Mary Boykin Chesnut: A Confederate Woman's Life (American Profiles) [Hardcover]

Mary A. DeCredico (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 094561246X | ISBN-13: 978-0945612469 | Edition: 1st

Born into the plantation gentry of South Carolina, granted the advantages of wealth, social position, and education by virtue of her family and her marriage to another prominent South Carolina family, Mary Chesnut has emerged as one of the key figures in American history, but not because of a career, her family, or her involvement in a humanitarian cause. Rather, Chesnut's significance comes from her extensive diary. Her commentary and reminiscences about the Confederate era provide an excellent window into the life and death of the Confederate nation. Her keen insight into political, economic, and social developments makes her an excellent source to understand the Southern homefront during the Civil War. Professor DeCredico uses Chesnut's life to address the role of women in the South, the ideology and leadership of the Southern white elite, and how Southern women in general--and Chesnut in particular--viewed the institution of slavery. Furthermore, DeCredico shows how Mary Chesnut's privileged position gave her an ideal perspective for observing and commenting on the events of the Confederacy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Developing Chesnut as a representative example of the Southern aristocracy, DeCredico contrasts her experiences (illustrated by numerous quotations from her diaries and other writings) to those of other classes within the South. This rich backdrop of social and political history based on recent scholarship not only clarifies Chesnut's experiences but challenges readers to reflect on the South's class structure and the significance of the Confederacy's fall. . . . Exceptionally well-written. (Choice )

A very good and much needed introduction to Mary Chesnut's life and writings. Mary DeCredico's book will appeal to students and anyone interested in one of the Confederacy's most fascinating figures. (George C. Rable )

About the Author

Mary A. DeCredico teaches history at the U.S. Naval Academy. She is also the author of Patriotism for Profit: Georgia's Urban Entrepreneurs and the Confederate War Effort.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers; 1st edition (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 094561246X
• ISBN-13: 978-0945612469
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,991,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great history and a great read, May 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mary Boykin Chesnut: A Confederate Woman's Life (American Profiles) (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books around in the growing fields of both women's history and the history of the American South. DeCredico, a professor at the United States Naval Academy who is one of today's most respected Civil War historians, paints a fascinating picture of one Southern woman's life before, during, and after the Civil War. A must read for scholars and interested lay readers alike!