This book; originally published in 1974 by Little; Brown and Company; is a sweeping reexamination of the economic foundations of American Negro slavery. Based upon a vast research effort; this volume constitutes an entirely new portrayal of slavery's past. It challenges traditional assumptions about the material condition and management of slaves; their work habits; domestic welfare; and the economy of the antebellum South in general.
#1929272 in Books University Alabama Press 2010-03-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.30 x 6.13l; 1.60 #File Name: 0817316760352 pages
Review
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. The first word on the last battleBy Amanda WarrenAs an avid reader of Civil War history; I give this book my highest recommendation. To begin with; it delves into a battle rarely even mentioned; much less explored in depth. Although I never tire of reading about the same battles again and again from different points of view; it was an amazing experience to learn about this traumatic event which gripped a major city of the Confederacy. I consider myself well-read in Civil War history but never even knew that anything of note pertaining to the war happened in Columbus; Georgia.The author does an excellent job in giving the reader a real-time feel for each phase of the battle. He conveys the determined glory-seeking of the Yankee cavalry as they march across Alabama; as well as their fears while passing through dismal; alligator-infested swamps. He brings us to Columbus as the beleaguered defenders desperately prepare for the invasion that they know is coming. We experience every milestone and obstacle through the eyes and hearts of the men whose fate placed them there. The description of the battle itself delivers all of the exquisite detail that one often wishes for in other books which brush over the fighting itself. We feel the bullets whizzing thickly through the air; the agonizing rise and fall of every foot of terrain; the surreality of an attack by dark night; the superiority of the Yankees' Spencers; confusion between friend and foe and of losing contact with one's unit; and the suspense of each moment as the battle moves inexorably toward the crucial bridge crossing into the city. We read; fascinated; as soldiers of both sides and horses burst forth from the turpentine-saturated bridge into the streets of the doomed city. The author completes the story by soberly describing the following days of occupation with its destruction; looting; and sad struggles to survive.What I especially like about this book is its insight into and depiction of the people involved in the battle; whether key players or peripheral observers. We meet for the first time (although he fought at Shiloh) colorful characters such as Colonel Von Zinken; who pronounces his threats against the approaching Yankees in a thick Prussian accent. The future inventor of Coca-Cola; a Confederate captain; lived and was wounded there; and later frets over the looting of his drug store. The author offers beautiful examples of the ironies and poignant stories that abounded in the Civil War. As this battle took place on Easter Sunday; we feel the townspeople's angst as they worship that morning and afterwards the pastor hides the collection monies in the branches of a tall pine tree (perhaps offering it up to God?). A central character; as much as any human being; is the city itself. I now regret that I had occasion recently to pass through Columbus and Phenix City; unfortunately before reading this book and therefore completely unaware of any of this history. If the opportunity again presents itself; I will stop and spend at least a day there; for we all feel the significance of walking on the very earth where these great dramas took place.Undoubtedly; the reason that this episode has received so little attention is because it occurred after the war had ended for all practical purposes. I confess that I initially hesitated to read the book for that reason. However; the people involved had not received word of Lee's surrender; Davis's fleeing Richmond; or the negotiations leading to surrender of the Army of Tennessee. In the minds and lives of Wilson's Cavalry and the defenders and townspeople of Columbus; the war raged on; and the action in which they were engaged would prove decisive. Thanks to this author; their part in it is now told and told very well. Please do not pass this book up! Not only is it indispensable (because you will not find this material anywhere else); but it is also one of the best and most memorable that you will ever read. Get it now!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy JaneGift0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Required Reading!By JannixI've lived in this area all of my life and never knew the whole story of this battle...until now. Mr. Misulia's work should be required reading for EVERY student of the civil war.
