A singular view from a remarkable womanThis is a famous book. Any source work is worthy and accounts of the American Civil War from the female perspective are not so numerous; so all of them should be valued. Nevertheless; there is an inevitable order to everything and Mary Chesnut's diary is of the highest rank. Undoubtedly Mary Chesnut viewed the events of her time from a position of privilege. She was; in many respects; the archetypal southern lady. She was born on a South Carolina plantation; the daughter of a U. S Senator. She was highly educated; spoke several languages and married a U. S. Senator who became a Brigadier-General in the Confederate Army. Her family connections meant she knew the principal characters of her time well. They included Jefferson Davis; John Bell Hood; Wade Hampton and many other important figures and their families in Confederate society; government and the military. She was in a position to travel to the field of engagement. Yet despite all these advantages; Mary Chesnut still exceptional and that was entirely due to her character and intellect. She was a strong minded; passionate woman in advance of her time and was disinclined to accept anything at face value-including the basic tenants upon which her new country was founded. She was an able authoress and has left posterity a vibrant; intimate; thoughtful; detailed; personable and entertaining chronicle of her life and times. This is essential Civil War reading and highly recommended.
#1397277 in Books Osprey 2008-08-19 2008-08-19Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.47 x 1.28 x 6.25l; 1.10 #File Name: 1846032407368 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great read! Even if all you want are the ...By Flat LanderGreat read! Even if all you want are the good stories; you'll find yourself learning a little history whether you wanted to or not. I loved it! I find the subject both fascinating and current considering the work being conducted by NOAA and Barry Clifford in all corners of the world. If you follow marine archaeology; marine salvage; treasure hunters; or historians presently involved with this work; this book could provide a great deal of background and clearer understanding of what is important. The book also provides some insight; whether historically correct or not; into some of the greatest characters and personalities of the period; which also helps clarify the reported work done by the professionals.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Solid HistoryBy HistoryontherunAngus Konstam is a great historian. In this book he strives to provide a full picture of piracy and pirate history. Luckily; he succeeds in style. Barbary piracy and East Asian piracy are important for today's audience that is once again seeing piracy on the news. A good read and a solid book. Five Stars.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating history of the worldBy KateThis is a fascinating and interesting to read account of the world we could only guess at. I recommend it to anyone a little or a lot interested in history.
