The Puliter-Prize winning classic and national bestseller returns! In this brilliant biography—a Pulitzer Prize—winning national bestseller—David Herbert Donald; Harvard professor emeritus; traces Sumner's life as the nation careens toward civil war. In a period when senators often exercised more influence than presidents; Senator Charles Sumner was one of the most powerful forces in the American government and remains one of the most controversial figures in American history. His uncompromising moral standards made him a lightning rod in an era fraught with conflict. Sumner's fight to end slavery made him a hero in the North and stirred outrage in the South. In what has been called the first blow of the Civil War; he was physically attacked by a colleague on the Senate floor. Unwavering and arrogant; Sumner refused to abandon the moral high ground; even if doing so meant the onslaught of the nation's most destructive war. He used his office and influence to transform the United States during the most contentious and violent period in the nation's history. Charles Sumner and the Coming of the Civil War presents a remarkably different view of our bloodiest war through an insightful reevaluation of the man who stood at its center. "A truly perceptive study." American Heritage "Few books can be recommended wholeheartedly to the specialist and the general reader alike. This one can." New York Times Book Review "[Full of] Donald's unparalleled knowledge and provocative interpretations." James M. McPherson; New York Times Book Review
#1300096 in Books 2005-06-07 2005-06-07Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 1.28 x 6.50l; #File Name: 1400061180400 pages
Review
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. The Southern SpyBy Agent 355I first came across the name Rose O'Neale Greenhow; though the website Fold3.com. Rose was featured in the section for this month in history due to her Confederate spy arrest on August 23; 1861. As an avid history buff; I was fascinated to learn of this southern spy during the Civil War. Wanting to know more; I searched for a book on the subject and found Wild Rose.Rose was a well-educated woman of high society; using her intelligence at a time when women were looked down on for an interest in politics. She was a staunch supporter of slavery and made sure everyone knew her opinion. Wild Rose tells of how Rose comes to these beliefs. Through her spying right in the heart of Washington D.C.; society; she was able to provide information to the South that changed the outcome of some battles of the war in the south's favor. With her information about military information on the North; she used couriers that brought the information to the Confederate generals. After being caught and exiled to the South; President Jefferson Davis then sent her to England France; in the hopes Rose could convince them of helping the Confederacy. While in Europe; she wrote her memoir; which became a best-seller in Europe. The royalties from her book ended up being the downfall of Rose; keeping her money around her neck by a chain. She drowned while trying to escape from a blockade in Wilmington; North Carolina when her lifeboat overturned in the water.I found this book very informative a great read. Would recommend to anyone interested in Civil War or women's history; but I think anyone a fan of history would enjoy the book. I gave it only four stars because I wished that the author Ann Blackman would have written the book in chronological order.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating Life of Rose O'Neal Greenhow; Female Confederate SpyBy Molly BloomI'm a native Southerner; so I enjoy reading about Southern history--esp. when it's written about someone actually involved IN that history. Both my parents are from near Wilmington; NC; and I've heard the story of Rose O'Neal Greenhow for years (tragically she died near Fort Fisher; which isn't far from Wilmington). When I found this book; I HAD to have it. I wanted to know the full story of one of the South's most famous--and alluring!--female spies; and Rose was the perfect choice. I'm learning things about Rose I never knew. Of course I don't agree with all her attitudes (such as her approval of slavery!); but I think she had to have been a fascinating and brilliant woman (not to mention a very brave one!) to have taken the risks she did for her beloved South. Rose was fearless and like a lot of very brave people; her courage ended up costing her her life. Then again; she lived a very full life and I don't think she would have regretted that for a moment. Women in those days had very limited options--Rose refused to be trapped by the expectations of her times and I admire that. Very intriguing book--and TRUE; too! (Anyone who thinks "history" is dull should try reading a few books like this one!)4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. FascinatingBy JenniferI have not traditionally been a reader of historic non-fiction but was intrigued by the subject-matter of this book and was not disappointed. I was fascinated to learn about the social scene of the time and to be introduced to this admirable woman. It was incredible what a "small world" it was and how other historic figures were interwoven unexpectedly into this biography. While I don't agree with her politics nor her methods; I couldn't help but admire her courage and the conviction with which she contributed to a cause she believed in. The writing style was informative and conversational. In fact the book inspired me to read A Slave in the White House: Paul Jennings and the Madisons to learn more about this remarkable man of integrity to whom I was first introduced by Ms. Blackman. In contrast; that book was written in a far more academic style and while it was thought-provoking it didn't grab me as "Wild Rose" did; but as a companion book it was a great read and provided another perspective and angle to the subject-matter.
