"These stimulating essays demonstrate why William J. Cooper has earned a reputation as one of the foremost historians of the South, slavery, and secession. In lucid, forthright prose he dissects several existing interpretations of these complex matters and offers bold, clear elucidations of his own."--James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era
"This splendid collection of essays, the capstone of William J. Cooper's prolific writing career, displays his many strengths as an historian: versatility in selection of topic, vigorous prose, rigorous research, and cogent argumentation. Thus its publication by Louisiana State University Press is a happy event indeed." --Michael Holt, author of The Election of 1860: A Campaign Fraught with Consequences
"These wide-ranging essays, published over a forty-two-year period, provide a taste of William J. Cooper's important scholarship. Clearly written, thoughtful, and accessible, they put forth compelling analyses of major interpretive issues in the political history of the Civil War era." --Peter Kolchin, author of American Slavery, 1619-1877