The astonishing first-person account of Mississippi pioneer woman struggling to survive; protect her family and make a home in the early American SouthNear the end of her life; Mary Mann Hamilton (1866 - c.1936) began recording her experiences in the backwoods of the Mississippi Delta. The result is this astonishing first-person account of a pioneer woman who braved grueling work; profound tragedy; and a pitiless wilderness (she and her family faced floods; tornadoes; fires; bears; panthers; and snakes) to protect her home in the early American South. An early draft of Trials of the Earth was submitted to a writers' competition sponsored by Little; Brown in 1933. It didn't win; and we almost lost the chance to bring this raw; vivid narrative to readers. Eighty-three years later; in partnership with Mary Mann Hamilton's descendants; we're proud to share this irreplaceable piece of American history. Written in spare; rich prose; Trials of the Earth is a precious record of one woman's extraordinary endurance and courage that will resonate with readers of history and fiction alike.
#224201 in Books 1990-04-18Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.25 x 6.13l; 1.89 #File Name: 0316132403556 pages
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Tremendous book.By TeeMackCatton does a fabulous job of focusing his book on the facts and not doing a lot of unnecessary philosophizing about the meaning of it all. What comes through is that Grant was singularly determined to win the war; but was often surrounded by generals that lacked the simple clarity of this vision or were otherwise incapable of doing what was necessary to see it through. Catton's portrait of Grant is nuanced; often highlighting how Grant's grim desire for victory was tempered by a crystal clear understanding of Lincoln's objective to bring the rebels back into the Union fold without undue recrimination. A well told history that leaves the reader educated and entertained.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Another great piece of history by Bruce CattonBy Lotus FactusAs an eminent historian of the Civil War Bruce Catton writes another great book on the subject. In this book as he does in others; he reveals the story of U S Grant . Weaving historical documents and personal stories he tells the story of what I believe to be one of the most unappreciated man of the war. The unassuming and underrated Grant is the only person who understands what it takes to win a war; any war at that. He is the only person not rattled by setbacks or criticism who knows how to focus on goals no matter how difficult. In my opinion it is Grant not Lee who is the best leader of the Civil War. Too bad that people of his character are often overlooked because they do not toot their own horn. Men of his demeanor are out there but often are not given the opportunity to shine; while the mediocre blowhards take the limelight.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Lessons of US History may be difficult for Digital Americans; but they remain essentialBy Mark ZaccariaCatton is America's acknowledged expert on the Civil War. His detail is exhaustive; and illuminating. His narrative seems to be without editorial bias. He aspires to be a completely neutral observer; a purveyor of the facts. His writing style is Mid 20th Century so readers fifty or so years after this book was written might find the passages and paragraphs overly long by the standards of today's staccato tempo of data exchange. We have gotten out of touch with the politics; the bureaucracy; and the wildly divergent quality of federal military leadership; however. So books by Bruce Catton are essential to the education of America - lest; in our ignorance; we repeat the mistakes of the past.
