Rising Up and Rising Down: Some Thoughts on Violence, Freedom and Urgent Means

Rising Up and Rising Down: Some Thoughts on Violence, Freedom and Urgent Means

author: William T. Vollmann

name: Steev

average rating: 3.98

book published: 2003

rating: 5

read at:

date added: 2011/11/10

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review:
This is a really excellent book for someone, like me, who struggles with and addresses questions of what is right or wrong often.



Vollmann basically sets out to describe a complete, logical system for deciding when any violent act is justified or not. He uses extensive historical research as well as examples from his own vast experience as a reporter working in a variety of "hot spots" around the world like former Yugoslavia, Southeast Asia, inner city gang neighborhoods of the U.S., etc.



Not only is it well thought out and complete, but Vollmann writes beautifully and makes the subject (almost) a pleasure to read, rather than a dry treatise.



This is the abridged 700 page version. the original was a 7-volume set. He worked on it for 23 years or so.