The South

This book is a historical, economic and cultural overview of the various Southern states. It is full of information. Some of it essential, like its account of how African slaves were first brought to America in 1619. But many of its stories are more obscure and less likely to hold reader interest. Personally, I skipped right through its account of the National Tobacco Spitting Contest. But this book covers alot of ground and everyone will find something of interest.

Very good book that explores the reality of Southern history. Predictably, those Southerners who have always bought into the myths of the South and actually believe in its veneer of gentility will react as if personally attacked and by reflex will denounce this clear-eyed approach. Not a perfect book - I would take issue with a few of the suppositions myself - but that doesn't detract from the fact that this is a sweeping review of all the places in the South, it is fun to read, and it reveals the reality behind all the myths. If you love the South and you can think, then this book contains a vast amount of information that you should add to your knowledge of the South. If you are unable to see past cliches and prefer to accept the myths, then this book will no doubt anger you.

Unquestionably the most factual book regarding the South, as it relates to history, and the hard bitter truth, this book should be required reading material before graduating college.