48 pages 1 hour read

David W. Blight

Race and Reunion

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Race and Reunion by David W. Blight explores the competing themes of racial equality and sectional reunion in the 50 years following the Civil War, using firsthand accounts to contrast emancipationist views with reconciliationist and white supremacist memories. Blight details how Southern narratives, such as the "Lost Cause," were adopted and how this influenced historical memory, ultimately leading to the suppression of Black civil rights and the rise of white supremacist ideologies.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

David W. Blight's Race and Reunion is highly acclaimed for its thorough examination of Civil War memory and the politics of reconciliation. Reviewers praise its deep research and compelling narrative. Though some find it dense and repetitive, the consensus highlights Blight's critical insights into historical memory and race relations, making it a pivotal scholarly work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Race and Reunion?

Readers interested in the Civil War, Reconstruction, and American memory will appreciate David W. Blight's Race and Reunion. Those who enjoyed Eric Foner's Reconstruction or James McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom will find similar in-depth analysis and engaging narrative in Blight's work.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Race / Racism

Civil Rights / Jim Crow

Period

American Civil War

Genre

American Literature

Themes

Identity: Race

Society: Politics & Government