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The University of North Carolina Press
640 pp., 61/8 x 91/4, 25 illus., 22 maps, appends., notes, bibl., index
Civil War America
Confederate Warrior to Southern Redeemer
2008 Distinguished Book Award, Biography, Army Historical Foundation
2008 Choice Outstanding Academic Title
Few Southern elites gave more to the Confederate cause or suffered more in its defeat than General Wade Hampton III of South Carolina. One of the South's most illustrious military leaders, Hampton was for a time the commander of all Lee's cavalry and at the end of the war was the highest-ranking Confederate cavalry officer. Yet for all Hampton's military victories, he also suffered devastating losses. He lost a beloved son and a brother, his own home as well as his grandfather's ancestral mansion, and his vast personal fortune. He failed to deter Sherman's legions from capturing his hometown of Columbia and was blamed for the inferno that destroyed it. Previous studies of Hampton have leaned toward hero worship or taken a political approach that considered his personal history irrelevant. Rod Andrew's critical biography demonstrates that Hampton's life is essential to understanding his influence beyond the battlefield and his obsession with vindication for the South.
Andrew's analysis of Hampton sheds light on his critical role during Reconstruction as a conservative white leader, governor, U.S. senator, and Redeemer; his heroic image in the minds of white Southerners; and his positions and apparent contradictions on race and the role of African Americans in the New South. Andrew also shows that Hampton's tragic past explains how he emerged in his own day as a larger-than-life symbol--of national reconciliation as well as Southern defiance.
"Hampton is one of those larger-than-life figures whose actions repay close attention and whose careers match pivotal moments in America's history. . . . Andrew. . . describes Hampton's wartime experience with special vividness."
--Wall Street Journal
"The author accomplished his twofold mission of learning more about Hampton the man, and through his story, providing a better understanding of Southern paternalism, honor and chivalry, the motivation of Confederate soldiers, Reconstruction, racism and white supremacy, and the myth of the Lost Cause. . . . The pace of this book is brisk, and it is well organized. The transition between chapters and parts is smooth, and the writing is clear and concise. . . . Andrew has succeeded in producing a Hampton biography that is not only definitive, but also entertaining."
--The Washington Times
"A compelling full biography notable for its scope, balance, and insight. . . . Andrew's insights and detailed attention to both Hampton's military career and his political odyssey makes this work stand out as the fullest and best."
--Journal of Military History
"A meticulously researched and superbly written biography. . . . Highly recommended."
--Choice
"Elucidates Hampton's critical role during Reconstruction as a conservative leader, governor, U.S. senator, and southern Redeemer."
--Courier
"Hampton's life and significance in southern history merit close re-examination, and Rod Andrew is just the right person for the task. In this first-rate biography, Andrew provides an enlightened portrait of a man driven by personal circumstances as well as southern codes of paternalism and chivalry. It is the best, most careful and rigorous study of Hampton, offering a new understanding of South Carolina politics at a critical time in the state's history."
--Vernon Burton, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana
Cloth: $40.00
© 2009 The University of North Carolina Press
116 South Boundary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3808
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