The Bandit King: Lampiao of Brazil

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest Bandit Of All Time.......2003-01-12

"Greatest" is a mixed compliment, since many bandits are violent, even sadistic sociopaths. But most bandits' careers lasted one, two, perhaps three years at most before being snuffed out by the (so-called) forces of law and order. But Lampaio (Virgulino Ferreira) was a successful bandit for 16 years, from 1922-38 in Northeast Brazil, a drought-prone region of great poverty and inequality that was long a fertile breeding ground for banditry. By that standard alone, he surely was one of the greatest. He was extremely shrewd and resourceful, and one reason for his longevity was that he avoided clashes with armed opponents whenever possible, though he could fight well when he had to.

Chandler superbly recreates the life and times of Lampiao, and due to the timing of his investigations this effort is unlikely to be surpassed. His 1970s research led him to many people who knew or encountered Lampaio, and his oral data becomes more valuable with each eyewitnesses' passing. Chandler also uses a wide range of other sources, including police reports and other archival materials, newspaper articles, photographs, folktales and songs. Lampiao was among the best-documented bandits ever, partly because of the growth of various modern media during his lifetime, but also because he was something of a publicity hound, clearly relishing his notoriety and even negotiating with a film producer to play himself on screen (too bad it never happened!). But make no mistake: he was a very dangerous criminal, and an outlaw's life in the harsh Nordeste backlands was anything but romantic. Brazil's modernizing Vargas regime of the 1930s eventually tired of the disorder and bad press associated with banditry, and directed sufficient resources toward combating the phenomenon. By 1938 when he was betrayed, ambushed and beheaded, Lampiao was a throwback to an earlier era.

One of the strengths of "The Bandit King" is Chandler's skill in addressing broader issues raised by Lampaio's career. The best-known is the question of social banditry. The archetypal social bandit for English readers is, of course, Robin Hood, and the myth of social bandits has them "robbing from the rich to give to the poor." This rarely happened in history, and the author uncovered little reliable evidence that Lampaio ever redistributed wealth---except to himself, his band and supporters. But Chandler partially redefines social banditry by noting that bandits often were admired by the powerless who were at the mercy of corrupt officials and vicious policemen. Violent men who resisted an oppressive state could thus be heroes even to those they declined to help directly, and might even victimize. This book also fully documents a crucial but neglected aspect of successful bandits: they received protection from landowners and other powerful patrons, who might employ them to do their own dirty work. Lampaio would not have survived as long as he did without hideouts and material support provided by men whose word was law in their own lands.

BJ Chandler has produced a rare work: a thoroughly scholarly book that compels popular attention. "The Bandit King" is very well-written and exciting, though some readers will flinch at the accounts of brutality. Barring discovery of new sources, it is likely the best, if not last, word, and compares well with the finest Brazilian scholarship. More information on the Nordeste and its bandits is in R. Chilcote ed., "Protest and Resistance in Angola and Brazil," J. de Castro, "Death in the Northeast," and J. Guimaraes Rosa, "The Devil to Pay in the Backlands," a major Brazilian novel. On social bandits, the classic if controversial study is E. Hobsbawm, "Bandits," which receives a telling critique in an African context in D.Crummey ed., "Banditry, Rebellion and Social Protest in Africa." An insightful Mexican study is P. Vanderwood, "Disorder and Progress."

The Brazilian Brigand, Lampiao.......2001-07-20

This is the only book so far on Lampiao in English. It is a riveting account. Besides his ugly side toward informants who ratted on him, Chandler mentions Lampiao had a humane side toward those who supported him and his brigands. Chandler also describes some of the tactics the Bandit King used to elude the "volantes" (police) --- walking backwards over their footprints, and wearing animalskins on their shoes to avoid leaving footprints, among others. But for how long can one continue to literally get away with murder?? The atrocities he committed on his enemies are squeamish to read (I won't mention them, here). For these gory acts, it is no wonder he and his gang met their grisly end in Angicos. Also, the book is very descriptive about life in Northeastern Brazil during the 1920's and '30's. While reading, I've tried to envision these isolated areas with their arid, rough terrain. An interesting, yet, at times, disturbing, biography.

Rebel with a cause.......2000-04-13

If you just love the American Western heroes you must read about Lampião and Maria Bonita's life, something like Bonnie & Clyde story with many similarities betweem their stories. Even with some research problems, the book gives a human and real overview about the true story. A must read book if you want to understand the spirit of the most influential people in the Brazilian etnical formation, the northeast people.

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MandM and the Mummy Mess
Pat Ross
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJA8ZE

Customer Reviews:

A Lot of about Nothing.......2005-11-13

Purely descriptive book written to get money from custommers. After I read it I still did not know how to play poker. A lot of unuseful information. For example, short chapter about holdem ends "If you want to learn how to play holdem buy my next book".

Great primer ..........2005-11-03

This was the first of four poker books that I've read (The Big Poker Book, Super Systems II; and Sklansky's books: The Theory of Poker, and Hold'Em Poker for Advanced Players). The Big Poker book was an excellent primer, and starts with the right message, "poker isn't about winning or losing but making the best possible decision with the information you have."

I like the writer's style, you get the sense that he is a real person not a professor or prima donna. The other books are much more technical, and easy to get bogged down in.

After watching the WSOP, I was itching to go all-in but the book gets you thinking about the fundamentals. A good read ...

Hidden Treasure.......2004-09-07

This book is an excellent tool for those trying to understand the game, or for those that are looking for strategies to increase their winning odds. From the first complete history of the game, to explaining the play of the game and many different variations of each game, this book assists you step-by-step in learning and mastering the game of Poker. I've now actually started to win with my buddies each month!!!

Book Description

Using an assortment of her favourite maxims, adages, and sayings, Pattis inspiring collection gives practical guidance and instruction on how to live a fulfilling and rewarding life. Her humourous anecdotes and touching personal experiences transform what could have been abstract advice into unforgettable, real-life wisdom.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2003-05-13

What a blessing! This book will encourage your heart and soul.

Patti's Words of Wisdom.......2003-04-17

Patti's Pearls was a inspirational read for me. She shared
some lessons of wisdom which was passed on to her.

It was as if you were having a sister girl conversation and she was and did tell it like it is as she sees it .
So much truth to the words of wisdom and great lessons to think about.
I highly recommend Patti's Pearl for a fast and inspirational read. Who knows you might even learn something from her book of life. I sure did.
You might understand some things in your life. Patti, 4.5* for sharing your words of wisdom .

Lessons in Life From a Sister Who Has Lived It.......2003-04-11

In Patti's Pearls, singer/entertainer Patti LaBelle with Ebony columnist, Laura Randolph Lancaster, gives her readers lessons, anecdotes, and pearls of wisdom that she has culled over the years. She takes incidents from her life as an entertainer, daughter, sister, and mother to reveal the fears, trials and joys of life.

Each chapter is headed by a title that will grab and take hold of your senses and make you contemplate, such as "Many a false step is made by standing still", "If you can't be the tablecloth, don't be the dishrag", and "The best way to predict your future is to create it". She shares the heartaches of losing her sisters to illness and the fickle world of show business. She shares candidly the heartache of the end of her long-time marriage and the determination to move on, hopeful that the future promises a brighter future.

This is a little book with big ambitions, not unlike many of the feel-good, self-help books that are offered by many entertainers who want to share their triumphs over adversities. This book is forthright but does not have a preachy tone that can be a turn-off as some other similar books do. I keep this book next to my bed to grab and read a chapter at will for a quick uplifting pick-me-up. Tell it Patti!

Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub

Real gems...Lessons to live by!.......2003-02-07

For 40 years as a singer, Patti LaBelle has mesmerized us with a style that many imitate but rarely duplicate. The stylistic rendering of this diva of song from her third Literary effort, Patti's Pearls: Lessons In Living Genuinely, Joyfully, Generously, are self-help inspirational guidelines delivered in a believable idiom much like her singing -- with invigorating energy that implores one to sit up and listen. After listening, I couldn't help but bring to mind my own upbringing, remembering much of the same logic being dispensed here. Written in tandem with her longtime friend, Laura Randolph Lancaster, this offering is in audio form which adds a different, if not compelling. version in light of Patti's stage machinations.

If the intent is to truly inspire, cajole, and motivate, one easily wonders whether these "pearls" are a direct result from personal tragedy, mayhem, or situations from being there. One thing that I feel listeners will agree with is her candor and down-to-earth voice capturing valuable lessons. If you're looking for something different, perhaps you must take a look at yourself before giving this audio-book a chance, especially if it's perceived that they all are one and the same. I feel that to each his own, and one must give a meaningful listen to get the gist of what this author is trying to say. I recommend it¡¦listen for what it's worth. This would be "the perfect anecdote for the ultimate secret of happiness; to grow wise before you grow old" as Patti opined in one of her pearly delights. Give it a shot!

Have a big slice of wisdom pie!.......2002-09-04

Here is a novel that anyone can pick up and learn something about Ms. LaBelle and themselves. With this book, Patti has given her story in 145 pages, including the life lessons that she's learned, from rectifing mistakes, forgiving past discretions, and moving on from tragedies and life's pitfalls. Not every bad time is to be mire with regret and left to stewed over, and every good moment to be taken for granted. With this offering, Patti's not just reciting her stories, but giving insight on how we can live day to day and see the possibilites that we have to offer ourselves and to the world at large. Very inspirational and extremely provoking, Patti LaBelle is a real testement to all of us with love in our hearts and hopes of a better tomorrow.

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Vatican 101

A helpful and insightful guide to the thought of the Vatican!

Not a thrill ride.

Objective View? Don't Believe It

how to elect a Pope

All the Pope's Men: The Inside Story of How the Vatican Really Thinks
John L. Jr Allen
Manufacturer: Image
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Vatican | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
General | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Roman Catholicism | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

Inside the Vatican: The Politics and Organization of the Catholic Church

The Rise of Benedict XVI: The Inside Story of How the Pope Was Elected and Where He Will Take the Catholic Church

Opus Dei: An Objective Look Behind the Myths and Reality of the Most Controversial Force in the Catholic Church

Conclave: The Politics, Personalities, and Process of the Next Papal Election

The Incredible Book of Vatican Facts and Papal Curiosities

ASIN: 0385509677
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Book Description

A fascinating and enlightening look at the world’s oldest and most mysterious institution, written by an American journalist with unparalleled knowledge about the Vatican's past and present.

The sexual abuse scandals that shook American and British Catholicism in 2002 brought to light a long-standing cultural gap between the English-speaking Catholic world and the Vatican. In Rome, the crisis was often seen as an attack on the Church mounted by money-hungry lawyers, a hostile press, and liberal activists who used it as a way to turn attention on such concerns as celibacy, women’s ordination, and lay empowerment. When the Vatican struck down the U.S. bishops’ draft for handling allegations of sexual abuse, many saw it as an attempt to curb an independent American Catholic church. Yet, as time passed, it became clear that the Vatican’s well-founded concerns about due process were shared by most liberal U.S. bishops and canon lawyers.

ALL THE POPE’S MEN is a lucid, in-depth guide to the sometimes puzzling, often incomprehensible inner workings of the Vatican. It reveals how decisions are made, how papal bureaucrats think, and how careers in the Roman Curia are shaped. It debunks the myths that have fed the distrust and suspicions many English-speaking Catholics harbor about the way the Vatican conducts its business, explains who really wields the power, and offers entertaining profiles of the personalities, historical and present-day, who have wielded that power for good and for bad. A thoughtful analysis of the recent sexual abuse crisis sheds light on how the Vatican perceives the Church in the United States.

Balanced, lively, and filled with Vatican history and lore, ALL THE POPE’S MEN provides the general reader with an authoritative picture of the highly charged relationship between the Vatican and the richest, most influential national Catholic church in the world today.

Customer Reviews:

Vatican 101.......2007-06-11

I found the book to be a very interesting read. As a convert I have picked up little pieces of information here and there on how the Holy See operates along with the basic structure. The first chapter in and of itself is a good reason to read this book. Vatican 101 gives a broad overview of the Vatican especially the various dicasteries. An overview of the purpose and function of each of the dicasteries is discussed a long with various positions such as Secretary of State and other support offices.

The next chapter points out and discusses what he calls the Top Five Myths About the Vatican. Addressed is the fact that most reporters think of the Vatican as some cohesive whole or how they confuse a personal opinion of someone working in the Curia as "Vatican says." He also addresses who's in charge, Vatican secrecy, Vatican Wealth, and the charges of the predominance of ladder climbing. All of this rebuttals to these are in depth and I especially found informative the section on Vatican wealth. He made the comparison that the Vatican operates at half the cost of Notre Dame here in the states and goes on to address the material worth of the churches themselves and the art within. All of the priceless pieces of art are itemized at $1.00 since they really can't be sold.

Other chapters include Vatican psychology, sociology, and theology. The chapter on Vatican psychology covers what he classes as the Top Ten Vatican Values. I think his writing on this is very insightful on the values he picked out and a great aid in understanding how many in the Vatican see their service. There is also much discussion on the gap between how much of the Vatican sees things compared to other countries. The focus though is primarily between the Catholic Church in America and the Holy See, though much of the gap applies equally to most countries. America being on fast-food time think everything must happen at a lightning pace and think the Vatican should do the same. That whatever happens in the Church in America must become the Vatican's priority despite the fact that the problem might not be be the same in the rest of the world. The last two chapters address the sexual abuse scandal and the war in Iraq listing detailed examples of this gap in understanding.

The book was apparently written while Pope John Paul II was still alive so some of what is in it is slightly dated. The book was reworked to mention Pope Benedict at times, but mostly this has no effect on the value of the book. One of the dated items I found funny was the mention of the fact that Pope's don't give interviews. True enough at least before Pope Benedict was elected.

I do wish most reporters covering the Vatican would read this book so they would have a better clue what they are reporting on. As a long-distance armchair Vatican watcher I found much worthwhile in this book as far as straight factual information and a better insight into the goings on in Vatican City. In short if you want to learn more about the Holy See and want a highly readable book to do it I can easily recommend this book.

A helpful and insightful guide to the thought of the Vatican!.......2006-09-18

John Allen has done a spectacular job! This is wonderful introduction into the practice and thought of the Roman Curia and the structure of the Holy See. While it is not exhaustive, with consideration of the fact that no presentation of the complex system that is the Vatican can be, it is probably one of the best windows into that world out there. Allen's presentation is intelligent, thorough and considerate. Always respectful of the institution with its tradition and solemnity, Allen helps to elucidate that which has been so misunderstood for so long.

While providing interesting historical commentary, Allen makes great effort to illustrate the current state of matters. It is important to note that this is slightly outdated at this point in that Allen is writing during the pontificate of John Paul II, two years before the election of Benedict XVI. While direct reference to the "current pope" in his book still provides the reader with supplemental information on the policy and practice of the late John Paul II, it should be noted that it may not be the same today. What is helpful though is his presentation on the theology, psychology and sociology of the Roman Curia, which would appear to still be very applicable.

This is a well-written work that rates careful consideration. I highly recommend it.

Not a thrill ride........2006-02-23

This book was a bit antiseptic. The author tells the story in a seeminingly factual way but without any real dramatic impact. If you're interested in a report without scandal or drama, then this is for you. It is my suspicion, however, that this story would have required an allowance of scandal and factual drama to make it truly accurate!

Objective View? Don't Believe It.......2006-01-22

The author presents himself as a benign observer of the Vatican, claiming not to be an apoligist for it. Don't believe it. While his tone is measured and far from strident, he clearly views the Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church as the sine qua non of Christianity. For him, the pope is the premier Christian leader who is ultimately responsible for all of Christendom worldwide. Pat Robertson, among others, might disagree.

The book does provide a fairly straightforward description of the structure and functioning of the Vatican as a bureaucracy. And the author does put it all in some measure of historical perspective (for instance, he observes that about 150 years ago the Vatican was very much pro death penalty to the point of having it's own, well oiled guillotine--now blessedly warehoused). But most of his take on the Vatican is from a deeply admiring, pro-Catholic angle. Criticism is light and glossy.

Now about the writing style...if you like cliches, you will worship the ground this book walks on! The author has a cliche up every sleeve, which is more than you can shake a stick at! It got so bad that I had to put the thing down every few pages to keep from screaming. Doesn't this man have an editor?

So if you want a minimally informative, superficial description of how the Vatican operates on a daily basis, this book might be for you (assuming you love cliches like the plague). A bonus is that the dust cover design is very nice (would look stunning on your coffee table next to the holy water bottle).

But if you want something substantial that peers well behind the black curtain of obfuscation, go for Garry Wills' "Papal Sin: Structures of Deceipt". Now there's a book you can sink your triple tiara into!

how to elect a Pope.......2005-10-09

A very good detailed account of how a Pope is elected, surpassed probably only by that of Lucien gregoire' Murder in the Vatican.

Books received from various publishers.(Book Notes)(Book Review) : An article from: Catholic Insight

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Books received from various publishers.(Book Notes)(Book Review) : An article from: Catholic Insight

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Vatican | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Catholic Insight, published by Catholic Insight on November 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1365 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: Books received from various publishers.(Book Notes)(Book Review)
Publication: Catholic Insight (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2004
Publisher: Catholic Insight
Volume: 12 Issue: 10 Page: 42(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The Vatican vs. "Americanism".(The public square: a continuing survey of religion, culture, and public life)(Book Review): An article from: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life

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The Vatican vs. "Americanism".(The public square: a continuing survey of religion, culture, and public life)(Book Review): An article from: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life
Richard John Neuhaus
Manufacturer: Institute on Religion and Public Life
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, published by Institute on Religion and Public Life on December 1, 2004. The length of the article is 3954 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: The Vatican vs. "Americanism".(The public square: a continuing survey of religion, culture, and public life)(Book Review)
Author: Richard John Neuhaus
Publication: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 2004
Publisher: Institute on Religion and Public Life
Issue: 148 Page: 68(5)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

This collection on women's community activism demonstrates the diversity of women's struggles against violence, homophobia and racism, and for housing, civil rights, economic security, educational equity and environmental justice. It focuses on the complex ways that gender, race-ethnicity, culture, class and sexuality shape women's political consciousness and organizing in the US. Offering an interdisciplinary perspective, the collection includes case studies of activism among lesbians, Hmong women, white European American women, Korean American and African American women, as well as Latinas and Native Americans.
Contributors: Sharon Bays, Maylei Blackwell, Sharon Cotrell, Roberta M. Feldman, Sherna Berger Gluck, Karen harper, Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo, Carolyn Howe, Karen Kendrick, Celene Krauss, Nancy A. Naples, Mary Pardo, Lisa Sun-Hee Park, Leila Rupp, Virginia Rinaldo Seitz, Susan Stall, Susan Parkison Stern, Verta Taylor, Judith Wittner and Patricia A. Wright.

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Environmental Action Guide: Action for a Sustainable Future
Ann S. Causey
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0534538835

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Instructor's guide for Environmental science, action for a sustainable future
Ann S Causey
Manufacturer: Benjamin/Cummings Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 0805310320

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