Providing the most balanced and comprehensive portrayal of Wade Hampton III to date; Robert K. Ackerman's biography explores the remarkable abilities and tragic failings of the planter-statesman who would come to personify the Civil War and Reconstruction in South Carolina. Ackerman traces Hampton's esteemed lineage and his preparation for life as a Southern aristocrat. Though Hampton benefited from third-generation wealth; a classical education; and an inherent sense of noblesse oblige; as Ackerman notes; prior to the war Hampton served almost without distinction in the South Carolina General Assembly - with the exception of his opposition to reopening the slave trade. Hampton did not favor secession; but once South Carolina left the Union; he committed himself fully to the Confederate effort and thus began his path to legend.
#1720318 in Books Madison Books 1995-04-19 1995-04-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.06 x 1.05 x 6.44l; 1.31 #File Name: 1568330456408 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Informative; well researched; a little too detailedBy William R. DrakeIt appears the writer did an exhaustive amount of research; and in writing her book; has made a significant contribution to the literature pertaining to both the Younger brothers and Jesse and Frank James. Anyone with a serious interest in this subject should find this book of value.I learned a lot about the family history and lives of the characters involved; and the book's early focus on the unfortunate Civil War events near the Missouri and Kansas borders was very educational.The author makes the case that a main motivation for the outlaws' deeds was to strike out against the Federal Government/Express Companies because of the cruel destruction their family and homeland suffered during and after the war. Certainly they had a lot of bitterness; but I wonder if their main motivation was just to get easy money and the rest was; at least to a degree; a rationalization. It appears true that they generally tried to spare the average working person the full force of their actions; but in robbing banks owned by the wealthy are not the "little people" who have accounts there wiped out in the process?A problem I had with the book was its amount of detail. It was like the author included every possible fact she could dig up. As well as including the most trivial of details; it seemed that whenever a minor character happened to be mentioned; she had to stop and give a biography of him or her; as for example with Hayward; the bank employee killed at the Northfield bank (p.186; hardback; c1992). (Admittedly; some history buffs would find this a plus.)Another concern I had was the considerable amount of speculation; even though the author was quite careful to separate fact from her guesswork. Her guesses made the book interesting in a way; but as to their likelihood; in many cases there was no way to know. For example; the book describes the train robbery at Gad's Hill; in which case an unidentified passenger was forced to strip to his underwear. Further on (p.243 hardback) when the writer speculates on Gov. William Merriam's refusal to parole the Younger brothers from prison in 1889; she notes that the governor's father was on the Gad's Hill train during the robbery and wonders if he was the person forced to strip; hence the governor's unexplained decision. Who knows???While the book has some flaws; if you are interested in the subject; it is worth reading.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. One of the best books I`ve read about the robberyBy Donald F. PelletierI found it clear and concise and It helped to clear up a lot of misconceptions about the Younger family and what really happened at Northfield. A very enjoyable read. One of the best books I`ve read about the robbery.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. wonderfulBy Diane MooreThis is about the best; unbiased text on the subject I've read. Very entertaining and puts a real face and personality on the characters. Great product; arrived perfect; quality better than expected. Great seller.
