MEMOIRS OF A POOR RELATION: BEING THE STORY OF A POST-WAR SOUTHERN & HER BATTLE WITH DESTINY

Andrews, Marietta Minnigerode

Published by Dutton, 1928

About this Item

Wonderful full page inscription by the author includes an amusing sketch. The cloth covers are wonderfully designed. Memoirs of a Poor Relation by Marietta Andrews is interesting primarily as a firsthand historical account of an aristocratic Southern family grappling with poverty in the post-Civil War South, a period of immense social and economic upheaval. Key interesting aspects of the book include: Authentic Historical Perspective: The book provides an authentic voice describing the realities of Southern life after the Confederacy's collapse. Marietta was born into a prominent Virginia family that lost its wealth and status due to the war, offering a unique perspective on the "Lost Cause" era from a personal, lived experience. "Battle with Destiny": The book, subtitled Being the Story of a Post-War Southern Girl and Her Battle with Destiny, details the author's struggle to forge her own path in a world where her family's traditional social standing no longer guaranteed financial security. A Woman's Story: It offers insights into the limited options available to Southern women of her class during that era, and her personal journey to become a self-supporting professional as an art teacher, stained glass artist, and author. Cultural and Artistic Context: Andrews' life story is intertwined with the arts and culture of her time. Her husband helped establish the Corcoran School of Art, and her own art pieces adorn significant institutions like the University of Virginia. The book thus provides a look into the development of the Washington D.C. arts scene in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Personal and Observational Tone: Reviews from the time describe her writing as sentimental yet characterized by "keen observation," blending nostalgia with sharp insights into the societal changes she witnessed.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1767631874438

Bibliographic Details

• Title: MEMOIRS OF A POOR RELATION: BEING THE STORY OF A POST-WAR SOUTHERN & HER BATTLE WITH DESTINY
• Publisher: Dutton
• Publication Date: 1928
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)