Description
Book SynopsisThe Human Tradition in the Civil War and Reconstruction brings alive this decisive period in American history by taking the reader beyond the realm of generals, presidents, and the other towering figures of history and introducing fourteen individuals who represent the variety of people who made up the great mass of the nation in the middle of the nineteenth century. Readers will meet women like LaSalle Pickett, whose activities not only reveal a good deal about marriage and gender during the period but also offer a fascinating look at the postwar southern propaganda effort on behalf of the ''Lost Cause.'' A chronicle of the home front is offered in the piece on journalist, poet, and novelist Lucy Virginia French. The abolition movement, particularly as an outgrowth of religious conviction, is covered in the sketch of Charles Grandison Finney. The chapters on Robert Smalls and Willis Augustus Hodges illustrate the roles played by African Americans during the war and Reconstruction. Francis Nicholls''s virulent southernism is counterpointed in the sketch of Charles Henry Foster, whose unionism in a southern state highlights the complexity of choices and motivations of Americans in the Civil War era. Readers will also meet people like Winfield Scott Hancock and Richard S. Ewell, whose experiences illustrate the challenges confronted by mid-ranking military commanders. The naval war, often a neglected aspect of the era, is the focus of the piece on Raphael Semmes and a chapter on common soldier Peter Welsh reflects the important part played by immigrants in this conflict. An excellent resource for courses on this tumultuous era, The Human Tradition in the Civil War and Reconstruction examines a side of this historical period rarely seen in standard texts.
Trade ReviewThese essays offer important insights on the Civil War and Reconstruction through the experiences of a remarkable variety of individuals, from generals to housewives, whose lives were profoundly affected by the war and its aftermath. Making clear that history is, fundamentally, about people, this book will delight as well as inform the reader. -- James M. McPherson, Princeton University
This satisfying collage of real people in the crucible of war reminds us that whatever its overarching political and economic imperatives, the greatest 'force' in history wears a human face. Private soldiers and generals, rabid rebels and Southern unionists, politicians and preachers, all appear in this treasury of personal triumphs and tragedies. Their experiences, packed with genuine drama, provide a thoroughly rewarding perspective on turbulent times. -- Daniel E. Sutherland, University of Arkansas, author of A Savage Conflict: The Decisive Role of Guerrillas in the American Civil War
A marvelous and worthwhile compendium. The Human Tradition in the Civil War and Reconstruction sheds light onto some previously dimly lit corners. I am particularly engrossed and much instructed by the essays on secondary and lower-echelon fighting men, women, potent politicians, and a religious figure of great note and import. -- Herman M. Hattaway, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Illuminates the human dimension of the Civil War and sheds light into some previously dimly lit corners. * Educational Book Review *
This engaging collection of essays illuminates the human dimension of the Civil War era. . . . This book is ideal for assignment in undergraduate courses. -- Joan E. Cashin, Ohio State University, author of Our Common Affairs, Texts from Women in Old South
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Sergeant Peter Welsh: 'Is That Not Worth Fighting For?' Chapter 3 Winfield Scott Hancock: 'The Knightly Corps Commander' Chapter 4 Richard S. Ewell: Stonewall's Successor Chapter 5 Raphael Semmes: Rebel Seadog Chapter 6 Charles Henry Foster: A Unionist in Confederate North Carolina Chapter 7 General Francis Nicholls: 'A Brave Soldier Whose Life Was One Long Battle' Chapter 8 Anna Dickinson: Abolitionist Orator Chapter 9 LaSalle Corbell Pickett: 'What Happened To Me' Chapter 10 Prince Felix and Princess Agnes Salm-Salm: Civil War Royalty Chapter 11 Lucy Virginia French: 'Out of the Bitterness of My Heart' Chapter 12 Charles Grandison Finney and American Religion in the Civil War: 'Our Horrid War' Chapter 13 John Sherman: Republican Senator Chapter 14 Robert Smalls: 'I Stand Here the Equal of Any Man' Chapter 15 Willis Augustus Hodges: 'We Are Now Coming to New Things' Chapter 16 Suggestions for Further Reading Chapter 17 Index
