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Ecstatic Nation: Confidence, Crisis, And Compromise, 1848-1877 (2013)

by Brenda Wineapple(Favorite Author)

3.88 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0061234575 (ISBN13: 9780061234576)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Harper

review 1: This history about the civil war era through Reconstruction is different. It doesn't hit the topic straight on by recounting simply famous events but illuminates the era by taking many sideways journeys off the beaten path. It uses curious historical figures like red cloud or utopian socialist movements of the antebellum era to highlight the spirit of the times. The prose is well put together and the author tells many fascinating stories of this period. By going down meandering paths and side tours of phenomenon of the time the reader gets a deeper picture of the times and the thinking of the people in this momentous period which is also known as the second founding of the United States. Their are a lot of interesting characters and details to be found in this history and ... moreit is enjoyable to read.
review 2: So, here's another book on the Civil War, right? Well, yes and no. Rather than focusing on the physical fighting of a war, Wineapple focuses on the social and political rifts that caused the fighting in the first place and charts their progress through Reconstruction. In the process, a sort of multi-microscopic history is employed, with a plethora of oft-interpenetrating vignettes carrying the reader from filibustering campaigns to emancipations to corrupt presidential administrations. Thanks to a cast of colorful characters and momentous events, a deeper picture of the US during her tumultuous adolescence is formed. Erudite yet approachable, I learned plenty and enjoyed my times throughout, which, to me, is what really matters. Good times. less

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