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When the author takes a young apparently destitute black man, whom he had just met, and knew little or nothing about, to a dignified Daughters of the Confederacy meeting, in a possibly confrontational situation, I knew I had the wrong book. His style of condescension to the South was very disturbing. He felt he had to use descriptions like weary-looking, mottled, or crude for items people allowed him access to, in good faith. Not for me. I'll take the older, dignified, respectful, literature. It states this is a Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Some might like this type of writing, it was different, like making fun of an injured, defenceless kitten, that wasn't good enough any way.
Purchased this book on a recomendation of a fellow Civil War reenactor! Having grown up in the south myself, leaned or was taught what I thought was the true history of this conflict. This book opened my eyes to the fact that in a lot of places this war is still being fought in a lot of ways. Mr. Horwitz is able to look at both side of this conflict in a modern way and to show that the biggest problem (IMHO) is the ignorance of modern man to truely come to know what the war was all about. It seems to be true that history is written and TAUGHT by the victors, and that the loser of this conflict will not allow the issues to die. It is a great read in my opinion and well worth the price to help you, if your willing, to better understand this great conflict in our country's history.
In an age of growing disinformation, assumptions, and traditions rooted in the politically correct mind-set, this book is a breath of fresh air to the open-minded person interested in what makes his proud contemporary Southerner tick! This book is humorous and entertaining as it offers insights into the mindset of those who still cling to pride in their heritage and are unashamed to signal that pride in unabashed display of the battle flag of their ancestors. It is unfortunate that un-enlightened and bigoted among us have co-opted the battle flag of the Confederacy as a symbol of their views, but this book offers the rest of us an avenue of explanation to those who would understand us as proud flag-wavers prior to judging us as bigoted also.
This book takes you along on an enlightening trip of the South and includes many interesting tidbits about the Civil War and the Confederacy, past and present. There were many humorous moments as well. It was a fun trip without the hardships that he sometimes suffered. I highly recommend it for anyone with an interest in the South and/or the Civil War. It covers many things not covered by the history books. Many Southerners have a pride that most others lack, although many others think it is misplaced.
A good and eye opening book
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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