In this sensitive intellectual biography David W. Blight undertakes the first systematic analysis of the impact of the Civil War on Frederick Douglass' life and thought; offering new insights into the meaning of the war in American history and in the Afro-American experience. Frederick Douglass' Civil War follows Douglass' intellectual and personal growth from the political crises of the 1850s through secession; war; black enlistment; emancipation; and Reconstruction. This book provides an engrossing story of Douglass' development of a social identity in relation to transforming events; and demonstrates that he saw the Civil War as the Second American Revolution; and himself as one of the founders of a new nation. Through Douglass' life; his voice; and his interpretations we see the Civil War era and its memory in a new light.
#1446936 in Books Beacon Press 2009-07-01 2009-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .50 x 6.00l; 1.10 #File Name: 0807055174328 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. "The Secret Storm"By StrawgoldThe Secret Garden of the Mind. This review covers more of the "method" than of simply the book contents; because the same theme seems to run through most of the accounting of the best of history as it broke through daunting barriers.Secret Societies; Secret Meetings; Secret Pens - much of the best work of the universe of men and women has; of necessity; been carried out in "secret". There were a multitude of different reasons for this; but it all came down to fear of public opinion even as they strove to change it. From the Free Masons to the rebel pens of the Revolutionists - indeed; the very initial stirrings of the Revolution for American Independence formed behind closed doors; so tightly closed in fact; that the exact accounting will never be known because; according to John Adams and Thomas Jefferson; no notes were taken. From the tongue-in-cheek romps of "Silence Do Good" (Benjamin Franklin) to the covert writings of a female (Mercy Otis) who dared to bring her political thoughts before public perusal (but only because they were initially shrouded in secrecy). Pamphlets and plays became ours; all magnificently accomplished through a degree of fine deception; the great works somehow were recognized behind the veil of censorship; recognized though it's authors feared exposure even as they wrote for the people who would persecute them had their real names been revealed.These writings; some that began as covert and metamorphosed into revealing true identities at last are not only lessons in history; they tell a broader tale about the psyche of those who read the work of others. Almost everyone wants to read; and read truthful; detailed; newsworthy accountings of current events from those individuals whose unique talents can put "everyman's thoughts" into words - yet what a struggle those people endured in the early days to bring light to subject!That's the undertow of what I found most fascinating while reading of those turbulent times - the method used as the means. They obviously took fear and apprehension seriously; but they would not be silenced because of it. As I think of it; I personally marvel over it; feel grateful for; and wonder still at the courage level of such leaders "of encouraged thought" of the mind; in a time where darkness was preferred by the powerful; where even home and family often voiced a stern disapproval.This particular biography notes the important contributions of Mercy Otis Warren - to both the American Revolution and the Women's movement of the time. She took a different tack than most early femnists - through her pen and her wits rather than through physical presence but there is no denying her involvement or her worth to both movements. That she has not been afforded her true measure save for a scant handful of historians is regrettable; but it has happened to more than one early hero/heroine. Perhaps she was considered "radical"; as was James Jr.; but oftentimes; it is those types of individuals who will not be put asunder as their ideas are questioned or suppressed; and therefore; were the building blocks of our new nation; attaining their objective under nom de plume until eventually; they came forward in their own right. It is a very interesting subject.Some of the best I have found thus far regarding nom de plume (and without doubt; there are many more):** Mercy Otis Warren - the Muse of the Revolution** The first American (Benjamin Franklin)** A Woman's Dilemma (Mercy Otis Warren)** The Adams-Jefferson Letters (mention of pen names)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Customergot it quick and it even had authors signature in it0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must ReadBy LeslieSuch an astute; intelligent woman of the Revolutionary War days; that had so much impact; as- well -as effect on the decisions and details; all written of the day. There are few such accounts of memoirs; especially that of a woman.
