego attack on the author. You seem envious. I urge people to go to the bookstore and read a few chapters and you'll see what and extraordinary book/life this is. Then come back to Amazon.com and get it at a steal of a price. Martin Duberman has obviously been on the forefront of the left culture for some time. This is more then just a collection of essays but and education of exclusionary politics that shouldn't be missed by anyone who has a social conscience.

Martin Duberman writes with a combination of persuasive scholarly research and a strong sense of personal passion. This book is a thoughtful collection of his essays exploring so many different and important issues. What makes this book so interesting for me is the fact that these essays were written over the last 35 years,helping the reader understand not only the complexity of many of these issues, but the social environment at the time each essay was written. Duberman's insight and empathy come alive. Duberman's introduction, and his notes throughout the book, enhance each essay. His "leftist" spirit has not waned, and these essays are not only well written pieces with important messages, but they are a tribute to Duberman as an important figure voicing the concerns of those who were "left out" in the last 35 years, today, and for the next 35 years!

For more years than Rush Limbaugh has been alive, Martin Duberman has been writing about the cause of social justice for everyone. In "Left Out", he superbly shares his essays and thoughts over the last 35 years. Whether he's battling the neos over freedom for Gays and civil rights for blacks, whether he's twisting arms to write a book on the not-so-moral outlook on a good ol Southern boy, the works are solid and lively. A very clear and persuasive argument and reasoning why the Left is the only place left for those who care. Remember that from womens to civil to gay rights, the Left was on the right side and the conservatives were in the wrong. Do not miss this book thats not afraid to state that clearly and eloquently!

Martin Duberman fully and completely erases the false distinction between scholar and activist, and shows how a clear moral vision must inform scholarship, and how only good scholarship can make for persuasive political activism. These essays, ranging over a thirty year period, reveal that it's the left in American where true patriotim and love of country reside, because only on the left is the belief that America can do better, and actually live up to its promise. Duberman has sustained this posture of compassion and refined his scholarly erudition for over 30 years. Whether discussing women, blacks, gays and lesbians, Duberman's moral sensibility is unfailing. In these times of ironic resignation and crass if trendy cynicism, his consistent vision is inspiring.