2006-2007 History Series

in this series

Matthew Bogdanos

Jonathan Alter

Dr. Allida Black

Colonel Matthew Bogdanos: Thieves of Baghdad
Matthew Bogdanos
October 12, 2006

During the chaos of the March 2003 American invasion of Baghdad, the city was left open and vulnerable following the collapse of the Iraqi government. The losses were immediate. Among the hardest hit was Baghdad’s Iraq Museum, where many priceless antiquities were taken by thieves. These works date to the earliest attempts at civilization, as early as 4000 B.C.

Shortly after those losses, Marine Col. Matthew Bogdanos began an investigation into the looting of the museum. This challenging assignment resulted in recovery of more than 5,000 antiquities in six countries. His book, Thieves of Baghdad, tells his compelling story.

Matthew Bogdanos had been an assistant district attorney in Manhattan since 1988, when, as a Colonel in the Marine Reserves, he was recalled to active duty after September 11, 2001. He received a Bronze Star for counterterrorist operations in Afghanistan and then served two tours in Iraq before being released back into the Reserves in 2005.

Learn more about Colonel Matthew Bogdanos at Wikipedia

And, this article by Matthew Bogdanos in Culture KiosqueArt and Archeology News.

The Defining Moment: FDRs Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope
Jonathan Alter
November 14, 2006

Jonathan Alter, Newsweek magazine Senior Editor, has written the widely acclaimed “Between The Lines” column since 1991, examining politics, media and society. Alter is also a contributing correspondent for NBC News, where he appears regularly on the Today show, NBC News specials and MSNBC. Prior to joining Newsweek, he was an editor for The Washington Monthly, and has written for such publications as The New Republic, Esquire, Slate, Rolling Stone and the New York Times.

Author of several books, Alter’s latest publication recounts the events of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first hundred days in office, including his famous, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself” speech.

What others are saying about Alter and his book:

“A book like this, revealing the power of presidential speeches, should be read, in FDR’s repetition for emphasis--again and again and again.”. 
- William Safire, New York Times Columnist emeritus

“In this compelling book, one of the best journalists of his generation makes us a spectator at one of the most exciting and important moments in American history."
Michael Beschloss, author of The Conquerers.

Learn more about Jonathan Alter at his bio page on Newsweek and at Wikipedia

For brief overviews and reviews of books written by Jonathan Alter, go to Google Books.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Human Rights Then and Now
Dr. Allida Black
April 19, 2007

Stories of the life and work of Eleanor Roosevelt will be brought to the Salisbury House History Series audience on Thursday, April 19, by eminent historian Dr. Allida Black. Professor Black is Research Professor of History and International Affairs at The George Washington University and Project Director and Editor of The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers. She is the author of several books including, Courage In A Dangerous World: The Political Writings of Eleanor Roosevelt, and First Women: Power, Image and Politics from Betty Ford through Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Eleanor Roosevelt stands out in American history as one of the country’s most active, powerful First Ladies. Throughout the four terms in office of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she traveled throughout the country for her husband, acting as a liaison between the President and the public. Her commitment to human rights was demonstrated all her life, including her time as delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and Chair of the Human Rights Commission. In 1944, Mrs. Roosevelt remarked, “I have never felt that anything really mattered but the satisfaction of knowing you stood for the things in which you believed, and done the very best you could.”

Learn more about Dr. Allida Black from her bio page at George Washington University.

And, discover more on the Eleanor Roosevelt papers.

Rave reviews for Dr. Blacks book, The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers: Volume 1, The Human Rights Years, 1945-1948.

Dr. Black discusses FDR's fireside chat from April 28, 1935 on YouTube.