Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA very readable and insightful book. -- Marshall L. DeRosa, Political Scientist at Florida Atlantic University and author of several books
This is the best written, most accurate account of the causes and meaning of the American Civil War. . . . A fantastic book! -- John V. Denson, Auburn University
Highly original. . . . Mr. Adams' work, as well as contributing to the subject, makes a lovely example of the way history should be written. -- Clyde N. Wilson, University of South Carolina
The Civil War violently destroyed the decentralized federal system of the Founders and opened a way for the vast centralized empire of today. To legitimate this revolutionary change, Americans have taught that secession was unconstitutional; that the South seceded to protect slavery; and that the North invaded to emancipate slaves. Charles Adams, a northern historian, argues persuasively that these propositions are false. Adams claims that the war was about what most wars are fought over: control of territory, resources, and revenue. To many this book will be disturbing; to others it will be a breath of fresh air. The first step in healing the fractural historical memory imposed on all Americans by the Civil War is to face the hard truths that Adams brings into focus. Having read this book, I can no longer, with ease, recite the 'Gettysburg Address' or sing the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' -- Donald Livingston, Emory University
Adams is the world's leading scholar on the history of taxation. When in the Course of Human Events is a must read for history teachers and history buffs searching for honesty. * Charlotte Observer *
This is one of the most important books ever published on American history. * Forum News Magazine *
This is a well-rounded historical presentation of the events surrounding the Civil War. Whatever you have to do, but do read this book! Winner of the Reformed Library's 2000 Paradigm Award. * Reformed Library *
Delightful and insightful book. The author has provided a well-documented exposure of the real reasons for an unnecessary war. It is a pleasure to read. * The Rebel Rouser *
Provocative, well-argued revisionist history. * The New American *
But if we were to recommend one work—based on originality, brevity, depth, and sheer rhetorical power—it would be Charles Adams' time bomb of a book, When in the Course of Human Events. * Worldnetdaily *
Charles Adams manifests in this excellent book a rare talent—he asks intelligent historical questions. * Mises Review *
There cannot be any better treatment of the causes of the war and the motivations for the Northern invasion than this book. Using primary documents from both foreign and domestic observers, Adams makes a powerful and convincing case. Certainly, anyone interested in truth will gain a great education from reading When in the Course of Human Events. * Madison Enterprise-Recorder *
When in the Course of Human Events offers a sustained challenge to much of the conventional wisdom about the conflict. Particularly valuable is Adams' critique of Lincoln. * The Washington Times *
For those wanting additional information on the subject I recommend the following books: "When in the Course of Human Events, the Politically Correct Guide to American History." -- David Allen * Tuscaloosa News *
A great read is "When in the Course of Human Events: Arguing the Case for Southern Secession" by Charles Adams. This is recent scholarship on an old and painful subject. It dispels many myths which I swallowed "whole cloth" in my school days, and which are deeply embedded in current "facts" about the causes, conduct and outcome of the war. -- Al Coombe * Southern Aviator *
An insightful indictment of our political, military and religious Institutions. * Dunn County News *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 1 The Dangerous Road to Secession Chapter 3 2 A Useless Fort? Chapter 4 3 Lincoln Crosses the Rubicon Chapter 5 4 Whose War Was It, Anyway? Chapter 6 5 The British Press Views the War Chapter 7 6 British Scholars Speak Chapter 8 7 How British Cartoonists Saw the War Chapter 9 8 A Just War? Chapter 10 9 Negrophobia Chapter 11 10 The Ku Klux Klan Chapter 12 11The Peacemakers Chapter 13 12 The Trial of the Century That Never Was Chapter 14 13 Lincoln's Logic Chapter 15 14 The High Ground Chapter 16 15 Reflections: Healing the Breach
