Mary Robinson was an English poet and novelist, celebrated in her time as 'the English Sappho.' Her literary output encompasses poetry, six novels, two plays, and a feminist treatise. Though often overshadowed by her public life, Robinson's writing offers insight into female experience and societal roles through her stylistically refined works.
Mary Robinson, born in 1758, was a multifaceted talent—poet, novelist, and actress—whose brief yet luminous stage career caught the attention of the Prince Regent, leading to scandalous notoriety. Following a debilitating accident in 1783, she channeled her experiences into prolific literary output during the 1790s, producing notable works in verse and fiction. Despite her initial fame, Victorian attitudes led to her obscurity after death. Recently, renewed interest in her life and writings has emerged, highlighting the interplay between her personal struggles and literary contributions.
The story revolves around the uplifting bond between the narrator and their parrot, who brings joy and encouragement during tough times. Through the parrot's cheerful phrase, "Looking Good, Mary," the narrative explores themes of companionship, resilience, and the simple joys that can brighten one's day. This heartfelt reflection highlights the impact of pets on emotional well-being and the comfort they provide in moments of sadness.
Praise for Mary Robinson: 'As an advocate for the hungry and the hunted, the
forgotten and the ignored, Mary Robinson has not only shone a light on human
suffering, but illuminated a better future for our world President Barack
Obama
One of the most inspiring women of our age, Mary Robinson has spent her life in pursuit of a fairer world, becoming a powerful and influential voice for human rights around the globe. Displaying a gift for storytelling and remembrance, Robinson reveals, in Everybody Matters , what lies behind the vision, strength, and determination that made her path to prominence as compelling as any of her achievements. As an activist lawyer, she won landmark cases advancing the causes of women and marginalized people against the prejudices of the day, and in her twenty years in the Irish Senate she promoted progressive legislation, including the legalizing of contraception. In l990, she shocked the political system by becoming Ireland's first woman president, redefining the role and putting Ireland firmly on the international stage. In her role as UN High Commissioner for human rights, beginning in 1997, she won acclaim for bringing attention to victims worldwide but was often frustrated both by the bureaucracy and by the willingness to compromise on principle. Now back in Ireland and heading her Mary Robinson Foundation—Climate Justice, she has found the independence she needs to work effectively on behalf of the millions of poor around the world most affected by climate change. Told with the same calm conviction and modest pride that has guided her life, Everybody Matters will instill anyone who reads it with the belief that each of us can, in our own way, help to change the world for the better.
One of the most inspiring women of our age, Mary Robinson has spent her life in pursuit of a fairer world, becoming a powerful and influential voice for human rights around the globe. Displaying a gift for storytelling and remembrance, Robinson reveals, in Everybody Matters , what lies behind the vision, strength, and determination that made her path to prominence as compelling as any of her achievements. Born in 1944 into a deeply Catholic family-the only girl among five childrenshe was poised to become a nun before finding her own true voice.Ever since, she has challenged convention in pursuit of fairness-whether in the Church, in government and politics, or in her own family. As an activist lawyer, she won landmark cases advancing the causes of women and marginalized people against the prejudices of the day, and in her twenty years in the Irish Senate she promoted progressive legislation, including the legalizing of contraception. She shocked the political system by winning election as Irelands first woman president in l990, redefining the role and putting Ireland firmly on the international stage. Her role as UN high commissioner for human rights, beginning in 1997, was to prove an even bigger challenge; she won acclaim for bringing attention to victims worldwide but was often frustrated both by the bureaucracy and by the willingness to compromise on principle, which reveal the deep and inherent barriers to changing the status quo. Now back in Ireland and heading her Mary Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice, she has found the independence she needs to work effectively on behalf of the millions of poor around the world most affected by climate change. Told with the same calm conviction and modest pride that has guided her life, Everybody Matters will inspire anyone who reads it with the belief that each of us can, in our own way, help to change the world for the better.
Sierra Leone, Kosovo, East Timor, the Bronx. The nightly news brings images of mistreatment around the world, prompting sympathy but also a sense of distance. A question from a radio host, "What does this have to do with a person in east Tennessee?" inspired William Schulz to explore this connection. In this insightful work, Schulz shares compelling stories from across the globe, illustrating how our prosperity in the United States is linked to human rights violations worldwide. He highlights the costs of indifference, emphasizing not just ethical implications but also political, economic, environmental, and public health repercussions at home.
For instance, the instability in the Balkans has profound effects on U.S. military personnel and their families, costs that could have been mitigated through a commitment to human rights. Similarly, systemic corruption in Asia impacts U.S. businesses economically, while environmental hazards from nuclear leaks in Russia and drug-resistant tuberculosis pose serious threats. Each issue is rooted in the abuse of basic human rights.
Through the stories of individuals like Natasa Kandic, Alexander Nikitin, Samia Sarwar, and Jaime Garzon, Schulz sheds light on the international struggle for rights. He builds a compelling case that defending human rights globally is essential not only for ethical reasons but also for our own national interests.
Including: Live and background of the author -- Introduction to the novel -- A brief synopsis -- List of characters -- Map -- Chronology of the events in Beloved -- Critical commentaries -- Critical essays -- Morrison's published works -- Review questions and essay topics -- Selected bibliography.
