Mississippi: A History

by Westley F. Busbee Jr

We are especially proud to announce the publication of A History, the first textbook ever published specifically for use in college-level courses in Mississippi history. In his sweeping coverage of the Mississippi story—from prehistoric times to the present day— Dr. Westley F. Busbee, Jr., deftly combines narrative and topical chapters to address major political, economic, social, and cultural developments. Having taught Mississippi history in college classes for more than thirty years, Dr. Busbee approaches this unflinching account by asking why Mississippi—with its rich natural and human resources—continues to compare unfavorably with other states in such critical areas as per capita income, adult literacy, and public health. “How and why,” he asks, “did all of us who call Mississippi home get where we are? What past mistakes might we hope to correct and what innovative approaches might we take to enhance the future of the state?” The book seeks answers to these meaningful questions through a careful assimilation of information gleaned from a multitude of secondary and primary sources. It also includes original maps and tables as well as a multitude of photographs, selected sources by chapter, a Selected Bibliography of Mississippi History, a series of appendices, and a full subject index. In sum, this innovative survey provides a great new resource for all instructors of Mississippi history, a common base of information for students pursuing knowledge and meaning in the study of their state’s past, and a comprehensive and engaging read for anyone interested in knowing more about the fascinating history of the Magnolia State.

456 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Hannah Gersh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, Mississippi, how I loathe thee.

There is a newer edition of this that came out in 2015 that I wish I would have read. I do think some sections of this book could have included more detail. I did learn a lot of new things, but mostly I was reminded of how much racism our country and state was built upon. This edition was published in 2005 and it is so frustrating to see how little has changed since then. When discussing an 1840's governor's attempt to improve education, the book says, "Unfortunately, leading Mississippians evidently were more interested in national events...than they were in making the sacrifices required to initiate a system of public education in their own state." FELT. Mississippi has held onto backwards, crooked, and racist ideologies to the detriment of its constituents for hundreds of years.

I also noticed how most of our counties are named after the Native Americans (that settlers murdered and kicked out), racists (such as Forrest, a Grand Wizard of the KKK or JEFFERSON freaking DAVIS) or crooked politicians. We also have a town called Vardaman and the Ross Barnett Reservoir, both named after notorious racists.

I propose renaming some of these places (specifically the ones named after horrible humans) after some of the talented artists our state has given us. I would love to live in Welty or Grisham County. I would visit a town named for Walter Anderson and swim in the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Reservoir. Even better would be honoring the thousands of human beings MURDERED on our soil - from Native Americans, slaves, and all those lynched because of their skin color. And before you say "that's re-writing history," I just a read an entire book about these deplorable people, so the history isn't going anywhere. BUT WE SHOULD BE.

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Project Read-a-History-of-Every-State-in-Order-of-Statehood #20