Review by Jlreel -- Unfaltering Trust by Roy Ziegler
-
Jlreel
- Posts: 2
- Joined: 08 Sep 2020, 09:35
- Currently Reading: The Testaments
- Bookshelf Size: 14
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jlreel.html
- Latest Review: Unfaltering Trust by Roy Ziegler
Review by Jlreel -- Unfaltering Trust by Roy Ziegler
[Following is a volunteer review of "Unfaltering Trust" by Roy Ziegler.]
Follow the bloodline of the Fitz Randolph family, who play an important, although at times, elusive role throughout the foundations of American history to today. From the origins of the bloodline traced back to Charlemagne, to present day relatives such as Barack Obama and George Bush, Unfaltering Trust is a well-researched genealogical exploration well suited towards history buffs and academics.
Roy Ziegler appropriately provides plenty of documentation in his thoroughly researched piece. Considering this, the plot line is the arc of history itself along with an honest portrayal of the facts and events that occurred during the lifetimes of prominent Fitz Randolph family members. Ziegler accurately touches on subjects such as the building tensions between major religious sects that existed at the time of the founding fathers, how these tensions are related to the American Witch Trials, and how the changing tides at different points in history moved the Fitz-Randolph family across the Eastern United States. The lineage is littered with politicians, architects, war heroes, and humanitarian workers who helped to shape many of the historical focal points of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, specifically Philadelphia. Indeed, the book would prove valuable to any Philadelphia resident wanting to know more about some of the historical sites in their city.
The author does well in relating events within the family lineage to the present day. Although this helps keep the reader engaged in how influential history is towards modernity, this strategy at times becomes difficult to follow for the lay-person audience. Someone not well-versed in reading historical non-fiction may have to travel back up a paragraph or two and re-read in order to grasp the appropriate context. Nevertheless, with a bit of dedication, even those who do not usually find enjoyment in more academically geared pieces are bound to find a few gems within the text. That being said, Unfaltering Trust is a great piece for those looking to learn more about how much work and dedication is required in genealogical research, and would prove the most useful in the hands of this specific audience.
I give 4 out of 4 stars, but would subtract a half star, if possible, for two reasons – minor typographical errors and the inappropriate use of the word “obviously” by the author. Although the rate of errors are low compared to the volume of work, there are still a couple of repeated sentences, commas before periods, and a few missing contractions. All of these were very minor errors and did not take away from the idea or flow of the work, though they were distracting. My second criticism is that the piece is heavily reliant on references to show the reader what has happened, and the use of the word “obviously” without providing context or historical reference is inappropriate. The author may feel an action or turn of events was “obvious”, but this is subjective language and is jarring against the rest of the objective language used throughout. This only occurred twice in the script, and I imagine it would only stand out to researchers.
No profanity or eroticism is noted throughout the book, so it could be used as a great reference text for students. The author does provide a historical scene for comical levity though, where two Founding-Fathers are required to share a bed with each other. This gem will be left up to any interested reader to find. Additionally, the language is straight forward and not overly complex, once again adding to its value as a supporting text-book. Overall, the dedication of the author shines through, and he managed to provide the Fitz Randolph family with a piece they are sure to enjoy and take pride in for generations.
******
Unfaltering Trust
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Follow the bloodline of the Fitz Randolph family, who play an important, although at times, elusive role throughout the foundations of American history to today. From the origins of the bloodline traced back to Charlemagne, to present day relatives such as Barack Obama and George Bush, Unfaltering Trust is a well-researched genealogical exploration well suited towards history buffs and academics.
Roy Ziegler appropriately provides plenty of documentation in his thoroughly researched piece. Considering this, the plot line is the arc of history itself along with an honest portrayal of the facts and events that occurred during the lifetimes of prominent Fitz Randolph family members. Ziegler accurately touches on subjects such as the building tensions between major religious sects that existed at the time of the founding fathers, how these tensions are related to the American Witch Trials, and how the changing tides at different points in history moved the Fitz-Randolph family across the Eastern United States. The lineage is littered with politicians, architects, war heroes, and humanitarian workers who helped to shape many of the historical focal points of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, specifically Philadelphia. Indeed, the book would prove valuable to any Philadelphia resident wanting to know more about some of the historical sites in their city.
The author does well in relating events within the family lineage to the present day. Although this helps keep the reader engaged in how influential history is towards modernity, this strategy at times becomes difficult to follow for the lay-person audience. Someone not well-versed in reading historical non-fiction may have to travel back up a paragraph or two and re-read in order to grasp the appropriate context. Nevertheless, with a bit of dedication, even those who do not usually find enjoyment in more academically geared pieces are bound to find a few gems within the text. That being said, Unfaltering Trust is a great piece for those looking to learn more about how much work and dedication is required in genealogical research, and would prove the most useful in the hands of this specific audience.
I give 4 out of 4 stars, but would subtract a half star, if possible, for two reasons – minor typographical errors and the inappropriate use of the word “obviously” by the author. Although the rate of errors are low compared to the volume of work, there are still a couple of repeated sentences, commas before periods, and a few missing contractions. All of these were very minor errors and did not take away from the idea or flow of the work, though they were distracting. My second criticism is that the piece is heavily reliant on references to show the reader what has happened, and the use of the word “obviously” without providing context or historical reference is inappropriate. The author may feel an action or turn of events was “obvious”, but this is subjective language and is jarring against the rest of the objective language used throughout. This only occurred twice in the script, and I imagine it would only stand out to researchers.
No profanity or eroticism is noted throughout the book, so it could be used as a great reference text for students. The author does provide a historical scene for comical levity though, where two Founding-Fathers are required to share a bed with each other. This gem will be left up to any interested reader to find. Additionally, the language is straight forward and not overly complex, once again adding to its value as a supporting text-book. Overall, the dedication of the author shines through, and he managed to provide the Fitz Randolph family with a piece they are sure to enjoy and take pride in for generations.
******
Unfaltering Trust
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Unfaltering Trust by Roy Ziegler
