Breaking nearly eight decades of silence; Essie Mae Washington–Williams comes forward with a story of unique historical magnitude and incredible human drama. Her father; the late Strom Thurmond; was once the nation's leading voice for racial segregation (one of his signature political achievements was his 24–hour filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957; done in the name of saving the South from "mongrelization"). Her mother; however; was a black teenager named Carrie Butler who worked as a maid on the Thurmond family's South Carolina plantation. Set against the explosively changing times of the civil rights movement; this poignant memoir recalls how she struggled with the discrepancy between the father she knew–one who was financially generous; supportive of her education; even affectionate–and the Old Southern politician; railing against greater racial equality; who refused to acknowledge her publicly. From her richly told narrative; as well as the letters she and Thurmond wrote to each other over the years; emerges a nuanced; fascinating portrait of a father who counseled his daughter about her dreams and goals; and supported her in reaching them–but who was unwilling to break with the values of his Dixiecrat constituents. With elegance; dignity; and candor; Washington–Williams gives us a chapter of American history as it has never been written before–told in a voice that will be heard and cherished by future generations.
#316494 in Books 2006-08-29 2006-08-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .86 x 5.31l; .70 #File Name: 0060753625384 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Seize the FireBy Crash MogalI wanted to cross check Nelson's performance as well as why the British prevailed at Trafalgar. It appears the Admirals' effectiveness was in the preparations for Navel warfare; doctrine; training; logistics; and gunnery as opposed to any brilliant leadership during the battle itself. If fact; or so it appears; despite careful pre-battle plans and briefings; nothing went as planned during the battle itself and few; if any of his commanders; adhered to the strategy. Such is war. (One might want to explore the chapter TRAFALGAR in Moment of Battle; Lacey + Murray for some specifics.)4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Lord Nelson and the battle of TrafalgarBy Johnnie W. Yongue Jr.This book is about the Heroism; Zeal; and Duty of a maritime officer. Adam Nicolson describes much of the battle of Trafalgar and Some of Lord Nelson but; for the most part it is a breakdown of the philosophies and understanding of the relationship of Naval Officers; their seamen; and the opposition. Adan Nicolson puts you right in the minds of Nelson's captains; as well as the thoughts of the captains and sailors of the combined fleet(French and Spanish at Trafalgar) but this is not a book about Nelson's life or a book about Trafalgar(in layman's terms). When you read this book; be used to Naval and some Old English Terminology or it may be a little difficult to follow along; but overall it is a great read; and simply packed with information; Adam Nicolson really did his homework to find all of the information in this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. but an excellent history-based character study -- and I really enjoyed that ...By OfficeroninThis is not a naval history text; nor a social history; but an excellent history-based character study -- and I really enjoyed that aspect. I wish that he had done more in discussing the turmoil in England that he argues shaped Nelson's character. I found it enough to be intriguing; but not quite enough to convince.
