Ordinary people don't experience history as it is taught by historians. They live across the convenient chronological divides we impose on the past. The same people who lived through the Civil War and the eradication of slavery also dealt with the hardships of Reconstruction; so why do we almost always treat them separately? In this groundbreaking new book; renowned historian Thomas C. Holt challenges this form to tell the story of generations of African Americans through the lived experience of the subjects themselves; with all of the nuances; ironies; contradictions; and complexities one might expect.
#757204 in Books The University of North Carolina Press 2010-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.22 x 1.21 x 6.34l; 1.62 #File Name: 0807871281512 pages
Review
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book on the key Civil War Battle of VicksburgBy C. M MillsDr; Michael Ballard has written an excellent book on the Vicksburg Campaign. Ballard has had good mentors in his study of the Mississippi River City which fell to US Grant in July; 1863He is has been guided by Terry Wenschel the National Park Chief Historian; read the massive three volume work by Mr. CivilWar Ed Bearss on the campaign and is a lifelong native of Mississipi who has visited Vicksburg since his youth. Vicksburg was a complex campaign pitting the inept Northern Born Confederate General John Pemberton against the aggressive and brilliant US Grant. Grant's Union Army worked well as a team.Even though Grant did not like McClernand he used him well in launching the blue horde against the city on the bluffs. Grantworked well with Sherman and McPherson; Logan and others as they tried many ideas to conquer Vicksburg. Grant and David Dixon Porter worked well on coordinating army-navy operations. Grant succeeded when his forces crossed the Mississippi toBruinsburg; Ms. Union victories at Port Gibson; Jackson andmost importantly Champion Hill (May 16; 1863) led to a 47 daysiege of Vicksburg which fell to Federal forces on July 4; 1863Vicksburge the key to victory in the Western Theatre was thenput into Mr. Lincoln's pocket. The fate of the Western Confederacy was sealed. I am surprised how little many Civil War buffs seem to know little about the Western Theatre of the War. Those whose approach has been "Virginia-centric" will find much to explore as they gaze at the Western Theatre. Grant emerges as a tough; imaginative; never say never commander while the Confederates Pemberton and Joe Johnston wee weak and indecisive leaders. Grant's star rose in the West as Lincoln discovered the man who could beat Lee and win the war! Ballard's book is well illustrated; the maps are clear andeasy to follow. Ballard has done his homework as the many pages of bibliography attest to his acumen. While dealing with the battles he also quotes the thoughts of civilians of Vicksburg and Misssippi who saw their society rent asunder by the bluehordes from the north. Ed Bearss is still the dean of Vicksburg scholars but Michael Ballard has also contributed greatly to our understanding of this vital; complex; too often overlooked campaign. This bookcan be read by the buff or the neophyte with equal pleasure. Thank you Dr. Ballard for your work!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Needs Better and More Maps!By AttilashrugsI am admittedly a stickler for maps. But especially in the case of this long campaign; the clear mapping of the interconnecting bayeux; lakes; creeks; and the levies is essential.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. best single volume Vicksburg campaign bookBy markmaseEasy to read; better than the tedious regiment lists and near meaningless strategy books on this epic siege and hard war brutality on our own soil. It actually communicates the effect on the men; the civilians; the women and children; the war and the region. Complete. Well thought-out. Needed. Non-romanticized yet respectful.
