Reviews
"With its insightful analysis (not to mention the extensive bibliographical essay that elaborates each chapter), Emancipating Slaves, Enslaving Free Men will supply both the academic and the Civil War buff with an added perspective on the causes and consequences of the Civil War." -- Publishers Weekly "Hummel . . . presents some uncomfortable truths for both sides of the Civil War. For the South, Hummel builds a case that the war was indeed about slavery. For the North, he shows that a war to preserve the union was morally bankrupt and that freeing the slaves was the only justifiable reason for fighting. Yet Hummel demonstrates that even a war for such a noble cause was probably unnecessary, since slavery was politically doomed in an independent South. Hummel also illustrates some of the cost of the war, such as Lincoln's suppression of political opposition, the closing of dissenting newspapers, and the creation of big government under Republicans Lincoln, Johnson, and Grant. Here, Hummel steps on some toes." -- Library Journal ". . . a lucid, edifying account of the Civil War era. Mr. Hummel has an impressive command of the relevant contemporary literature. His interpretations are thoughtful, often provocative, always well worth considering. Civil War buffs will want this book on their shelves." -- Kenneth M. Stampp, author of The Peculiar Institution "Even veteran students of the conflict will find much to challenge their thinking in this forcefully argued and clearly written study." -- Gary W. Gallagher, Professor of American History, Penn State University, "With its insightful analysis (not to mention the extensive bibliographical essay that elaborates each chapter), "Emancipating Slaves, Enslaving Free Men" will supply both the academic and the Civil War buff with an added perspective on the causes and consequences of the Civil War." -- "Publishers Weekly" "Hummel . . . presents some uncomfortable truths for both sides of the Civil War. For the South, Hummel builds a case that the war was indeed about slavery. For the North, he shows that a war to preserve the union was morally bankrupt and that freeing the slaves was the only justifiable reason for fighting. Yet Hummel demonstrates that even a war for such a noble cause was probably unnecessary, since slavery was politically doomed in an independent South. Hummel also illustrates some of the cost of the war, such as Lincoln's suppression of political opposition, the closing of dissenting newspapers, and the creation of big government under Republicans Lincoln, Johnson, and Grant. Here, Hummel steps on some toes." -- "Library Journal" ." . . a lucid, edifying account of the Civil War era. Mr. Hummel has an impressive command of the relevant contemporary literature. His interpretations are thoughtful, often provocative, always well worth considering. Civil War buffs will want this book on their shelves." -- Kenneth M. Stampp, author of "The Peculiar Institution" "Even veteran students of the conflict will find much to challenge their thinking in this forcefully argued and clearly written study." -- Gary W. Gallagher, Professor of American History, Penn State University
