audiobook The Union That Shaped the Confederacy: Robert Toombs and Alexander H. Stephens by William C. Davis in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent and Readable Look at Leading Confederate PoliticiansBy Kevin M. DerbyWilliam C. Davis has always been able to craft an entertaining and readable book while offering new insights into the Civil War. While he is probably best known as a military historian; Davis is also a sharp biographer and political historian. That’s certainly on display in “The Union that Shaped the Confederacy” which looks at Alexander Stephens and Robert Toombs. Davis had tackled these Georgians before in his splendid “A Government of Our Own” which looked at the founding of the Confederacy. In this book; Davis shows how the two Georgians were strong allies and friends despite completely different; often contrasting; personalities. Davis shows how this strange alliance shaped politics as the state; regional and national levels over the decades and their complex--and ultimately disappointments--with the presidency of Jefferson Davis and the Confederate experience in general. Best of all; the author offers vivid portraits of the two men. Highly recommended.6 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Narrow and personal focus help ruin the Confederate Govt.By Daniel HurleyToombs and Stephen examplify the problems within the Confederategovernment. These incredibly close friends of the strong Georgia delegation were powerful national political figures whose bitterness over personal issues; Toombs; and Stephens' strict constitutional views undermined the Davis administration. Stephens never seriously worked with the dominating Davis and was later opposed to the administration over constitutional issues in the face of bigger war emergencies. Toombs loses the opportunity to become the first President by his bellicose enthusiams for the office coupled with drink which lowers his place in the new government and raises Stephens' star. Excellent description of both men including Toombs rise as Secretary of State; his anti-Davis stance and his mercurial and short military career. The author also covers the end of the era of both men including Stephens' attempts to rewite history in a light more favorable to him then his actions were in reality. These two powerful men and closest of friends could not see the big picture of the war seeking their narrow views in spite of the war effort. Together with Governor Brown of Georgia; they represented a crisis of independence within the Confederacy that no doubt contributed to the fall of the Confederate government.11 of 12 people found the following review helpful. What a Delightful Little Book!By David M. SmithWhat a delightful little book! And frankly; I don't often use the term "delightful" in a book review. *The Union That Shaped the Confederacy* is a swiftly-paced; lightly written work that details the friendship of a pair of Georgians - Robert Toombs and "Little Alec;" Alexander Stephens. It is very important to know exactly what you are not getting with this book. You will not get a standard biographical treatment of Stephens and Toombs; and author Davis makes this abundantly clear from the outset. You will not receive great insights into the minds and thinking of these two men; but will come to appreciate the antebellum; war-time; and post-bellum periods of American history as these two men saw it. William C. Davis does not attempt to make his subjects either heroes or villains on the Confederacy's stage. They were what they were - friends who for the most part held similar political beliefs; worked for the same ends; and became; as the war progressed; more and more bitterly opposed to the administration of Jefferson F. Davis. Because of the nature of the work; the reader receives a slice of Civil War-era history from a perspective he or she would not likely get. Along the way; one receives insights into the functioning (and dysfunction) of the Confederacy's Executive Branch; as well as the building of the "loyal opposition" to Davis's administration. We see the strengths and weaknesses of these two prominent Georgians; as they struggled to establish a new nation out of the old. Davis's writing style is loose and fast; and almost reads as if a good friend is telling a story of another pair of friends. To some; this may be distracting; but I found it to be just part of the story. *The Union That Shaped the Confederacy* can be read quickly; with a great sense of satisfaction. This book comes highly recommended.