Thomas R. R. Cobb: The Making Of A Southern Nationalist

by William B. McCash

Thomas R. R. Cobb (1823-1862), a Georgia jurist who, perhaps more than any other one person, influenced the form that the "second revolution" took in Georgia (1860-1861), has been described as a prototype of a Southern intellectual. A product of the "Old South," Cobb's influence upon national events (up to and during the Civil War, especially in Georgia) was considerable. Cobb was a "representative Southerner" whose ideas "expressed the trends then current in Southern thought." This investigation of the life and influence of Thomas R. R. Cobb provides significant insight into the attitudes of his time. Cobb's multifaceted involvements -- in legal, educational, and moral reform; revivalism; the "positive good defense" of slavery; secession; and the Civil War -- make him a doubly interesting important figure worthy of serious investigation. The present study is just such a serious, well-researched, and well-written investigation of Cobb, and amply provides further insight into the life and times of that "Late Great Unpleasantness" (secession and Civil War) that is such an important part of the history of the United States.

Genres: Civil War

Paperback

First published June 1, 1983

Reviews

[EJ Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his biography of Thomas R.R. Cobb, William McCash is able to mold the story of a man's life, with all of its complexities, contradictions, and complications, to illustrate a larger thesis: in this case, how one man found himself evolving into a Southern nationalist. The product is a biography which situates its subject within a larger historical context without losing sight of his humanity.

Cobb, like many Georgians in the middle of the 19th century, influenced and was influenced by the great events which rocked America at large. As such his life must be understood relative to these occurrences. Cobb was also, however, possessing of a strong personality and worldview which McCash does not neglect in his engaging portrait. Writing with skill and panache, McCash is as comfortable unpacking evangelical theology as he is narrating battlefield maneuvers and the result is a highly readable, highly enjoyable work.

If McCash ever falters, it is because he tends to assume that his readers are as well-versed in the pursuant history as he is and, on occasion, his references might be lost to anyone not already very familiar with the time period.

I would recommend Thomas R. R. Cobb: The Making Of A Southern Nationalist to anyone interested in 19th century biographies or Georgia history; residents of Athens, Georgia might also enjoy this remarkable portrait of one of her most famous sons.