Customer Reviews

The Tar Heel State: A History of North Carolina

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
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Milton Ready has written an inclusive, yet fairly concise history of North Carolina from the failed attempt of colonization on Roanoke Island in 1585 to modern North Carolina, now one of the most diverse and populated states in the country. In highly readable prose, this book is sure to become a welcome addition to the other sources on this state, a state rich in history.

North Carolina was the site of the first attempt for English colonization in the late 16th Century, though it was short lived. Through the sketches and descriptions by John White and others we get to see the Natives already inhabiting the coast as well as their culture. Ready also gives us a good background on the geology and geography that made North Carolina unique and how it determined the future growth (slowly) for this state.

Ready traces the major points of early North Carolina's history including the years of the Lords Proprietors presence and attempts to form and establish this region, the British Royal rule of the colony (though never really strong), to the debates and issues that led North Carolina to espouse independence from British rule and hence join with its sister colonies to form a new independent nation. North Carolina's role however was not as pronounced as some other colonies and as Ready shows throughout North Carolina's history, it was slow to change and accept the consequences that came along with that change.

North Carolina, at least early on, never enjoyed the benefits or the subsequent negative results of major industrialization and growth. North Carolina lacked major cities, major ports, as well as an emphasis on improving basic infrastructure and education and other important aspects that contribute to the rise in development and economic prowess of a region. Slavery did grow however, though not as dominant as in other Southern states. Ready ably discusses North Carolina lagging growth rate as well as how the institution of slavery played out up to and through the Civil War years. North Carolina did not suffer the type of destruction to property and industrial capacity as other Southern states suffered, especially during Sherman's march, but North Carolina did pay a price in terms of casualties to the war; North Carolina provided more troops to the Confederacy than any other state.

Reconstruction, the rise of the Populist and Progressive eras and their influence on North Carolina, the decline of rural, farm life and the economic development of North Carolina especially in the Piedmont, the Civil Rights movement and so many other aspects of North Carolina's history are at least briefly detailed.

I'm leaving out a lot, but this book is very inclusive, especially when giving due attention to the history and contributions of Native Americans such as the Cherokees, blacks, whites and all who have been a part and contributed to the history of this great state. Instead of using endnotes and footnotes, Ready lists his sources at the end of each chapter. I'm sure there are many topics he has not covered or given enough attention to, but in a one volume book on the history of an entire state, I guess it's hard to include everything. A good book for the general reader.

Had to get this book for a class...packed full of info! (and it reads like a real book and not a "text book".

I am working towards getting my teaching license and this book was recommended for teaching NC history. It is an excellent book!

A well written, east to read History of N.C.. Ready provides enough detail, yet at the same time keeps the subject matter flowing.

Good quality book at less the price than the used bookstore! I recommend this seller.

An excellent well documented and detailed history of the State of North Carolina; which makes this book an excellent read and resource book. If your historical interest and focus is on the State of North Carolina, this is a must read along with Dr.Milton Ready's book, "Remembering Asheville".

I was very impressed with the service I received. This book was of higher quality than I anticipated and arrived much earlier than expected. I did not have any issues at all.

Very little new here, esp. for the colonial period. Author repeats many stories or views that are inaccurate or myths.