ebooks Mary Chesnut's Civil War by Mary Boykin Chesnut in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I'm only 150 pages into this diary but struck by ...By John J HauserI'm only 150 pages into this diary but struck by how well she communicates/writes in an age of little or no media; except newspapers. People relied on each other for information and news from the battles. Humans being what they are still have personality differences; idle talk; opinions; hurtful and complimentary remarks. I'm impressed with how she expresses her apprehension; fear and uncertainty. Rarely do we have such accounts from folks close to the center of things in a time of crisis; change and expectation. I'm anxious to read further to learn of her emotions as things slowly change and begin to unravel for the South. Clearly those initial emotions and anticipated results never take into account the realities and wastefulness of war and the destruction that follows those idealistic dreams.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. War Through The Eyes Of A Woman Who Lived itBy thirdtwinOne of the most personal and direct views of the US Civil War that's readily available. Most journals from the time are in dusty inaccessible archives but this one is readily available in many different versions with different editing choices. Nobody has time to read the 50;000 second hand books on the Civil War- so best to start with the journals of people who lived through it and wrote down their feelings and experiences at the time it was happening. And this book is one of the most famous and detailed of the available first-hand literature.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Life of a Southern LadyBy Kindle CustomerThis book was a fascinating depiction of a highly-placed lady in Southern society during the Civil War. It is interesting for the attitudes it shows and the history it dipicts. It helps to have some background in the history of this era; but it is not necessary. The book spends less time on history and more on the social events of the day. It is interesting for the attitudes and feelings about race and slavery as shown by someone who benefitted most from this institution.