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Look Away! A History of the Confederate States of America
William C. Davis, "one of the best and most prolific historians of the American Civil War" (James M. McPherson, author of "Battle Cry of Freedom)," offers a definitive portrait of the Confederacy unlike any other.
Drawing on decades of writing and research among an unprecedented number of archives, ranging from the 800-odd newspapers in operation durin
...morePaperback, 496 pages
Published
April 12th 2002
by Free Press
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Most histories of the American Civil War are very heavily skewed towards the Northern point of view, particularly in terms of the behind-the-scenes political machinations and general governance of the war. That makes this book all the more interesting since a lot of the information about the politics and debates and discussions within the South about secession was completely new to me, and it was refreshing to see the alternative point-of-view from the usual Lincoln/Washington/North/abolition st...more
Well known historian of the Civil War, William Davis, has written a nicely done political history of the Confederate States of America. While, as the author notes (page ix), "The campaigns and battles are here," the main thrust of the book is (page x) ". . .seeks to present a comprehensive view of everything else that went into making the Confederate national experience. . . ."
There is a useful discussion early on of the nature of the Confederate Constitution. My...more
There is a useful discussion early on of the nature of the Confederate Constitution. My...more
An interesting and enjoyable work considering the Confederate States of America apart from the military aspects (as much as possible for a state that never really saw a day of peace). Davis goes into quite some detail explaining the hardships faced by the people and the governments at all levels in sustaining a living while dealing with a destructive conflict in a newly forming country. Military, political, economic, and for soldiers, civilians, and politicians alike, personal issues are all int...more
Most of the historical work one finds on the Civil War period relate to the military and naval conflicts. Davis gives us a revealing look behind the war at the politics of the Confederate States of America. Pick up this book and learn about the different factions within the Confederacy, opposition to Jefferson Davis's presidency, and problems structuring a central government in a "confederation" as against a "union" of states. Discover problems collecting taxes, managing rev...more
I was a bit disappointed in this book, I bought it expecting a civil and social history of the CSA told in a somewhat chronological manner, i.e as a story. Indeed, the book stats out that way, telling the story of secession and the formation of the provisional government in Mobile, but then just as as the move to Richmond is taking place (and getting really interesting to a Virginian), the author changes style and for the rest of the book each chapter covers. The topics and their coverage, whi...more
Northerners, you won't truly know the South until you read this book!
The Civil War continues to shape our culture and society event today. To really appreciate your American heritage, you must learn it from various perspectives. America has no single culture, but rather has several amazing legacies. This is a wonderful look at one of them.
The Civil War continues to shape our culture and society event today. To really appreciate your American heritage, you must learn it from various perspectives. America has no single culture, but rather has several amazing legacies. This is a wonderful look at one of them.
A good look at the Confederacy from the political points of view, bypassing the well-worn war commentary.
Nick
rated it
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review of another edition
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
people interested in the confederacy, but not that interested in war history.
Shelves:
history
A really great history of the Confederacy. Very little focus on the Civil War, which is good if you tire of that sort of thing. Very unsympathetic to the institution of slavery, and rightfully so.
A superb book, well researched, written, and argued. Read it with Vandiver's "Their Tattered Flags" to get another perspective.
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