Bloodstains, An Epic History of the Politics that Produced and Sustained the American Civil War and the Political Reconstruction that Followed
Howard Ray White, the historian and writer, is not an academic and chose to write for ordinary readers, not for academics or for their approval. Therefore, he believes the best reviews of his book series is from readers. Of readers of Volumes 1 and 2, first published in 2002 and 2003, the following reader comments are helpful:A South Carolina reader wrote: As a student of the War of Southern Independence, I have a rather extensive library of books plus have read many others from our library. However, from your books, I must say I've learned a great deal more of the causes and the northern demagogues who caused and started the conflict. I'm amazed at all the information and ideas you've compiled -- just don't know how you managed!A Florida reader wrote: Because of you, I have missed hours of work! My lunch hour, on occasion, became two! I have learned more in Volumes 1 and 2 on the politics of America up to 1860 than all other sources. Thank you for taking the time to put the mess into a logical format.Another North Carolina reader wrote: What a masterpiece of understandable history you have created! I have read many, many books concerning the early history of our nation from its beginning through the reconstruction period, but never have I found such an interesting and truthful story. I have wished for more than 40 years for such a work asBloodstainsbecause I longed to learn the truth about that terrible war and its results. Only you have sifted through the volumes of records and propaganda and drawn truth from it. --Comments from ReadersAddition comments from readers reinforce the opinions of those above:An Iowa reader, who is partial to the Federal side of the conflict, upon reading Volume 1 wrote: I stand in admiration of your work. You are doing what every American Civil War student and historian longs to do and that is putting their passion into words. You have based your narrative on in-depth research and you have wonderfully documented your sources. The bibliography was laid out in an easy to reference form. If your subsequent books stay on the course that you set withThe Nation Builders, this complete political saga that ends with Reconstruction needs to be offered as a University course. The work cries out to be studied! You have provided the reader (student) with paralleled biographies of the main political participants unlike anything I have read before your narrative.A Georgia reader recently wrote upon receipt of the 4th volume: Just wanted to thank you again for your efforts and dedication in putting all of this information together. Publishing in 4 divided volumes was a great way to do it. When I finish Volume 4 I want to start on reading each one all over again. I want to tell you how much I admire your writing style. All four of my great grandfathers were involved and survived. Thanks again.Another Georgia reader wrote: Your books are without a doubt the most informative documented works I have ever read on an era that changed this country and indeed the world. --More Comments from Readers