Few groups in our history are as fascinating and mysterious as the Ku Klux Klan. Its story is one of violence; political manipulation and intrigue; absurdity; and mesmerizing organizational and propaganda skills. Through shrewd political tactics and powerful leadership; the Klan has often been a potent force; as it encouraged Americans to protect themselves from those they find "unacceptable." Its actions have made it one of the most feared groups in America.In The Fiery Cross; Wyn Craig Wade traces the Klan from its beginnings after the Civil War as a social club in Pulaski; Tennessee; to the present. Wade provides us with the history of the group; which has gone through a number of declines and renaissances over the last hundred years. We follow the Klan's resurgence in 1915 after D.W. Griffith's epic film The Birth of a Nation depicted Klan members as heroic saviors of the old Southern society; to the swearing in of President Warren G. Harding as a Klansman in the Green Room; and from the Klan's championing of white supremacy as a response to the Civil Rights movement in the 60s; to their present day activities; aligning themselves with a variety of neo-fascist and right-wing groups in the American West. Finally; Wade provides us with an assessment of the Klan's future.The Fiery Cross provides an exhaustive analysis and perspective on this dark shadow of American society. It is long overdue.
#563813 in Books Sarah Rosetta Wakeman 1996-02-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.31 x .27 x 8.00l; .25 #File Name: 0195102436110 pagesAn Uncommon Soldier The Civil War Letters of Sarah Rosetta Wakeman alias Pvt Lyons Wakeman 153rd Regiment New York State Volunteers 1862 1864
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Interesting StoryBy Rebecca S DobrinskiIt is not often that readers find new stories from the Civil War. Sure; one comes across a person they may not have heard of; but a totally brand new story is a rarity. Lauren Cook Burgess gave her readers the gift of a new story in An Uncommon Soldier.As a re-enactor; Burgess would be familiar with the nuances of life in the Civil War era. This would include knowing that many women served as soldiers during the conflict. In fact; Burgess participated in many re-enactments as a woman. If she had not run into issues with the National Park Service and her subsequent court case; Burgess may never had heard of Sarah Rosetta (Lyons/Edwin R.) Wakeman. Thanks to a timely letter from Wakeman’s great-great-niece; Burgess was granted access to one of (and possibly the only) the most complete collections of letters and memorabilia from a female Union soldier. After leaving home for a brief stint on a coal barge; Rosetta Wakeman enlisted in the 153rd New York State Volunteer Infantry in 1862 and became Pvt. Lyons Wakeman.Burgess’ careful editing of Wakeman’s letters offered readers an easy to read glimpse into the everyday life of the typical soldier. She wrote about drill and guard duties; troop movements; and the different locations where she was stationed. Wakeman wrote of her concerns about her relationships with family members and asked for news on those from her hometown who had also been drafted. One of her most consistent topics showed her concern for the financial status of her family. She often sent money home to help with the family debts and for individual family members to purchase things to remember her by. However; throughout the letters the reader can glean how Wakeman became accustomed to her independence. Had she survived the war; it would be easy to speculate that she would have continued to live independently; perhaps keeping up the masculine charade and permanently becoming either Lyons or Edwin R. Wakeman.Interestingly; Wakeman never seemed to fear discovery through her letters as she signed most of them with her given name. It was not until her unit was well into Confederate territory in Louisiana that she began signing letters with a male alias. In modern times one often expects that letters home from members of the military are opened and read in case any sensitive information is included. In the nineteenth century; soldiers were apparently afforded more privacy in their communications.An Uncommon Soldier benefits both scholars of Civil War and women’s history. It adds yet another facet to the intricately woven stories of everyday soldiers during the war and shows that the soldier experience is universal regardless of gender. The book documents how women contributed to the war effort by doing more than nursing the sick; the typical nineteenth century image of women during the Civil War. Burgess’ research and documentation of other women soldiers adds to the understanding of Wakeman’s experience. In addition; the background she provided on the circumstances surrounding Wakeman’s narrative of her time in the 153rd places the letters in their historical context.This book would be an excellent addition to any undergraduate or graduate course on the Civil War. It was easy to read and digest and provided the reader a look back in time to life as a soldier during the Civil War.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. and has done an excellent job in 'modernizing' to help 21st century readersBy Kathleen ReevesBurgess provides substantial historical background to accompany Sarah's letters home; and has done an excellent job in 'modernizing' to help 21st century readers. This is a must read for anyone who has; or thinks they might have female ancestors who were active in the war efforts; whether those ancestors were nurses; soldiers or otherwise supporting the cause. Also a good historical read for any young woman who wants to get more insight in women's progress towards independence over the past 150 years.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Vivid; alive; realBy DHTold through Sarah' s letter's written to her family back home; this small book is a rare and accurate glimpse of the experiences of a female living in the 1850's who enlisted as a soldier in the War Between The States--Civil War. There is nothing glamorous here; no gripping plot but you will find yourself sitting beside a campfire; just as Sarah did or marching on an empty stomach not knowing where you are; tired; hot; sick. This is not a long book and it will leave you with many questions that simply can not be answered but in my opinion anyone interested in the War will not want to miss this piece unique find.
