Abdul-Baha in America

Abdu'l-Baha, son of Baha'ullah, Founder of the Baha'i Faith, was an exemplar of His Father's teachings - He lived the Baha'i life so as to be an example of those teachings to mankind. In 1912, Abdu'l-Baha toured the United States and Canada, speaking to thousands of people at hundreds of engagements from coast-to-coast. His humor, loving-kindness and personal charisma was noted in newspapers and journals nation-wide. Robert Stockman's book captures the essence of that inspired visit, as seen through the eyes of many of those who met and spoke with Abdu'l-Baha. For those readers interested in unique spiritual individuals, "Abdu'l-Baha in America" won't disappoint.

As a Baha'i, I'll be reading this book over and over, many times. There are some quotes from Abdu'l Baha that I've never read before and the descriptions of the journey are well-written and precious. For non-Baha'i's, it provides a wonderful objective description of some of the history and principles of the faith in an understandable way. five stars!

The story of an exceptional and amazing spiritual man who came to the US from Palestine in 1912, traveling across the country sharing his message of peace with thousands of eager listeners. This book brings alive America in 1912, both culturally and spiritually, and highlights man's eternal longing for spiritual enrichment. It will change your heart.

I studied this book through the Baha'i distance learning site, the Wilmette Institute, and Robert Stockman was one of the faculty. His book about the Master makes his life come alive, and it is instructional as well as entertaining. It is a timeless book which I will reread.

Very insightful with a lot of information on venues and attendance I had not seen before. I was carried along. The author wrote in an engaging style.

He is so beloved in the Baha'i Faith and it took his travels and talks in America to appreciate how much love he had for America and his followers spreading teachings of Universal brotherhood.

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the eight month visit of `Abdu'l-Baha, head of the Baha'i Community from 1892 to 1921, to North America.`Abdu'l-Baha in America serves as careful study of His daily activities from April to December 1912, and an analysis of about 1/3 of His talks given. The vast trove of published books, unpublished documents, newspaper accounts, diaries, etc. are used well to provide a complete picture.While the book is dense and took me a while to get through (especially being a mother of a young child), it is excellent reading.This could have been a dry account - easily, but it is not. Instead, there is a fine balance between stories and historical data. For example, we are frequently treated to the author's calculations of how many people attended talks at particular meetings, or during an entire visit to a city. I would not have imagined finding that kind of information particularly enjoyable - interesting perhaps - but not as enjoyable and impressive as it was.The stories included to demonstrate who `Abdu'l-Baha was and how He treated those He met, easily meld with the historical facts and figures to give the book its heart. The analysis of the talks selected and setting them into historical context was not only helpful but insightful.Dr. Stockman further enriches his narrative and study of `Abdu'l-Baha with perspectives and analyses that were, for me at least, both new and very intriguing.For example, an educational, but not overwhelmingly intellectual, explanation including information from various theologians and historians help explain `Abdu'l-Baha's extraordinary personage to those who are not familiar with the Baha'i Faith or `Abdu'l-Baha.Not long after, Stockman presents another perspective of `Abdu'l-Baha through the eyes of a well-known journalist Mary Williams, whose pen name was Kate Carew, from New York City. Known for her witty, slightly cynical and superficial style, she was clearly deeply affected by `Abdu'l-Baha.`Abdu'l-Baha spoke lovingly, firmly and fearlessly about such complex issues as the oneness of the races, women's suffrage, peace, arms escalation in Europe, poverty, spiritual truth, the oneness of religion. Again and again, He astounded His listeners so that even the most cynical would be impressed and wait to meet Him, their lives changed by His wisdom and authority and love.More importantly, through His example, we learn of `Abdu'l-Baha's ability to act on these teachings: sweeping aside social convention in the highest of social circles or at the simplest bowery hall to stay true to Baha'i teachings of the oneness of mankind.For veteran Baha'is, perhaps the most interesting information will be the historical details of His trip that set the context for `Abdu'l-Baha's talks so that they take on new meaning. Additionally, the work He did to nurture and encourage Baha'i communities around the country is much more clear.For the reader who is new to `Abdu'l-Baha's life and writing, this book is an excellent introduction to His person, His capacities, His influence, His brilliance, His vision, His humility.For both types of readers, `Abdu'l-Baha in America is a chance to enrich our understanding of North America's history as it has unfolded since through the eyes of `Abdu'l-Baha's vision that come from His Father's teachings.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baha'i Publishing Trust through its Bloggers Network book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." [...]

This book is a very comprehensive review of the remarkable visit that 'Abdu'l-Baha made to the US in 1912. Besides giving a concise summary of practically every talk he gave in this 8-month period, Mr Stckman analyses very accurately the varied groups of people he spoke to, ranging from distintrested observers to devoted believers. He describes the background of the many distinuished attendants to these talks and gives a detailed account of the social and political issues current at the time. I would recommend this book to any student of Bahai history.

Book arrived within a week on the standard delivery request. In brand new condition. Really pleased with everything, Thanks!

This book is full of enlightening accounts of Abdul-Baha's amazing efforts in addressing the needs of the age, and would inspire those who want to take example of Abdul-Baha as they engage with the life of society and try to contribute towards its progress. The writer's meticulous approach and research in gathering interesting details of the historical travels of Abdul-Baha in America also helps one gain a more clear visualization of the context of these travels and better appreciate their significance.