Jefferson Davis [Paperback]

Jefferson Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 1995

This fascinating collection of intimate letters from and to Jefferson Davis (1808–1889) illuminates the character and personality of the President of the Confederacy. These letters (the majority appearing fully in print for the first time) range widely over one of the most turbulent periods in American history, from his fifteenth year to his death at eighty-one. Here is Jefferson Davis in all aspects: in love and in house slippers; as wounded war hero; at dramatic heights of statesmanship; in grief over four dead sons; refusing Lee's resignation after Gettysburg and expressing unwavering confidence; as shackled prisoner, stoic survivor, generous friend, adoring father and husband. Equally revealing are the letters written to him by such notable figures as Franklin Pierce, Zachary Taylor, Judah P. Benjamin, General and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Davis's children, and of course his spirited wife, Varina. From this rich, varied correspondence there emerges a unique biography in letters, adding new dimensions and highlights to one of the most exalted, maligned, and remarkable men in American history.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The title of this 1966 volume pretty much says it all. The Civil Warrior's letters cover his life from age 15 through his death. The book includes a scholarly introduction by editor Strode, who is also the author of a three-volume biography of the Confederate president.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) was the president of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, served in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and was secretary of war under Franklin Pierce.
William J. Cooper, Jr., is Boyd Professor of History at Louisiana State University. His most recent book is "Jefferson Davis, American, winner of the 2001 "Los Angeles Times Book Prize in Biography and the Jefferson Davis Award. He lives in Baton Rouge.

"From the Hardcover edition.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 580 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (March 22, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 030680638X
• ISBN-13: 978-0306806384
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,787,248 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable look at the people behind the events, July 23, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jefferson Davis (Paperback)

Varina Davis--Jefferson Davis's wife--is an energetic delight, full of unedited editorial opinions about the people and events surrounding the Civil War. Jefferson Davis must have been possessed of immense patience and calm to spend a lifetime with a woman as hyper as Varina. As well as a good look at the private side of these public people, the letters in the book contain amazing historical tidbits, such as the prophetic words spoken to Davis by President Taylor on his deathbed, and Davis's true feelings on being elected president of the doomed Confederacy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rare glimpse into heart of history., June 14, 2009

By 

Michael Childs "Mike C." (Mississippi USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jefferson Davis: Private Letters 1823-1889 (Hardcover)

Shelby Foote once said that no one ever seriously studied Jefferson Davis without admiring him. I agree, though the popular view of Jefferson Davis is very negative. That is because he is a 19th century man judged by 21st century values, which is unfair. Like all men, he was a product of his times. He was a man with faults. Yet he was a remarkable man. It is unlikely that anyone could have done better at the task he faced in creating a nation and fighting a war for independence against tremendous odds.

Reading his private letters allows one to see into the heart of this figure of history. It is fascinating. No one should judge Davis without reading his letters.

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Window to the Lives of Davises, June 9, 2007

By 

Barrie W. Bracken "Researcher" (Daytona Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jefferson Davis (Paperback)

Disregard the fact that the editor is Hudson Strode. He probably edited the letters to show Davis only at his best as best he could, but they are still original documents. Worthwhile for the insights that sneak through.