Neil MacNeil (1) (1923–2008)

A product of its earnest, politically incorrect-at-times, era of the 1950s, I nevertheless enjoyed this book immensely. The author divides topics into chapters that make sense, e.g. religion, making a living, travel, morality, growing up as a kid, etc. There are plenty of examples of his own childhood experiences and stories told him by others to give a real sense of the time and place of Washabuckt, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in the 1890s. I don't think it gets too romanticized either, show more although there are a lot of "these simple, innocent people" moments. But that's okay by me- makes me want to own the book to escape to that time! show less

A product of its earnest, politically incorrect-at-times, era of the 1950s, I nevertheless enjoyed this book immensely. The author divides topics into chapters that make sense, e.g. religion, making a living, travel, morality, growing up as a kid, etc. There are plenty of examples of his own childhood experiences and stories told him by others to give a real sense of the time and place of Washabuckt, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in the 1890s. I don't think it gets too romanticized either, show more although there are a lot of "these simple, innocent people" moments. But that's okay by me- makes me want to own the book to escape to that time! show less

Neil MacNeil and Richard Baker’s storied history of the Unites States Senate is thoroughly rich and interesting. From its inception upon the ratification of the Constitution to its current makeup, the Senate has been at the center of every major American political development. The authors detail the initial history of the legislative body, its complex interactions with both the House of Representatives and the office of the President, its investigative hearings, and how it serves as both a show more model of high legislative achievement and a bastion of corruption, collusion, and callousness. It does get a bit bogged down when recounting the recent history, but overall, this book contains a wealth of information. We get tidbits on Senate orientation, seniority assignments, and some of the lengths senators will go to get both votes from their constituents and their fellow legislators. A dense but informative book. show less

5046. The American Senate An Insider's History, by Neil MacNeil and Richard A. Baker (read 28 Jul 2013) Neil MacNeil in 1963 wrote a book on the U.S. House of Representatives which I read 13 July 1963. He died in 2008 and Richard Baker, longtime Historian of the Senate, has completed this book on the U.S. Senate. Some of the book tells things that are common knowledge, especially the parts on 19th century Senate history. But unless you have been able to keep track of recent Senate doings show more more carefully than I have, the sections on recent Senate history are very revealing. I confess that I did not know the intricate workings of Senate-House conferences that this book makes clear. And the chapters on filibusters are highly revealing, and shed light on the apparent dysfunctionalness of today's Senate. There is an excellent bibliography. Anyone who wants to understand the present difficult operation of the Senate needs to read this enlightening book. show less