Rayford Logan presents a comprehensive portrait of post-Reconstruction failures -- of north and south, politicians and businessmen, newspapers and popular opinion -- to face the consequences of the Civil War and begin the hard work of healing the country.
Logan pulls together a wide range of historical sources and forms them into a multifaceted prism that captures the way various aspects of US culture justified retreating from and denying its debt to the new Freedmen and the free labor groups, in both the south and north, thereby setting in motion a perfidious political discourse that still infects every level of the country down to the present.
This is a must read for anyone who wants to gain insight into how the US came to hobble itself about race and class. The exhaustive research in primary sources makes it penetratingly clear that late 19th century plutocrats (new northern robber barons and old southern prison-labor-farm, owners and would-be aristocrats) agreed in public halls and sotto voce to prosper on workers' suffering. One can't shake the feeling of de ja vu while reading speeches and newspaper editorial justifications for ignoring the working class as capitalist control and wealth soared and set the stage for the dawn of both the 20th and 21st century.
This is a magnificent accomplishment in writing about history that is a clear cautionary tale for today. Anyone interested in understanding the origins and narrative framing of today's economic and political questions, particularly how the fictional term "race is weaponized against Euro and Afro Americans, would be gifting themselves a fine jewel of rare price by owning and reading Logan's fine book.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Frequently bought together
- +
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar books based on genre
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Products related to this item
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
