The Negro's Civil War : How American Blacks Felt and Acted During the War for the Union (Vintage Civil War Library)

Rating:
Summary: Definitely a Must Read!!!
Review: James McPherson successfully recounts the Negro's feelings and actions during and somewhat after the Civil War. The author uses a compilation of letters written by actual heroes of this revolutionary period to tell a story that is heard by few. Educators often share the many distinct battles and strategies both sides engaged in and created during the war. However, students seldom learn the grand history of the war that could only be learned by giving a broader sense of the account- a feat only accomplished when one studies those who were most affected by the war. Mr McPherson's usage of speeches and actual letters allow the reader to transcend time with the upper hand of hindsight having 20/20 vision! The interjections that McPherson interpolates into the scheme keep the flow of the different works so well tied at times it appears as though the authors worked together on the event. The final essay is more than fitting to end the book as it redefines the Negro's necessity to strive for and never forget the pursuit of freedom and equality. There were instances when it seemed each individual had a secret knowledge that decades later others would read his/her words and learn positive things from the experience. I respect James McPherson for having the courage to write without prejudice but maintain and provide factual evidence that the African-American was not simply rescued but by the blood, sweat and tears of thousands of his brothers and sisters aided in liberating himself. The author gives a refreshing look at the "colored" man as he verifies that he is a citizen by right as well as an important part of the history of the United States whose story should not be neglected by any.

Rating:
Summary: A Mixed Bag - Effective, insightful and tedious
Review: Synopsis

James McPherson has compiled a fantastic amount of source material concerning how Blacks felt and acted during the Civil War. In the forward McPherson notes that there is "a need for a documentary collection that will present all aspects of the Negro's role in the war largely in the Negro's own words...this book is designed to fill that need." McPherson strings together quote after quote from Black newspapers, letters and speeches with relatively sparse commentary in between.

The book addresses 22 topics - from pre-war commentary on Abraham Lincoln to postwar lamentations about the failure of Reconstruction.

My Review

Unfortunately, the very strength of this book (all of the quotes) made it, at times, a tedious read for me. I found the style of the book to be a chore to read. I'll keep this book in my personal collection of Civil War material because as a collection of source material it is unmatched and I may have need to utilize it when it comes time to get my master's degree. As a history of the Civil War it is effective, informative but ultimately a chore to read.

Rating:
Summary: A Mixed Bag - Effective, insightful and tedious
Review: Synopsis

James McPherson has compiled a fantastic amount of source material concerning how Blacks felt and acted during the Civil War. In the forward McPherson notes that there is "a need for a documentary collection that will present all aspects of the Negro's role in the war largely in the Negro's own words...this book is designed to fill that need." McPherson strings together quote after quote from Black newspapers, letters and speeches with relatively sparse commentary in between.

The book addresses 22 topics - from pre-war commentary on Abraham Lincoln to postwar lamentations about the failure of Reconstruction.

My Review

Unfortunately, the very strength of this book (all of the quotes) made it, at times, a tedious read for me. I found the style of the book to be a chore to read. I'll keep this book in my personal collection of Civil War material because as a collection of source material it is unmatched and I may have need to utilize it when it comes time to get my master's degree. As a history of the Civil War it is effective, informative but ultimately a chore to read.

Rating:
Summary: YES THIS BOOK IS A DELECTABLE TREAT!
Review: this book is a delectible treat, and yes i spelled it 2 different ways. A certain DR does not know good literature when it hits him in the face, but this is a greatness piece. The only problem is they shouldnt use the word "nigger" so much, that is naughty, they should use African American or mud baby. AMAZING BOOK infinity stars, including Orion's belt and the sun!!