Northern sympathizer in the Confederate capital; daring spymaster; postwar politician: Elizabeth Van Lew was one of the most remarkable figures in American history; a woman who defied the conventions of the nineteenth-century South. In Southern Lady; Yankee Spy; historian Elizabeth Varon provides a gripping; richly researched account of the woman who led what one historian called "the most productive espionage operation of the Civil War." Under the nose of the Confederate government; Van Lew ran a spy ring that gathered intelligence; hampered the Southern war effort; and helped scores of Union soldiers to escape from Richmond prisons.Varon describes a woman who was very much a product of her time and place; yet continually took controversial stands--from her early efforts to free her family's slaves; to her daring wartime activities and beyond. Varon's powerful biography brings Van Lew to life; showing how she used the stereotypes of the day to confound Confederate authorities (who suspected her; but could not believe a proper Southern lady could be a spy); even as she brought together Union sympathizers at all levels of society; from slaves to slaveholders. After the war; a grateful President Ulysses S. Grant named her postmaster of Richmond--a remarkable break with custom for this politically influential post. But her Unionism; Republican politics; and outspoken support of racial justice earned her a lifetime of scorn in the former Confederate capital. Even today; Elizabeth Van Lew remains a controversial figure in her beloved Richmond; remembered as the "Crazy Bet" of Lost Cause propaganda. Elizabeth Varon's account rescues her from both derision and oblivion; depicting an intelligent; resourceful; highly principled woman who remained; as she saw it; true to her country to the end.
#1363600 in Books Stephen Eric Bronner 2003-11-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.10 x .30 x 7.90l; .54 #File Name: 0195169565192 pagesA Rumor about the Jews Antisemitism Conspiracy and the Protocols of Zion
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very informative book. I bought other books along the ...By T. S. WardVery informative book. I bought other books along the same subject to study how such false perceptions have been accepted and held against the people of Israel.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Mr. St. E. Bronner has the courage ...By grigore caragacianuMr. St. E. Bronner has the courage to reproduce "The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion";which is rare if not unprecedented.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Useful lessonBy Mr. Stephen J. BrookThis book is a useful reminder of one of the most tragic events of the recent past. The saddest thing is that it is still necessary.