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Black Flag over Dixie: Racial Atrocities And Reprisals in the Civil War
Black Flag over Dixie Racial Atrocities And Reprisals in the Civil War Black Flag over Dixie: Racial Atrocities and Reprisals in the Civil War highlights the central role that race played in the Civil War by examining some of the ugliest incidents that played out on its battlefields. Challenging the American publics perception of the Civil War as a chivalrous family quarrel, new and previously publishe... more »d essays by twelve rising and prominent historians show the conflict to be a wrenching social revolution with bloody excesses exacerbated by racial hatred. Twenty photographs and a map of massacre and reprisal sites accompany the volume. The contributors are Gregory J. W. Urwin, Anne J. Bailey, Howard C. Westwood, James G. Hollandsworth Jr., David J. Coles, Albert Castel, Derek W. Frisby, Weymouth T. Jordan Jr., Gerald W. Thomas, Bryce A. Suderow, Chad L. Williams, and Mark Grimsley. "In this compact, well-organized collection of essays, editor Gregory J. W. Urwin probes the intersection of war crimes and the complexities of remembrance in the American Civil War. He has assembled a useful set of articles that chronicle Confederate racial violence directed at fugitive slaves and free blacks, the U.S. Colored Troops, and their white officers. . . . [A] valuable primer for students and general readers." The American Historical Review "The most painful topics to revisit in any wars history are those involving atrocities. Never entirely forgotten but rarely probed in depth, massacres easily become the subject of politics, rumors, and denials. . . . [T]hose who wish to base their statements about this controversial topic on solid evidence should definitely read this book." North & South "Urwin has brought together a group of essays that explores a still nearly untouched aspect of this conflict. . . . [A] fascinating examination. . . . [A]n essential addition to Civil War historiography." Civil War Book Review "[R]emarkable scope for such a compact work. . . . This reviewer looks forward to the volumes that will expand on the excellent work begun here, although they will have a tough act to follow." Georgia Historical Quarterly "The atrocities discussed in this book are a reminder that truth is the first casualty of war. Urwin has performed a service, and it is to be hoped others will take up this disturbing topic." Virginia Magazine« less