Between 1815 and 1861; American slaveholders and southern Italian landowners presided over the economic and social life of two predominantly agricultural regions; the U.S. South and Italy's Mezzogiorno. Enrico Dal Lago ingeniously compares these agrarian elites; demonstrating how the study of each enhances our understanding of the other as well as of their shared nineteenth-century world. Agrarian Elites charts the parallel developments of plantations and latifondi in relation to changes in the world economy. At the same time; it examines the spread of "paternalistic" models of family relations and of slave and free-labor management that accompanied the rise of large groups of American slaveholders and southern Italian landed proprietors in the early-to-mid-1800s. According to Dal Lago; the most articulate and enlightened members of both elites combined the pursuit of profit with the implementation of "modern" contractual practices in dealing with their workforces. Both elites also used their economic and social power for political advantage; opposing the intervention of their national governments in local affairs. The search for ever-better protection of their respective interests in slaveholding and landed property led ultimately to their support for the creation of two nations; the Confederate States of America and the Kingdom of Italy; both in 1861.Dal Lago brings together two subjects that have generated considerable debate and research: systems of slave and nominally free labor and the elites who employed them; and nineteenth-century nationalism. With its pathbreaking approach and singular and comparative insights; Agrarian Elites will inform not only American and Italian studies but also the very practice of comparative history.
#3209201 in Books Louisiana State University Press 1999-04-01 1999-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.92 x .75 x 5.99l; .84 #File Name: 0807123927234 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A zealot's view of the warBy JayThis work is a valuable read for any dedicated student of the Civil War generally and the Texas Brigade in particular. What makes this work so special is that it was written and published in Richmond in 1863- at the height of Lee's power and Southern dominance on Eastern battlefields. None of the memoirs written years later by looking backward through past events. Rather; Davis wrote of the events of his present and looking forward to a free and independent Southern nation for; at this point of the war in any case; he never doubted it's eventual outcome.Perhaps his view of things was colored more than most since his life more than those he ministered to was founded on faith. Know this right now: Davis was a man of his times; The Negro race was inferior and suitably fitted by God for their role in Davis' society. He had little more use for Catholics or others with religious views particularly different from his own and his belief in his religion was rock solid; four square and unwavering. Some liberal minded readers of today might not be able to handle this work. Just keep another thing in mind: If; and indeed he was a man of his times; he was also singular in his beliefs and opinions. He did all that he could to ease the mental; spiritual and physical suffering of his charges. He entertained no doubt that all he did was guided by the hand of God and the results of his efforts was invariably unquestionably right. If it sounds like I condemn or mock him; you mistake me. I respect him greatly. He stayed close to the troops when he could have spent nearly every night of his service in comfort at some prominent home or another. He worked hard and determinedly and his faith was the product of a strong and indomitable will. Such was the heart of the Confederacy personified; all that was right and wrong with it.However; his views and efforts were not always appreciated or even agreed with. Other memoirs mention Chaplain Davis and they are not usually with any particular affection. In two cases; he was forthrightly condemned for his actions by the writers.The incident was the same for both. As in Washington DC; Richmond was among other things one vast hospital. A place called "Chimborazo" was the primary official complex but other organizations and even private homes provided beds for the sick and wounded. One such organization was run by the "Daughters of Charity" a Catholic organization. They cared specifically to the wounded it being undesirable to expose the women; largely seen as unfit to be nurse in that time and place; to communicable diseases. But soon the government recognized; largely at the insistence of doctors; soldiers; any who came under their care; was second to none and superior to most. As Catholics; Davis could not stand them. He managed to obtain the use of a building and was able to get it staffed to care specifically for members of the Texas Brigade. It should not be hard to imagine his efforts were not generally appreciated by the soldiers.By 1863; Davis calling took him back to Texas and so there ended his narrative about his service in Virginia.I have tried to let you know what to expect. It is a unique look at the War among the many volumes concerning it. You may want to unload it after you've read it but; read it you should. Don't forget; he was NOT typical of a Confederate South and the bulk of it's soldiers.I have not seen this particular edition so cannot speak specifically on it. That's why only 4 stars.
