Mary Boykin Chesnut: A Confederate Woman's Life (American Profiles)
Developing Chesnut as a representative example of the Southern aristocracy, DeCredico contrasts her experiences (illustrated by numerous quotations from her diaries and other writings) to those of other classes within the South. This rich backdrop of social and political history based on recent scholarship not only clarifies Chesnut's experiences but challenges readers to reflect on the South's class structure and the significance of the Confederacy's fall. . . . Exceptionally well-written. (Choice)A very good and much needed introduction to Mary Chesnut's life and writings. Mary DeCredico's book will appeal to students and anyone interested in one of the Confederacy's most fascinating figures. (George C. Rable)