James H. Billington

This set contains: two sixty-minute audiotapes that include original live recordings of interviews with former slaves and dramatic readings by celebrities from written interviews; and, a hardcover book that includes a comprehensive introductory essay by preeminent slavery historian Ira Berlin, chapters on aspects of slave life, including relationships with owners, work, family culture, the Civil War, and Emancipation; complete transcript of the live recordings and dramatic readings of interviews with former slaves, contained on the companion tapes; extensive additional interviews with former slaves; little-known period photographs, including some of the former slaves interviewed on the companion tapes.

"Dialogue" is one of American religion's shopworn terms. Although there is much talk about dialogue, very little of it actually takes place. Religious discourse -- especially about politics and public affairs -- is increasingly polarized; there is much contestation, but little conversation. If truths are to be tested, however, there is no substitute for dialogue. Arising out of conferences sponsored by the Center on Religion & Society in New York City, the Encounter Series presents the dialogue of a diverse group of theologians, ethicists, philosophers, and public policy experts from across the political and religious spectrum. - Back cover.

Since the fall of communism Russia has undergone a treble transformation of its political, social and economic system. The government is an autocracy in which the Kremlin manages elections and administers the law to suit its own ends. It does not provide the democracy that most citizens desire. Given a contradiction between what Russians want and what they get, do they support their government and, if so, why? Using the New Russia Barometer - a unique set of public opinion surveys from 1992 to 2005 - this book shows that it is the passage of time that has been most important in developing support for the new regime. Although there remains great dissatisfaction with the regime's corruption, it has become accepted as a lesser evil to alternatives. The government appears stable today, but will be challenged by constitutional term limits forcing President Putin to leave office in 2008.