This volume invites readers to get up close and personal with one of the most respected and beloved writers of the last four decades. Carolyn J. Sharp has transcribed numerous table conversations between Walter Brueggemann and his colleagues and former students, in addition to several of his addresses and sermons from both academic and congregational settings. The result is the essential Brueggemann: readers will learn about his views on scholarship, faith, and the church; get insights into his "contagious charisma," grace, and charity; and appreciate the candid reflections on the fears, uncertainties, and difficulties he faced over the course of his career. Anyone interested in Brueggemann's work and thoughts will be gifted with thought-provoking, inspirational reading from within these pages.

August Harder is the primogenitor of the Harder family in Arkansas. He came as a child of five to the Sugarloaf valley in southern Sebastian County with his uncle and aunts. Forced by the depredations of marauders in the Civil War to move into Fort Smith, he married, had a family, and remained there the rest of his life. Around 1899 August began a family history and continued it until the last entry three months before his death in 1920. It is his history that forms the basis of this present work. The author places August and Louise and their family into the milieu of nineteenth century western Arkansas. He provides a synopsis of Augusts ancestors and shows how his family and descendants have flourished from pioneer days to present times.