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Alabama: The Making of an American State
A thorough, accessible, and heavily illustrated history of Alabama
The Making of an American State is itself a watershed event in the long and storied history of the state of Alabama. Here, presented for the first time ever in a single, magnificently illustrated volume, Edwin C. Bridges conveys the magisterial sweep of Alabama’s rich, difficult, and remarkable history with verve, eloquence, and an unblinking eye.
From Alabama’s earliest fossil records to its settlement by Native Americans and later by European settlers and African slaves, from its territorial birth pangs and statehood through the upheavals of the Civil War and the civil rights movement, Bridges makes evident in clear, direct storytelling the unique social, political, economic, and cultural forces that have indelibly shaped this historically rich and unique American region.
Illustrated lavishly with maps, archival photographs, and archaeological artifacts, as well as art works, portraiture, and specimens of Alabama craftsmanship—many never before published— The Making of an American State makes evident as rarely seen before Alabama’s most significant struggles, conflicts, achievements, and developments.
Drawn from decades of research and the deep archival holdings of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, this volume will be the definitive resource for decades to come for anyone seeking a broad understanding of Alabama’s evolving legacy.
The Making of an American State is itself a watershed event in the long and storied history of the state of Alabama. Here, presented for the first time ever in a single, magnificently illustrated volume, Edwin C. Bridges conveys the magisterial sweep of Alabama’s rich, difficult, and remarkable history with verve, eloquence, and an unblinking eye.
From Alabama’s earliest fossil records to its settlement by Native Americans and later by European settlers and African slaves, from its territorial birth pangs and statehood through the upheavals of the Civil War and the civil rights movement, Bridges makes evident in clear, direct storytelling the unique social, political, economic, and cultural forces that have indelibly shaped this historically rich and unique American region.
Illustrated lavishly with maps, archival photographs, and archaeological artifacts, as well as art works, portraiture, and specimens of Alabama craftsmanship—many never before published— The Making of an American State makes evident as rarely seen before Alabama’s most significant struggles, conflicts, achievements, and developments.
Drawn from decades of research and the deep archival holdings of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, this volume will be the definitive resource for decades to come for anyone seeking a broad understanding of Alabama’s evolving legacy.
264 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 20, 2020
This book is beautifully presented and illustrated and provides as much history as I will ever need to know about my second favourite blue state.
Given that this is an 'authorised' history, published with the cooperation of the Alabamba Bicentennial Commission, the book takes a surprisingly frank and somewhat downbeat view of the state's economic situation. For example "Despite popular antipathy toward the federal government, federal money assisted hundreds of thousands of Alabambians and was a vital source of support for the state's overall economy." (p231)
I was a bit disappointed that the author couldn't find room to include a section about Alabamba's contribution to popular music such as the great Hank Williams and the amazing sounds that emanated from Muscle Shoals in the sixties and seventies, otherwise it's a wonderful short history.
Given that this is an 'authorised' history, published with the cooperation of the Alabamba Bicentennial Commission, the book takes a surprisingly frank and somewhat downbeat view of the state's economic situation. For example "Despite popular antipathy toward the federal government, federal money assisted hundreds of thousands of Alabambians and was a vital source of support for the state's overall economy." (p231)
I was a bit disappointed that the author couldn't find room to include a section about Alabamba's contribution to popular music such as the great Hank Williams and the amazing sounds that emanated from Muscle Shoals in the sixties and seventies, otherwise it's a wonderful short history.
January 25, 2019
Great "high level" history book on Alabama that is an easy read for all, while still providing a wealth of historical information on the state. This states rich history is captured in flowing prose, supported by some amazing pictures and statistics. Also, the author does not shy away from the many controversial periods and events that formed this state. Additionally, there are several pages of books and other reference material for those wanting to dig deeper.
August 17, 2017
Ed Bridges' history of Alabama is a great read. I've recently moved here, and reading this book has given me an appreciation and understanding of my new home. Bridges' writing and ideas are clear, simple, and accessible. This could easily be required reading in schools (and for adults!).
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews