Secession Debated: Georgia's Showdown in 1860

Rating:
Summary: Important, illuminating work
Review: I'd urge all those interested in learning more about the cause(s) of the Civil War to get this book. A terrific read.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Source to Understand Georgia's History
Review: Prior to the War for Southern Independence, the South had its own great debate. The secession debate in Georgia was probably more important than the Lincoln-Douglas debates of a few years before; without Georgia, it is likely that the Confederate States of America would never have been formed and the War for Southern Independence would never have happened.

Collected here are the speeches of the particulars, both secessionist and Unionist Georgians. All the speeches are fascinating and enlightening, particularly the Unionist speech of Alexander Stephens, as cogent and impressive a declaration of conservative principles as has ever been written or uttered by anyone. This book is worth buying for that speech alone.

Rating:
Summary: The other great antebellum debate
Review: Prior to the War for Southern Independence, the South had its own great debate. The secession debate in Georgia was probably more important than the Lincoln-Douglas debates of a few years before; without Georgia, it is likely that the Confederate States of America would never have been formed and the War for Southern Independence would never have happened.

Collected here are the speeches of the particulars, both secessionist and Unionist Georgians. All the speeches are fascinating and enlightening, particularly the Unionist speech of Alexander Stephens, as cogent and impressive a declaration of conservative principles as has ever been written or uttered by anyone. This book is worth buying for that speech alone.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Source to Understand Georgia's History
Review: With Georgia attempting to determine what type of flag reflects the state's soul, Freehling and Simpson's "Secession Debated: Georgia's Showdown in 1860" would be a valuable resource to every Georgian citizen. The book contains speeches and letters from individuals on both sides of the secessionist battle, after the Lincoln election. Each speech or letter is given in its entirety, with useful footnotes to explain now obscure terms or allusions. The editors also provide short biographies of the protagonists (which in some cases could have been longer). Pictures of the various authors would also have been appreciated.

The book is highly recommended. Indeed, it should be read by all Georgians prior to selecting a new flag design, lest they find themselves with symbols that reflect the worst of the state's history, instead of its best.