When in the Course of Human Events: Arguing the Case for Southern Secession - Softcover

Adams, Charles

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0847697231 ISBN 13: 9780847697236

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, 2004

Synopsis

Using primary documents from both foreign and domestic observers, prominent scholar Charles Adams makes a powerful and convincing case that the Southern states were legitimately exercising their political rights as expressed in the Declaration of Independence when they seceded from the United States. Although conventional histories have taught generations of Americans that this was a war fought for lofty moral principles, Adams' eloquent history transcends simple Southern partisanship to show how the American Civil War was primarily a battle over competing commercial interests, opposing interpretations of constitutional rights, and what English novelist Charles Dickens described as "a fiscal quarrel".

About this title

About the Author

Charles Adams, the world's leading scholar on the history of taxation, is the author of the best selling books For Good and Evil, Those Dirty Rotten Taxes, and Fight, Flight, and Fraud.

Review

A very readable and insightful book. (Marshall L. DeRosa, Political Scientist at Florida Atlantic University and author of several books)

This is the best written, most accurate account of the causes and meaning of the American Civil War. . . . A fantastic book! (John V. Denson, Auburn University)

Highly original. . . . Mr. Adams' work, as well as contributing to the subject, makes a lovely example of the way history should be written. (Clyde N. Wilson, University of South Carolina)

The Civil War violently destroyed the decentralized federal system of the Founders and opened a way for the vast centralized empire of today. To legitimate this revolutionary change, Americans have taught that secession was unconstitutional; that the South seceded to protect slavery; and that the North invaded to emancipate slaves. Charles Adams, a northern historian, argues persuasively that these propositions are false. Adams claims that the war was about what most wars are fought over: control of territory, resources, and revenue. To many this book will be disturbing; to others it will be a breath of fresh air. The first step in healing the fractural historical memory imposed on all Americans by the Civil War is to face the hard truths that Adams brings into focus. Having read this book, I can no longer, with ease, recite the 'Gettysburg Address' or sing the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' (Donald Livingston, Emory University)

Adams is the world's leading scholar on the history of taxation. When in the Course of Human Events is a must read for history teachers and history buffs searching for honesty. (Charlotte Observer)

This is one of the most important books ever published on American history. (Forum News Magazine)

This is a well-rounded historical presentation of the events surrounding the Civil War. Whatever you have to do, but do read this book! Winner of the Reformed Library's 2000 Paradigm Award. (Reformed Library)

Delightful and insightful book. The author has provided a well-documented exposure of the real reasons for an unnecessary war. It is a pleasure to read. (The Rebel Rouser)

Provocative, well-argued revisionist history. (The New American)

But if we were to recommend one work―based on originality, brevity, depth, and sheer rhetorical power―it would be Charles Adams' time bomb of a book, When in the Course of Human Events. (Worldnetdaily)

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0847697231
• ISBN 13: 9780847697236
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 257