Virginia: The New Dominion, A History from 1607 to the Present

by Virginius Dabney

The task of compressing the history of Virginia into a single volume is a difficult one. The Virginia story is not only longer than that of any other state, but it is also probably the most diversified of them all. Whole shelves of books have been written about the early settlements, about the colonial ear that followed, and the Civil War, to name only three examples. The least written-about period, and the one that is least understood, is that which followed the Civil War. Next would probably come the nineteenth century for the four or five decades preceding the war, and then the early years of the twentieth century...I have sought in the present work to bring together the salient facts concerning Virginia's history and to describe the events and personalities, both good and bad, that make up the long and exciting Virginia story. (From the author's Foreword)

Genres: History, American History

629 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Virginius Dabney was an American teacher, journalist, and writer, who edited the Richmond Times-Dispatch from 1936 to 1969.

Reviews

[Rindis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this history of the state of Virginia mostly because of curiosity about the Colonial era. There's lots of political cross-currents going on as the Colonies move towards rebellion and independence, and providing true scope to these just isn't something histories of the Revolution can have space for. (I would really like to see this on Pennsylvania, the politics there are extra-special.)

It was written in 1970 and shows. There is no sympathy for slavery and direct racism as such, but often feels apologetic for some of the further offshoots in Virginia politics. This is largely just trying to keep some distance and evenhandedness, 'these are the people, and this is what they did', leaving moralizing for in extremis. But it's really more the author's love for his state, and wanting to show how it did better/different than the rest of the south, and it's obvious enough to cast doubt on what he's saying on occasion.

Its a large book, covering a bit over three-and-a-half centuries, and while it spends a lot of time on politics, it also covers everything else you'd expect in an overview. The establishment and growth of the major cities, overall economic and population trends (that last might have stood some more attention). However, this all purely from a modern and Western view. Which is to say, even when talking about the original charters, establishing Virginia as having authority over a wide swath of land, all the talk is pretty much limited to Virginia's current, or at least pre-Civil War borders. There is some nice attention paid to the increasingly separated politics of the future West Virginia, which helps explain that split.

The big missing part is not a lot is said about Native Americans. They're there, various conflicts, and problems on both sides are there. But you don't really see them outside of direct dealings with the colony. No discussion of the original tribes, how broad a cultural spectrum there was, how they dealt with each other, and so on. If it's not dealing directly with a political entity called "Virginia", it doesn't exist in this book.

Overall, it's decently written, a little dated, and covers the subject about as well as anything so broad can. It's been printed three times, with the last in the early '90s. It's not going to be a common find on used shelves, and I wouldn't recommend specifically hunting it down, but if a cheap copy crosses your path, consider picking it up.

[Gary Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former Virginia History teacher, this was a valuable resource. Well researched and great read.

[Tim Jarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Import and concise history of the state. Like all history, it gets contentious the closer it gets to the present (even ending in the mid-1970s). Dabney's allowances for politicians who excused Massive Resistance and other assholery are painful to read. But he certainly doesn't hold back on excoriating those who followed slavery with lynchings and segregation either. On the whole, a balanced and ambitious history. I'd love to read a modern day sequel covering the last 40 years.

[Robert Dearmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history book and enjoyable read for its age. Enlightening as to its highlights of struggles and victories still going on nearly fifty years after its publishing!

[Fox Vernon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read if you are into history, and you live in Virginia, and you have a stomach for dry scholarly works. This ain't that dry, but if you don't read these kinds of books, it might be a painful read.

[Korry Thorpe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an interesting read. The author did tend to rationalize poor choices Virginians have made in the past but all in all was an interesting depiction of Virginia's role in US history.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standard history, but now outdated.