July 25; 1946. In Walton County; Georgia; a mob of white men commit one of the most heinous racial crimes in America's history: the shotgun murder of four black sharecroppers -- two men and two women -- at Moore's Ford Bridge. Fire in a Canebrake; the term locals used to describe the sound of the fatal gunshots; is the story of our nation's last mass lynching on record. More than a half century later; the lynchers' identities still remain unknown. Drawing from interviews; archival sources; and uncensored FBI reports; acclaimed journalist and author Laura Wexler takes readers deep into the heart of Walton County; bringing to life the characters who inhabited that infamous landscape -- from sheriffs to white supremacists to the victims themselves -- including a white man who claims to have been a secret witness to the crime. By turns a powerful historical document; a murder mystery; and a cautionary tale; Fire in a Canebrake ignites a powerful contemplation on race; humanity; history; and the epic struggle for truth.
#82792 in Books Donald L Miller 1997-04-03 1997-04-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 2.00 x 6.12l; 1.72 #File Name: 0684831384704 pagesCity of the Century The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I loved it so much that I read it twice and ...By Kindle CustomerDonald Miller wrote a masterpiece that belongs in every library. I loved it so much that I read it twice and you can believe it will remain in my personal library as both an entertainment and reference source. What can I say about Miller other than WOW!City of the Century is a wonderfully written history of the development and trials and tribulations of nineteenth century Chicago. The good - the bad - and the ugly. The story is captivating and I found it hard to put it down. Note: after my 1st read; I bought copies for my brothers and grandchildren and they too love this book.I submit that it should be a MUST read for anyone with an interest is U.S. history since it is a story about nineteenth century Chicago as told through individual stories of Chicago business leaders; politicians and Chicago citizens.You will enjoy how the story unfolds and the influence that Chicago and it's people had as the U.S. marched westward taking along the Midwest ideals; values; and attitudes.I can only way that I was NOT sorry that I bought Miller's book. You won't be sorry either!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. It ain't windy cuz of the wind !By tleeminniemeFor a native Chicagoan who knows all these places and streets this is a great book. It is not a travel guide. It is history. I grew up in Indiana and knew some of Chicago's wild past; but this book really gives it perspective. From a swamp that even the Indians didn't want anything to do with to the Columbian Expo of 1893; this book is a romp.Excellent book. Well worth the read.For a great companion piece read "Devil in the White City" by Larsen. That one will have you gasping to turn to the next page.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I recommend the book to all Chicago residents who call the ...By Rudolph LioiA very detailed history of Chicago up to the beginning of the 20th century. The author covers every part of the growth of the city; its various movers and shakers; its low life; sleaze bags and upper crust wealthy citizens. In some respects the detail is more then is necessary to get the proper perspective of the events and people who shaped them but the reader can't complain that the subject was not thoroughly covered. I recommend the book to all Chicago residents who call the second city home and are interested in the city's development.
