Absorbing . . . Riveting . . . A legal thriller.―Kevin Boyle; The New York Times Book ReviewFollowing the Civil War; Colfax; Louisiana; was a town like many where African Americans and whites mingled uneasily. But on April 13; 1873; a small army of white ex–Confederate soldiers; enraged after attempts by freedmen to assert their new rights; killed more than sixty African Americans who had occupied a courthouse.Seeking justice for the slain; one brave U.S. attorney; James Beckwith; risked his life and career to investigate and punish the perpetrators―but they all went free. What followed was a series of courtroom dramas that culminated at the Supreme Court; where the justices' verdict compromised the victories of the Civil War and left Southern blacks at the mercy of violent whites for generations. The Day Freedom Died is a riveting historical saga that captures a gallery of characters from presidents to townspeople; and re-creates the bloody days of Reconstruction; when the often brutal struggle for equality moved from the battlefield into communities across the nation.
#1237113 in Books 1997-10-15Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.82 x .71 x 10.14l; #File Name: 0805052941192 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An interesting look into the Soviet Union's leadership through photosBy coppertin"The Commissar Vanishes" really shows just how insane the leadership structure and history of the USSR was. David King has compiled a lot of photos; most of them consisting of pairs or sets of pre- and post-doctored versions; showing how Stalin attempted to erase his past rivals and lesser enemies of the state from history. Fortunately; he failed; because many of these people's existences have been preserved here and elsewhere.King also writes descriptive captions for many of these photos; describing who the erased people were and why they were erased. Figures range from the famous; like Stalin's arch-rival Leon Trotsky; to obscure provincial leaders caught up in Stalin's many purges. King's captions also shed light on the characters of the many interesting figures of the Bolsheviks; backed with first-hand accounts. Who knew; Lenin was an egotistical jerk who had no problem killing people for no real reason. Of course; this theme is expanded upon greatly in the many photos involving Stalin and the purged officials who; one by one; disappear from photos with him.This is a great coffee table book for those with an interest in early 20th century; or for people who are a little bit morbid.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Alternative facts documented in photos; nearly a hundred years agoBy Dana L. PrideExcellent book detailing Stalin's attempt to provide "alternate facts" through altered photos. The author did a great job pulling together the original photos and then all the following "touch-ups" - and this was way before Photoshop! If the historical situation were not so awful with his reign of terror; the photo documentation would be humorous; as in some altered photos a remaining hat; arm; hair or other item can still be seen.For those who are unaware of that period of Russian history and those who learn visually; this book is a great piece of history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A unique look at a fascinating subjectBy A.M.X.C.I first encountered this book many; many years ago; and found it absolutely fascinating. What artists and artisans were able to do; altering photographs and other "official" images before the advent of computers is remarkable in and of itself; akin almost to magic at the time. The book details everything about not only the politics and the process; but also highlights points of mystery- where gaps in knowledge and history still remain even to this day about some of these ghostly photograph alterations. If you are at all interested in the history of the Soviet Union; particularly of the Lenin/Stalin era; and the lengths they were willing to go to keep up appearances; then look no further. This book is sure to delight and fascinate. Further; I highly recommend this book as a means to engage students from 6th grade or so on up; as looking through the book and seeing the "before" and "after" images is a rather fun thing to do in both a classroom or educational club setting.
