In this book Tiya Miles explores the popular yet troubling phenomenon of "ghost tours;" frequently promoted and experienced at plantations; urban manor homes; and cemeteries throughout the South. As a staple of the tours; guides entertain paying customers by routinely relying on stories of enslaved black specters. But who are these ghosts? Examining popular sites and stories from these tours; Miles shows that haunted tales routinely appropriate and skew African American history to produce representations of slavery for commercial gain. "Dark tourism" often highlights the most sensationalist and macabre aspects of slavery; from salacious sexual ties between white masters and black women slaves to the physical abuse and torture of black bodies to the supposedly exotic nature of African spiritual practices. Because the realities of slavery are largely absent from these tours; Miles reveals how they continue to feed problematic "Old South" narratives and erase the hard truths of the Civil War era. In an incisive and engaging work; Miles uses these troubling cases to shine light on how we feel about the Civil War and race; and how the ghosts of the past are still with us.
#396986 in Books The University of North Carolina Press 2013-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .99 x 6.05l; 1.32 #File Name: 1469609924414 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Well worth the timeBy C. B. LongOver all I really enjoyed this portrait of the War Between the States from the Confederate perspective. While it does seems a little self centered at times; it is; after all; an autobiography. I loved reading the first hand accounts of battles and movements on ground I'd trod myself; as well as getting a better feel for the mood; times and misery of the era. I also appreciated getting a different perspective from the "other" side; one not taught in many schools these days. I found this book to be well written; poignant; and informative. A great read for those interested in the era.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. TAKE A RIDE WITH STONEWALLBy CAPTAIN DAVID A. SULINHenry Kyd Douglas gives a wonderful account of the people; places; and events with which he was uniquely and intimately acquainted. Such first hand accounts by someone with obvious writing skills are rare. I believe the author was genuinely proud of his position on Stonewall Jackson's staff and his intimacy with other Confederate notables during his period of service. There are those that think the author indulges in more than a bit of self-promotion with this book; but who is left to argue with his observations and recollections? His is quite a story.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must Read for Stonewall AdmirersBy Jeffrey A. FranksThere is nothing more valuable than firsthand accounts of history written by credible witnesses. Of the numerous books I've read about Stonewall Jackson; his valley campaigns; and other engagements; this was the most readable and enjoyable. Note; however; this is not an analytic work; but a view into the daily lives of Jackson and his staff; as well as other generals during several important early campaigns of the Civil War. Douglass provides insight into the diet; language; conversation; daily routines; struggles; and challenges of those he served with. His simple; clear manner of expression places the reader in the saddle; on the march; in camp; and engaged in battle; with those who fought so gallantly and desperately against a much larger opposing force.
