Civil War Historians

Your Book Better Deliver On Its Promises

by Kevin Levin on February 26, 2013 · 26 comments · Follow me on

in Civil War Historians

Last night I spent some time browsing Civil War titles on Amazon to redeem my book credit from last quarter.  As always, thanks to those of you who purchase items on Amazon through my affiliate links.  During my search I happened upon this forthcoming biography about John Bell Hood by Stephen Hood, who is apparently [...]

Seceding From v. Seceding To

by Kevin Levin on February 25, 2013 · 1 comment · Follow me on

in Civil War Historians, Slavery, Teaching

Harvard University Press was kind enough to send me a review copy of Walter Johnson’s new book, River of Dark Dreams: Slavery and Empire in the Cotton Kingdom.  I am only beginning to make my through it, but I am very enthusiastic given how much I enjoyed Soul by Soul: Life Inside the Antebellum Slave [...]

Looking forward to seeing some of you next month in Gettysburg for the Future of Civil War History conference.  As I’ve mentioned before I am moderating a panel discussion on interpreting United States Colored Troops at Civil War sites.  We’ve got a nice selection of panelists who can address different aspects of the challenge of [...]

Ulysses S. Grant #POTY1863

by Kevin Levin on February 23, 2013 · 12 comments · Follow me on

in Civil War Culture, Civil War Historians

Earlier today the Museum of the Confederacy held their symposium to determine 1863′s Person of the Year.  Most of the choices were once again predictable, though a few are just downright odd to me.  Robert Krick’s selection of Stonewall Jackson is neither surprising or interesting in any way.  I want to hear more about why [...]

James Oakes Wins 2013 Lincoln Prize

by Kevin Levin on February 13, 2013 · 0 comments · Follow me on

in Civil War Historians, Slavery

Congratulations to James Oakes, 2013 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize winner for Freedom National: The Destruction of Slavery in the United States, 1861-1865.  It was also pleased to see that the finalists included books by Yael Sternhell and Stephen Kantrowitz.  Both finalists made my “Best of 2012“.  All three are must reads. Below is a very [...]

States’ Rights For What?

by Kevin Levin on February 13, 2013 · 7 comments · Follow me on

in Civil War Historians, Lost Cause, Memory, Slavery

I am in the home stretch with Bruce Levine’s wonderful new book, The Fall of the House of Dixie: The Civil War and the Social Revolution That Transformed the South.  It’s extremely well written and is an excellent introduction to the story of the Confederacy and the central role that slavery played in its ultimate [...]

The View From Virginia in 1861

by Kevin Levin on February 4, 2013 · 11 comments · Follow me on

in Civil War Historians, Slavery, Teaching

I am putting the finishing touches on my Crisis at Fort Sumter simulation, which my students will work on throughout this week and present next Tuesday.  Thanks to those of you who offered suggestions on primary and secondary sources.  One of the documents that I am including comes from William Freehling and Craig Simpson’s edited [...]

Update: Thanks again everyone. Sold a total of 10 copies on the first day. You can now purchase my book, Remembering the Battle of the Crater: War as Murder, directly from me for the low price of $25 plus $3.00 shipping.  Just click the “Buy Now” button below and you will be taken to my [...]

12345678910111213Last