Negro's Civil War - Softcover

McPherson, James M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0345371208 ISBN 13: 9780345371201

Publisher: Ballantine Books, 1991

Synopsis

Ground-breaking in both technique and in the facts and attitudes it uncovers, The Negro's Civil War offers a much-needed reassessment of our nation's bloodiest conflict from the perspective of those who had most at stake. For anyone concerned with the Civil War and the history and culture of black Americans, here is a richly complex, multifaceted chronicle of a neglected chapter in America's history.

In The Negro's Civil War, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James McPherson assembles key extracts from newspaper articles, books, speeches, and letters, and allows black preachers and doctors, former slaves and intellectuals, soldiers and educators to speak for themselves. Through their words, we learn of conditions for blacks in the Union army, the rebuttal of the theory of racial inferiority, and the shift in black views of Lincoln. And we hear of the aspirations of a newly freed people to acquire education, suffrage, and, above all, the human dignity that had long been denied them. For this edition, McPherson has added a searching new foreword bringing the book up to date.

About this title

From the Publisher

The experiences of blacks differed greatly from those of white during America's Civil War. In the North, against great opposition, black soldiers--when given the opportunity--fought valiantly on behalf of the Union. The South was a different story. Aside from life on the plantation, many slaves followed their masters to war, and on occasion fought for the Confederacy. There was also, of course, the underground railroad, helping escaped slaves to freedom. Pulitzer Prize-winning author James McPherson paints a stunning picture of the other side--the Negro's Civil War. If you've read BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM, you must read this book to get the full picture.

Doug Grad, Editor

From the Back Cover

“McPherson shatters the belief that [blacks] were passive about their freedom. His evidence is telling and, what is more, it is absorbingly retold.” —The New York Times

“Vital reading.” –The New York Times Book Review

“A highly accurate and praiseworthy contribution.” –The San Francisco Chronicle

“Rewarding. . . . Fascinating in detail.” –The Christian Science Monitor

“Tremendous research. . . . Deserves a place on the shelves of readers interested in all phases of the 1861-65 struggle.” –Houston Chronicle

“Impressive. . . . This collection of material is a valuable contribution to history.” –Charleston Evening Post

Edition details

• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0345371208
• ISBN 13: 9780345371201
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 366