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The Palmetto State: The Making of Modern South Carolina
A concise approach to the major themes and events that define contemporary South Carolina
The captivating, colorful, and controversial history of South Carolina continues to warrant fresh explorations. In this sweeping story of defining episodes in the state's history, accomplished historians Jack Bass and W. Scott Poole trace the importance of race relations, historical memory, and cultural life in the progress of the Palmetto State from its colonial inception to the present day.
In the discussion of contemporary South Carolina that makes up the majority of this volume, the authors map the ways through which hard-won economic and civil rights advancements, a succession of progressive state leaders, and federal court mandates operated in tandem to bring a largely peaceful end to the Jim Crow era in South Carolina, in stark contrast to the violence wrought elsewhere in the South. This volume speaks directly to the connections between the state's past, present, and future, and it serves as a valuable point of entrance for new inquiries into South Carolina's diverse and complex heritage.
The captivating, colorful, and controversial history of South Carolina continues to warrant fresh explorations. In this sweeping story of defining episodes in the state's history, accomplished historians Jack Bass and W. Scott Poole trace the importance of race relations, historical memory, and cultural life in the progress of the Palmetto State from its colonial inception to the present day.
In the discussion of contemporary South Carolina that makes up the majority of this volume, the authors map the ways through which hard-won economic and civil rights advancements, a succession of progressive state leaders, and federal court mandates operated in tandem to bring a largely peaceful end to the Jim Crow era in South Carolina, in stark contrast to the violence wrought elsewhere in the South. This volume speaks directly to the connections between the state's past, present, and future, and it serves as a valuable point of entrance for new inquiries into South Carolina's diverse and complex heritage.
- GenresHistoryAmerican History
248 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 23, 2017
Took me some time to finish. Too many other books coming into my radar.
A wonderful read of South Carolina's recent history. He somewhat briefly touches on the history up to reconstruction, which is necessary for understanding current race relations. Most of the book seems focused on the issue of race, but that is South Carolina for you.
After finishing this book, I gained an appreciation for what we have in this state of mine. The things I love did not come easily but at great expense.
The author takes a more Liberal perspective on interpretation of these historical matters. But then again, all tellings are subjective to some degree.
My one "complaint" is when he makes a villain out the the Presbyterian preacher who 'support' slavery, as the author interprets. That struck me as odd, so I did my own digging. Come to find out, this preacher was passionate about living out the Bible in the best possible way, even if it meant in troubling times. Sure, he probably took the interpretation of slaves serving their master a bit too far. But this preacher was not a hard and fast supporter of slavery. He, like many preachers, was struggling with the issue and just wanted to know how best to lead his people and serve these folk in the unfortunate position of slavery.
A wonderful read of South Carolina's recent history. He somewhat briefly touches on the history up to reconstruction, which is necessary for understanding current race relations. Most of the book seems focused on the issue of race, but that is South Carolina for you.
After finishing this book, I gained an appreciation for what we have in this state of mine. The things I love did not come easily but at great expense.
The author takes a more Liberal perspective on interpretation of these historical matters. But then again, all tellings are subjective to some degree.
My one "complaint" is when he makes a villain out the the Presbyterian preacher who 'support' slavery, as the author interprets. That struck me as odd, so I did my own digging. Come to find out, this preacher was passionate about living out the Bible in the best possible way, even if it meant in troubling times. Sure, he probably took the interpretation of slaves serving their master a bit too far. But this preacher was not a hard and fast supporter of slavery. He, like many preachers, was struggling with the issue and just wanted to know how best to lead his people and serve these folk in the unfortunate position of slavery.
April 27, 2019
This book has an odd trajectory. The beginning is a bit boring but that may stem from my lack of interest in the subject. Meanwhile, the middle section is enthralling as Bass (and Nelson) do a great job documenting the political chaos of the state and how SC was different during the Civil Rights Era than other Southern states.
Then there's a really strange chapter about the development of Myrtle Beach. I suppose you can't leave out that area in a book on SC history but man is "So they developed the land" a boring thesis. (Although the parts about the Shag originating out of a specific bar was quite interesting.)
The book gets back its rhythm only to end on some really odd chapters. There's the one on SC's development (spoiler alert: BMW was a big deal) and another on the cultural exports of SC (looking at you James Brown). Finally, the last chapter is really just a list of stuff that has happened in the state which the authors apparently couldn't organize better.
I'd give this a 3.75 if I had the capacity to be nitpicky. Definitely the kind of book you can hop around without feeling guilty about.
Then there's a really strange chapter about the development of Myrtle Beach. I suppose you can't leave out that area in a book on SC history but man is "So they developed the land" a boring thesis. (Although the parts about the Shag originating out of a specific bar was quite interesting.)
The book gets back its rhythm only to end on some really odd chapters. There's the one on SC's development (spoiler alert: BMW was a big deal) and another on the cultural exports of SC (looking at you James Brown). Finally, the last chapter is really just a list of stuff that has happened in the state which the authors apparently couldn't organize better.
I'd give this a 3.75 if I had the capacity to be nitpicky. Definitely the kind of book you can hop around without feeling guilty about.
November 20, 2019
Interesting history of South Carolina ... unsurprising and yet also surprising how deeply slavery and Jim Crow have twisted the state's history and how relentlessly white supremacy drove so many things that happened there.
September 10, 2009
This history of South Carolina is the first I've read which contains a frank and progressive treatment of the evolution of race relations in the state. It is very well written, and devoid of the nostalgia and Old South apologism I've found in other histories of my native state. The book is very well written, not at all dry, and contains an enormous amount for such a relatively short work. Highly recommended. (It also has a picture of my sister, her family, and my father on page 200!)
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July 25, 2011An interesting point of view that may be valid. The authors make some assumptions that I would not have made but those are relatively minor issues. While I enjoyed reading it, I wouldn't highly recommend or discourage reading it. I am left feeling ambivalent after reading this book.
May 1, 2010
A very enjoyable book that instilled an extra bit of pride in this Southern-raised girl.
April 7, 2021
A relatively easy introduction to the state's history for a newcomer. Have names and stories to place with the landscape. Opens the door to more specialized treatments.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews