CELIA GARTH: A STORY OF CHARLESTON IN THE REVOLUTION [Hardcover]

GWEN BRISTOW (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Nautical & Aviation Publishng (1999)
• ASIN: B000Q3FPC4
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oldie but goodie..., March 23, 2004

By 

Cynthia K. Robertson (beverly, new jersey USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Celia Garth: A Story of Charleston in the Revolution (Hardcover)

Gwen Bristow's Celia Garth may have been published in 1959, but it is truly a classic that is just as timely today. Charleston is always associated with the Civil War, but most Americans do not realize how much fighting went on in and around Charleston during the Revolution. In fact, there were more Revolutionary War battles in South Carolina than in any southern state.

In Celia Garth, we follow the life of a 20 year old seamstress. Celia goes back and forth between a Charleston townhouse and a plantation on the outskirts of town, and we receive a look at what it was like to live during the Revolution. The book ties in many historically documented facts including Francis Marion and his men, the British bombardment of Charleston, the siege of Charleston, British atrocities to plantations, the rebel spy network, actual battles and many famous military leaders. It is fascinating to read how Charlestonians were forced by Patriot troops to give up all their food supplies (except for rice), causing townsfolk to starve. Life was definitely not easy.

It is also fun to read about sites that are still in Charleston, and how they figured in the struggle. St. Michael's Church steeple was painted black to make it harder for British warships to see. Also, Patriots stored over 10,000 pounds of gunpowder in the basement of the Old Exchange building so that it would not fall into Loyalists hands. The British never did find it-even after they took control of the city and the Exchange Building.

The story itself is riveting, and I found myself staying up extra late to keep on reading. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Although this was written with teenage girls in mind, don't let this be a deterrent. The 300 plus pages and the heavy dose of history make for extremely interesting reading. So, if you can get your hands on this classic, you've discovered a true treasure.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A favorite for mothers and daughters, July 19, 2000

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"cantons" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Celia Garth: A Story of Charleston in the Revolution (Hardcover)

In 1963, this was my favorite book. In 1988, when I could no longer find this book in print, I found a copy in a used book store. It became my daughter's favorite book and created a world for her where she loved to read. She has now recommended the book to my young niece. I was delighted to find it in print again! It is a wonderful generational book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Book, July 11, 2000

By 

"dugstur" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Celia Garth: A Story of Charleston in the Revolution (Hardcover)

Celia Garth has been my favorite book for over 20 years. I have been trying to find it to own, but it has been out of print and unavailable. Imagine my joy at finding a new edition! As a former resident of the Charleston, SC area, I love reading Celia's story intertwined with the history of the Revolutionary War battles and hardships that occurred there. Lest anyone should feel that this book is only for middle-aged moms, my teenage daughter also enjoys this book and has checked it out more than once from the library.