There really is nothing quite like looking at the dust jacket design for a forthcoming book for the first time. It’s the first real indication that all of the years of research and writing will soon result in something tangible that you can share with the rest of the world and that will hopefully spark thoughtful conversation and debate.
The design team at the University of North Carolina Press knocked it out of the park. This is pretty much what I envisioned for a book cover. My one demand was that it had to utilize the famous photograph of Andrew and Silas Chandler. Their story functions as the narrative thread that holds much of the book together. I absolutely love how Silas is situated front and center while Andrew appears more in the background behind the title and subtitle.
As I mentioned not too long ago, the book will ship to UNC’s warehouse in early August and should be available in stores a few weeks later. I will keep you updated as to when it is available for pre-order as well as information about my book tour this Fall. I hope to see as many of you as possible.
As always, thanks for all your support.
Quite right: an excellent cover design. Eyecatching, clear text and supportive illustration.
But I want to see what’s inside.
Can’t wait to add this one to my Civil War library!
Thanks, Neil.
When you collect the Pulitzer in history I can say, “He used to let me contribute to his blog, along with Connie Chastain.”
Seriously, you have every reason to be proud. Can’t wait for it to come out.
Best
Rob
I think the best part of this whole experience will be sharing it with folks like you who have been with me over the years. Yes, even Connie. LOL
Thanks so much for the kind words.
Nice! I like the subtlety like coloring in his jacket buttons with the same color as the title text. Really looking forward to this one. It’s a subject I’ve become interested in since I wrote a little about it in my book. Well done!
Michael Aubrecht
Thanks for the response. I should be down in the Fredericksburg area at some point later this year to promote the book.
Congrats, Kevin. Looking forward to reading this.
Thanks, Jamie.
Can’t wait to read it. I suppose that image was destined to be the cover; it typifies the persistence of the myth.
You nailed it. The story of Silas and Andrew is discussed throughout the book. Thanks so much for the positive response, Mike.
I am so much looking forward to reading this—and getting you to AA to autograph my copy!
It will be my pleasure.
Ditto the sentiments about anxiously awaiting release… I’m so excited about finally having a bona fide “target date” to finally get my hands on it and add it to my collection — I just wish there was some way we could [Pre-] Order a Personally Autographed copy directly from you without waiting for details on a book promotion tour. The “Chandler Tintype” image, though ubiquitous, is I suppose a reasonably good choice, and I do sort of agree with you regarding the image manipulation; personally, I would’ve loved to have seen more of a collage of photographic images– past and contemporary –purporting to show various “Black Confederates” in-uniform… especially the less-well known photo used as the basis for a Union Army Recruitment Poster that had been deliberately altered and fraudulently identified as a group photo of the [legendary?] “1st Louisiana Native Guard.” — congrats on getting this MOST IMPORTANT largely overlooked aspect of Civil War History published! … and THANK YOU for doing all the Heavy Lifting to finally bring the issue it front & center into the spotlight of scrutiny!
Thanks for the positive response to this project. There may be an opportunity to order signed books directly from me. This is something that I need to discuss with the publisher. I believe the design team at UNC Press is planning something for the back cover, but the image you reference of the Louisiana Native Guard, along with other photographs, is included in the book.
Just a few more months.
Really looking forward to this. 🙂
Thanks for the kind words.