In Glory's Shadow explores the history of The Citadel; an institution set on preserving tradition in the face of profound change. Established as protection against slave insurrections feared by the white minority of Charleston; South Carolina; a generation later The Citadel was a school of privilege for young white men. Through two world wars it grew in size and reputation; proudly providing the United States with (male) military leaders; paying little heed to what was happening in the country around it.In 1993; when the school rescinded Shannon Faulkner's admission because of her gender; a landmark legal battle ensued. Faulkner won; and although she faced vicious harassment and left after a week; The Citadel was forced to reform: nearly 30 women have graduated since her brief time at The Citadel. In Glory's Shadow is an engrossing and illuminating look at this pivotal event in military history and the history of women.
#77285 in Books Vintage 1992-09-01 1992-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.99 x .75 x 5.13l; .55 #File Name: 0679741801336 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Should be more widely known...By gametimeThis somewhat dated analysis of modern times would help one understand the Trump phenomenon. Much food for thought!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. It is more a book about taste than the author would like to admitBy Richard S. KeyesDespite the glowing reviews about the eternal relevance of this tome; I continually felt embarrassed to be witnessing an intellect bemoaning his generation specific view of culture to be disintegrating. It is more a book about taste than the author would like to admit.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. This was probably groundbreaking when it was written; in ...By William WhyteThis was probably groundbreaking when it was written; in its observation of how many events in American life are things that are consciously created for effect rather than things that spontaneously arise. Though Boorstin was very much a conservative; his take; that the artifice of spectacle in America forces cynicism on the observer; mirrors a Marxist / Situationist analysis. The exception is where exactly the two analyses put the blame: Situationism sees it as a conspiracy; Boorstin sees it as something unfortunate that has arisen without any conscious agenda other than producing "content". Since it was written; the extent to which big events are stage managed has only increased (remember "Mission Accomplished"; anyone?) and this book is unlikely to surprise anyone any more.