Title
Secret and Sacred: The Diaries of James Henry Hammond, A Southern Slaveholder,Used
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Long encrusted in myth and legend, the planter aristocracy of the antebellum South has been depicted by a host of historians, economists, psychologists, novelists, dramatists, and moviemakers. Each has presented an interpretation of his or her own choosing. Now Carol Bleser brings us a remarkable set of diaries that allows one prominent planter and slaveholder to speak as himself and for himself. It affords a look at a vanished era unparalleled in its intimacy and candor.James Henry Hammond, virtually a character out of a Faulkner novel, was a poor boy, who married into wealth and then fought and struggled to make his South Carolina plantations and slaveholdings among the largest of the South. An articulate intellectual active in politics as a Congressman, U.S. Senator, and South Carolina governor, he became a leading spokesman for the Cotton Kingdom in the last years before the Civil War. He dominated his family, sexually violated his young nieces (causing a scandal that nearly wrecked his career), and fathered children by his slaves. And all the while, he kept his "secret and sacred" diaries, almost all of which survived and have been sequestered in archives until now. Spanning the critical years from 1841 to 1864, these diaries have been masterfully edited by Bleser, who preserves their historical validity so that Hammond's unvarnished voice speaks out clearly on everything from his personal travails to the turbulent politics and key personalities of his age. More importantly, she has gracefully explicated Hammond's background and smoothed the way for the general reader so that the diaries read like a novel, sweeping through the drama and ultimate disaster of the Old South. What emerges is a vivid portrait of a man whose wealth and intellect combined to make him an important Southern leader but whose deep character flaws kept him from the true greatness to which aspired.Anyone seeking to understand the crisis facing the Union, the nature of the Old South, the institution of slavery, and the aggrandisement of the planter class will have to read these diaries, which Louis Rubin describes in his foreword as "unique among all the historical works ever published about the Old South."
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in the book? A: The book has three hundred eighty pages. It provides a comprehensive look at the diaries of James Henry Hammond.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is bound in hardcover. Hardcover bindings are known for their durability and resistance to wear.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point three eight inches in length, one point three two inches in width, and nine point five inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard size for a hardcover book.
- Q: What is the main theme of the diaries? A: The main theme revolves around the life of a Southern slaveholder during a turbulent era. It offers insights into the complexities of the ante-bellum South.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Carol K. Bleser. She has meticulously edited and contextualized the diaries for modern readers.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic research? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic research. It provides primary source material from a significant historical figure in the Old South.
- Q: How should I read this book for best understanding? A: To best understand this book, read it with an awareness of its historical context. The diaries are presented in a narrative format that flows like a novel.
- Q: Is this book recommended for high school students? A: Yes, it is recommended for high school students studying American history. The insights into slavery and Southern society are crucial for understanding this period.
- Q: Can I gift this book to someone interested in history? A: Yes, this book makes an excellent gift for history enthusiasts. Its unique perspective on the Old South is both informative and engaging.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a replacement or refund. Most retailers have a return policy for damaged goods.
- Q: Does this book contain any illustrations? A: No, this book does not contain illustrations. It focuses on the text of the diaries for an authentic reading experience.
- Q: Is there a foreword in the book? A: Yes, the book includes a foreword by Louis Rubin. He describes the diaries as unique historical works about the Old South.
- Q: How is the book organized? A: The book is organized chronologically. It spans critical years from eighteen forty-one to eighteen sixty-four.
- Q: Are there any notable events covered in the diaries? A: Yes, the diaries cover significant events, including personal struggles and the political climate leading up to the Civil War.
- Q: What makes this book unique compared to other historical works? A: This book is unique because it presents the unvarnished voice of a planter and slaveholder, providing intimate insights into a vanished era.