From the early days of the republic; American leaders knew that an unpredictable time bomb―the question of slavery―lay at the heart of national politics. An implicit understanding between North and South helped to keep the issue at bay: northern states; where slavery had been set on course for extinction via gradual emancipation; tacitly agreed to respect the property rights of southern slaveholders; in return; southerners essentially promised to view slaveholding as a practical evil and look for ways to get rid of it. By 1819–1820; however; westward expansion had brought the matter to a head. As Thomas Jefferson wrote at the time; a nation dealing with the politically implacable issue of slavery essentially held the "wolf" by the ears―and could neither let go nor hang on forever.In Wolf by the Ears; John R. Van Atta discusses how the sectional conflict that led to the Civil War surfaced in the divisive fight over Missouri statehood. The first organized Louisiana Purchase territory to lie completely west of the Mississippi River and northwest of the Ohio; Missouri carried special significance for both pro- and anti-slavery advocates. Northern congressmen leaped out of their seats to object to the proposed expansion of the slave "empire;" while slave-state politicians voiced outrage at the northerners’ blatant sectional attack. Although the Missouri confrontation ultimately appeared to end amicably with a famous compromise that the wily Kentuckian Henry Clay helped to cobble together; the passions it unleashed proved vicious; widespread; and long lasting.Van Atta deftly explains how the Missouri crisis revealed the power that slavery had already gained over American nation building. He explores the external social; cultural; and economic forces that gave the confrontation such urgency around the country; as well as the beliefs; assumptions; and fears that characterized both sides of the slavery argument. Wolf by the Ears provides students in American history with an ideal introduction to the Missouri crisis while at the same time offering fresh insights for scholars of the early republic.
#251669 in Books 2011-05-31 2011-05-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.44 x 1.40 x 5.50l; 1.00 #File Name: 1416586067496 pages
Review
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful. An American TragedyBy Thomas FinkI've read a lot of books about the Booths; and I have to say; this is one of the best. I love this book. Hats off to Nora Titone; she has really done her work. Nora has masterfully researched and unearthed clues about the complex inner workings and circumstances that led two brothers along opposite paths during the time of America's greatest upheaval. One brother; whose allegiance was with the north; a supporter of President Abraham Lincoln and became the foremost actor of his time; the other whose allegiance was with the south to the point of obsession; struggled as an actor and assassinated the President; branding the Booth name forever in infamy.In My Thoughts Be Bloody; the fascinating cast of characters who helped shape Edwin and John Wilkes' drives and ambitions are thoughtfully explored; beginning with their turbulent tragedian father; Junius Brutus Booth. This is the story of a family in turmoil; and it reads like a novel. Why did the two brothers compete with each other to the point of becoming bitter rivals leading to disaster? I believe this book persuasively answers that question and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the Booths; the Civil War; American history; or just a great story.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating Dysfunctional Family Fare!By Jane F. PedlerOf course; every family; no matter how loving; how unified; is dyfunctional--it is just a matter of to what degree; for people themselves are imperfect. The Booth family was no exception. This book also reinforces the phrase "mad genius;" as is so evident by the behavior of the amazingly gifted famiy patriarch Junius Brutus Booth; whose "madness" was fueled by a combination of perfectionalism and alcoholism. The story of how Edwin; at age 12; as delegated to become his traveling-actor-father's shadow; holding him together; keeping him from drinking too much and missing shows; reminded me vividly of the comic movie "My Favorite Year." (Another good selection to consider purchasing on !) Edwin's early life; though; was no comedy; in his recollection; "my childhood ended at twelve." This boy posessed the same vast talent as his troubled father; unlike the handsomer; charming John Wilkes; one of Edwin's younger brothers--John Wilkes; who had no talent but who posessed dreams of great deeds and heroic feats of armored knights--John Wilkes;who came to harbor a great jealousy and resentment towards his older brother. Other fascinating characters and facts are included in this book. Before I read it; I had always wondered about how it was for John Wilkes' family in light of what he did...and who were his family; anyway? His mother; his sister; especially; such interesting personalities; all brought to new life in this wonderful book...but you are going to have to read it yourself to find out more about them; and about the cottage deep in the woods where for years Junius Booth had to keep them hidden...wow! For anyone interested in human nature; family functioning; Civil War; history; great writing...buy this book! You will certainly not be disappointed! Highly recommended!4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Extraordinary View into the Civil War EraBy LavenderMy Thoughts Be Bloody presents an intelligent overview of the abolitionists' movement; the Booth family and their legacy; and the events which preceded the death of Lincoln. Much information was provided that is not general knowledge. The writing was clear and expressive. The parallels between the opposing political viewpoints of this era and the present are clearly established. The individuals who participated in the events were drawn with a balanced approach. The acceptance and understanding afforded to Edwin Booth was indicative of an aspect of America's sense of justice in embracing Booth as an artist and performer and not continuing to attach the guilt of his brother to him. This volume expanded my knowledge of and interest in history and art. The connection of Shakespeare to the events extends beyond the title to connections within the saga that could be drawn from the drama.
