The Hanover Tavern outside Richmond was a place of refuge during the Civil War. Life at the Tavern was not always safe as residents weathered frequent Union cavalry raids on nearby railroads; bridges and farms. Margaret Copland Brown Wight and some of her family braved the war at the Tavern from 1862 until 1865 in the company of a small community of refugees. She kept a diary to document each hardship and every blessing--a day of rain after weeks of drought; news of her sons fighting in the Confederate armies or word from her daughter caught behind enemy lines. Wight's diary; discovered more than a century after the war; is a vital voice from a time of tumult. Join The Hanover Tavern Foundation as the diary is presented here for the first time.
#2078581 in Books Regnery History 2013-09-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.80 x 6.10l; 1.80 #File Name: 1621570827328 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Worthwhile ReadBy Millicent EidsonSheldon Bart takes on a story that has been controversial since Bernt Balchen publicly accused Admiral Richard Byrd of contriving a hoax shortly after Byrd's death. Others have subsequently "analyzed" Byrd's flight in an effort to condemn his claim of being the first to fly over the North Pole. Bart takes on these challenges methodically and logically; presenting evidence to the contrary. His explanation of the navigation tools and techniques available in the 1920's was especially enlightening. This is a well-researched and well-written account of a competition among polar explorers who who would meet again at the opposite end of the earth and each establish their own "firsts."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must read for the 1920's and the history early aviation.By chance G.This is an impressive book; both in its writing and in the research. Bart has done much research on topics of considerable controversy (e.g. Richard Byrd's flight to the North Pole in 1926) and has depicted the era and characters in a vivid and entertaining way. Anyone who has an interest in the history of early aviation; the 1920's; and the career of Richard Byrd should read this book. Particularly noteworthy are the chapters entitled "The Grassy Knoll of Aviation." Byrd's achievement of the North Pole has been in doubt in recent years and Bart reviews the charges of fraud and incompetence and provides evidence that supports Byrd. In the book; Byrd is an accomplished navigator; a meticulous organizer; and one who advanced the progress of aviation; especially in aerial navigation and engineering. Well done! Throughout the book keeps ones interest; as Bart has a lively literary style.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An exciting story packed with information!By TeoEnjoyable; well written; and extensively researched! Race to the Top of the World blends history; technology and personalities into an exciting story that accelerates toward the book's end. The author's extensive research is delivered effectively; in an easy to digest form. In particular; navigation issues are described at just the right level to be appreciated by readers. The three featured expeditions take place during a period of dynamic change involving the use of aircraft; short-wave radio communications; advancing navigation techniques; and the always uncertain environment. Richard Byrd is portrayed as a gentleman; planner; and adventurer. His personal relationships; commitment to honor; management savvy and technical skills make great reading and encourage one to learn more of Byrd's following accomplishments which include flying over the South Pole.
