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Consistently provocative, thoroughly original in its methods and conclusions, this book questions virtually every assumption about the conditions underlying collective violence. Written by a sociologist, a historian, and an economist, the study presents a comparative history of group behaviour leading to violence in France, Italy, and Germany. The book demonstrates how urbanization, industrialization, and the concentration of political power in these and other Western countries have affected the means ordinary people have had to act together on their grievances and aspirations.

Marie Graham has driven from Northampton and the funeral of her much-loved great aunt, Clara Pelletier, to Montreal to find her dear Uncle Charlie in the Sisters of the Sacred Heart nursing home, where he has lived for over twenty-five years. Their reunion is bittersweet. Uncle Charlie, nearly ninety-three, is failing. His greatest wish is to know everything that happened to the family that he left behind when he disappeared after serving his prison sentence for the accidental killing of his brother. Marie tells him the story of their French-Canadian family from the time right after World War II until 1980. All the joy and sorrow are here, all the choices made and the consequences described. This is a tale of lives lived in a time of change when old ways gave way to new challenges and new possibilities. Pete returned home from the war determined to pursue his dream of a successful business. Angela learned from her experience working in a bomb factory that she likes the feeling of accomplishment she experienced then and seeks to find that again. Clara demonstrates her capacity to love and to survive whatever life deals her. Marie and Amy and Petey are examples of how the strength of strong family bonds guide each new generation. These are characters to capture your interest and your heart.

The adventures of a young white girl on her father's large cotton plantation in Alabama prior to the Civil War.