America's First

by Charles D. Edwards

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 094839062X
• ISBN13: 9780948390623
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Research Associates School Times Publications
• Length: 351 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

AMERICA'S FIRST...RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE GODFATHER

Rituals Of Power & Rebellion by noted historian and calypsonian, Dr. Hollis "Chalkdust" Liverpool, is a masterpiece of scholarship, insight and impressive research. An in-depth study of the evolution of Carnival in the Caribbean and in Trinidad and Tobago in particular, "Rituals of Power and Rebellion" is that history lesson, which needed to be told and which now needs to be read by all people of the African Diaspora. Dr. Liverpool uses his wonderful skills as a storyteller to keep his readers enthralled as he unravels the many layers of social, anthropological, cultural and musical history, which have contributed to the survival and evolution of Carnival. As a history of Carnival, "Rituals of Power & Rebellion" is unparalleled. It covers all aspect of Carnival's growth and evolution. The book takes the reader beyond the shores of Trinidad and Tobago as it examines the strong cultural and social ties, which kept the displaced and enslaved African closely connected to his African traditions, as evidenced by the nature and characteristics of the Caribbean masquerade. "Enslavement, then, did not cut the cultural rope linking Africa to the New World. Rather, there was always continuity and change. The Carnival in Trinidad then, was filled with African traditions of mask, masking, masquerading, singing, and dancing." Dr. Liverpool shows how European and other ethnic traditions also influenced the manner in which Carnival evolved. "The tradition of Carnival, it will be seen, was utilized by the people as part of their organized cultural resistance, to check the imposition of European values and customs on Africans generally. "Rituals of Power & Rebellion" is a wealth of information. It brings together many of the elements - positive and negative - which have contributed to the social and cultural evolution of the displaced and enslaved African. It gives the reader an in-depth look at the traditions and customs of Africa which survived the Middle Passage - those African myths, customs and rituals, which are so important to the heritage of the displaced African wherever he happens to be. That the Carnival tradition survived from 1783 to 196 was due in no small measure to the resilience of the Africans in Trinidad and their determination to carry out their West African traditions despite the attempts of the dominant elites and the Colonial Government to rob them of their memories and legacies. Calypso is traditional Carnival and Dr. Liverpool gives his readers a master's course on this subject as he shows the direct relationship of calypso to the music of Africa in technique, rhythm and style. "The roots of music and dance as contained in the Carnival of Trinidad go back therefore to Africa, where all aspects of community life." The book gives a detailed look at the various musical instruments and the patterns of music, which have influenced the development of calypso, as well as other forms of Caribbean music. It is a fascinating ac

RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE GODFATHER

The vice president is dying of a heart attack. The President and Speaker of the House are assassinated. According to the laws of succession, Senate Pro-Tempore, Calvin Smart, an eager Black senator from Illinois catapulted into politics by a powerful mob family, is the new president. But this drama isn't a multi-million dollar film in theatres It's the lurid plot for Charles Edwards' debut novel America's First." Edwards weaves a fascinating tale of mob politics, drug trafficking and inner turmoil in "America's First." The New York native, who earned his degrees in journalism and public policy from Columbia College and Roosevelt University, once ran for ward committeeman and worked in Chicago's City Hall. But during his teen years, Edwards was immersed in the criminal lifestyle and thanks supporters for turning his life around. Although he maintains that the book has nothing to do with his upbringing (he was not raised in Little Italy like his character Smart), it does reflect his lifelong interest in the subtle links between politics and crime. "I wanted to write a book I would read," said Edwards. "There are people who don't read much, but are fascinated with the Mafia through music and movies," said Edwards. While most readers of the popular book are intrigued by Smart's transformations and the ill effects political life has on his character, Edwards says "America's First" is a criticism of the nation's wqr on drugs. "More than anything, I want this book to spur real dialogue on our war on drugs and the prospects for legalization," said Edwards. The 32-year-old says he's not a full-fledged supporter of legalization, however, he does advocate a rehauling of U.S. strategy. "It's not a subject that's explored or debated about," said Edwards. "More people are getting locked up, but more drugs are coming into the country. When are we ever going to say we are losing this war?" It took Edwards two years to develop the outline for "America's First." For another four years, he dedicated himself to completing his novel. "I didn't have a social for four years." "Good writers spur change," said Edwards. "I hope this book does that." Ytasha L. Womack

America's First

...I found the story captivating, and I was really impressedwith the way the president handled himself under the circumstances. I guess the love for mafia stories has always interest me even if they're fictional. For Charles to touch on an issue like the war on drugs and the role the CIA plays in it could make anyone who reads it, do a reality check. I really enjoyed reading it, and I'm proud to grace the cover as America's First Black President.....JD Mosley

CLASSIC!

This book is a classic. Very informative on the government's role in the war on drugs and how easy it is for a politician to become corrupt. I spotted a few historical errors that could be debated but this is supposed to be fiction so I will let them slide. Nevertheless, the plot was very interesting and I was a bit surprised how the author was able to link a black man to a mob family. Also, the drug bill is a proposal Congress should take a look at. I can't wait to read the sequel (which I suppose Mr. Edwards will bring us sooner than later) because the ending has left me craving for more. This book should definitely be made into a movie. It's better than Goodfellas and right up there with the Godfather.

The Best Mob Satire Ever!

There are two ways to read "America's First." You can take it seriously and scoff at it's ridiculous premise, cardboard characters, horrendous dialogue and preposterous conclusion. Or you can enjoy it for what (I hope) it really is -- a hilarious sendup of the mob genre, complete with Presidential assassinations, all-powerful mob counsels and the elevation of America's first black President.Bravo Mr. Edwards, you've written the funniest book of the year ... I'll never be able to watch The Sopranos with a straight face again.