In their own words: robber barons and radicals

by Various, T. J. Stiles (Editor)

Excerpts from writing by participants describe Reconstruction, the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, the Grant administration, economic developments, and other events of the times

438 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1997

About the author

Various is the correct author for any book with multiple unknown authors, and is acceptable for books with multiple known authors, especially if not all are known or the list is very long (over 50).

If an editor is known, however, Various is not necessary. List the name of the editor as the primary author (with role "editor"). Contributing authors' names follow it.

Note: WorldCat is an excellent resource for finding author information and contents of anthologies.

Reviews

[Margaret Harris · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is whiny and sour about bad behavior that was long since exposed. Foremost is repetitious diatribe against Mississippi sore-loser plantation owners who have now been in their graves for a hundred years. I suspect the editor unwittingly allows the reader to reflect that those abhorrent post-Civil War Democrats appear to have established a standard for their Party to follow down through the years. Other chapters condemn Andrew Carnegie for becoming rich by manufacturing steel to replace the raw iron previously used to build bridges, railroad tracks, et al. Thirdly, there is an after-the-fact writing of excuses by at least one guilty participant in the corrupt "Whiskey Ring" tax evasion during President Grant's administration.

The epilogue summarizes about half a century of US history as essentially disreputable, including a denigration of Carnegie for living in his retirement "the life of a philanthropist" by funding Carnegie Hall in New York, the Carnegie Institute in Washington, a Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, an Endowment for International Peace, and building 3,000 small town public libraries. Even Booker T. Washington is criticized for his Tuskegee Institute advocacy of "industrial education and self-help" as steps to economic equality.

When an author's or editor's attitude is this negative, I begin to distrust the story.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book I. I also learned that I had a really crappy high school history education. Everyone should read this book!