Customer Reviews

The Citadel and the South Carolina Corps of Cadets (SC) (College History Series)

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I ordered this book with the hopes of learning more about my alma mater than I already knew. I was hoping for details that aren't in wikipedia and details of the more recent developments.
Overall this is a disappointing book for the money. I would almost label it a pamphlet. In my opinion it is a reprint of my knob knowledge handbook with the same pictures and divided into specific chapters. There is no additional historical research or in depth historical context. Most disappointing is the lack of true analysis and commentary about The Citadel and the recent events. The last two decades have changed El Cid more than any time in its history. Junior Sword Drill changes, admitting women in the corps, changing the battle flag, cadets and graduates going to war and not coming back, and the relationship with the city and College of Charleston are the true beauties of The Citadel and sparsely covered.
There are plenty of black and white pictures (to fill space). There are no recent pictures beyond news photos of women in the corps.
I think this might be a decent but boring read for someone unfamiliar with The Citadel. I'm not sure anyone in that categry would want to read it - not even a future cadet or parent. And those familiar with The Citadel want much more than this book offers.
Overall, I feel like I paid $25 to read wikipedia and my knob handbook.

If you are interested in learning more about this great institution, this is book for you. I couldn't find a better book that describes the rich history of the Citadel in such detail.