435 Results with the "Biography" genre


    • Prologue — Muse of fire Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Prologue offers a glimpse into Elon Musk's challenging early life, shaped by adversity and hardship, which would go on to form the backbone of his character and future ambitions. Raised in South Africa, Musk faced considerable bullying from a young age, both at school and in a survival camp he attended, often referred to as a "paramilitary Lord of the Flies." His time at the veldskool, where he was physically beaten and learned to defend himself, reflects the harsh and violent environment that defined…
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      Preface

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      by LovelyMay Preface introduces the life and spirit of Saint Stanislaus Kostka not with dry reverence, but with energetic admiration. William T. Kane speaks not only to theologians or scholars but to anyone willing to consider that sanctity can take root even in the heart of youth. Unlike those who see holiness as the slow work of old age and suffering, Kane boldly defends the idea that a teenager—filled with life, energy, and clarity of purpose—can reach extraordinary spiritual heights. He acknowledges the rarity…
    • Practice Makes Perfect Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to the precise and dangerous task of artillery firing at Fort Sumter during the Civil War. The air is thick with the sound of cannon fire as Confederate artillery crews engage in practice sessions, essential for honing their skills. These practice drills are crucial, as firing heavy guns demands both precision and coordination among the crew. Typically composed of seven men, the crew, known as cannoneers, operates a single cannon, referred to as a "piece."…
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      Pledge

      Pledge Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Pledge became a pivotal moment in the growing political turmoil of 1860, as President Buchanan’s administration struggled to respond effectively to South Carolina’s secession. The resignation of key cabinet members, such as Howell Cobb, the Secretary of the Treasury, and Lewis Cass, the Secretary of State, highlighted the increasing instability within the government. Cobb’s resignation, driven by his loyalty to Georgia and the South, came after he found himself at odds with Buchanan’s handling of…
    • Placing the Knife Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Placing the Knife captures the intense emotional and political landscape Mary Chesnut found herself navigating after the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, an event that marked the beginning of an era she saw as fraught with danger. While traveling back to South Carolina from Florida, she learned of Lincoln's election through discussions among passengers on the train, where it was said that "Lincoln was elected and our fate sealed." Mary’s immediate reaction was one of certainty: she believed that this…
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      Party Malice

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Party Malice settled heavily over Springfield, Illinois, as the post-Election Day euphoria gave way to a palpable sense of unease. The excitement that followed Abraham Lincoln's narrow victory slowly faded into a more subdued mood in the city, where many residents appeared to forget the turmoil surrounding the election. Although plans for Lincoln's formal celebration, a “Jollification,” were underway, it was evident that many were less enthusiastic about the event, largely due to the slim margin by…
    • Part IV — Memories and Portraits Cover
      by LovelyMay Part IV – Memories and Portraits begins with the narrator recalling his earliest impressions of a distant and quiet island seen through a cabin port. It was not just a glimpse of landscape but a view into a different pace of life—one shaped by sea, stone, and the enduring simplicity of human routines. The house on Earraid stood modest, nestled among natural surroundings, where even the trees leaned with the wind’s memory. That visit was not a leisure trip but part of a practical mission tied to…
    • One Very Dark Night Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin One very dark night in late February, a significant, albeit unsettling, series of events unfolded. On February 22, as President-elect Abraham Lincoln made a brief stop in Leaman Place, Pennsylvania, en route to Harrisburg, he was met by an enthusiastic crowd eager to hear from him. Although Lincoln’s voice was hoarse, he managed to humorously introduce his wife, sparking laughter from the audience, which lightened the mood for a brief moment. This public appearance, being his last before his secretive…
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      On the Scent

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      by testsuphomeAdmin On the scent of impending conflict, John Delane, the editor of the Times in London, grew increasingly concerned about the escalating political tensions in the United States. Following Abraham Lincoln’s election, the conflict between the Southern states and the Union intensified, raising the possibility of violence breaking out. Delane recognized that the situation in America could be an engaging topic for his British readers, many of whom might find some measure of satisfaction in witnessing the turmoil…
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      Ominous Doings

      Ominous Doings Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Ominous Doings began to unfold as South Carolina’s preparations for war became increasingly evident between December 28 and 31, 1860. Governor Pickens called upon local planters to construct gun batteries along vital locations such as the Santee River and Winyah Bay, urging them to defend their land with the same patriotic fervor as their Revolutionary War ancestors. On December 28, he took a significant step by prohibiting the shipment of arms to Fort Sumter, although mail delivery was still permitted,…
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