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I've seen this idea die quickly, but I have a new idea.
There has been so much controversy in these threads, folks citing this and that so and so about historians and who can be believed, etc. Northerners rewriting history, "lost causers" rewriting history, "professional", academic, vs. "amateur historians.... biases.... neo this and neo that.
My idea is to just do one book. (Now) Which might give each of us a different perspective on all our discussions/ arguments.
The idea is to have 1 or 2 dozen CWTers to read this one book and then after a time all discuss it, as it may apply to our CWT dialogs or as to the CW history in general. .
The book explores history vs. myth of the CW, it focuses on Gettysburg, but its content can be applied to the whole of the war or other parts of it.
It would not be difficult as it is a very readable book, only 200+ pages. It may be found in many bargain bins of discount bookstores, or at Amazon for as low as $1.61 used.
The book is These Honored Dead by Thomas A. Desjardin.
I have recommended it before as has Shane. Tho I'd say it would be hard to be objectionable to anyone (unless you are a Dan Sickles fan).
So here's the bottom line: If anyone is interested, just reply to this post by, say Feb., 1 and say you're in. Then by Mar. 1 we should have enough to dicuss.
(This book is mostly neutral as to N vs. S; if this experiment is successful, we might venture into more controversial works)
My copy should be in by next Friday. Ole Sorry about copying your entire post, but I can't seem to get "Quick Reply" without hitting "Reply" or "Quote." Nor can I get icons to register or formatting (especially returns) to register. We'll get it worked out.
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
If this works out and we can get Ole unbanned from the chat room ... would it be an idea to have discussion sessions in the chat room ... or would that just be a logistics nightmare?
__________________ It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood.
I was just pondering the same idea (might be just the thing!). Let's see how things play out.
The Chat Room would be a good idea, however, how would we get everyone together at approximately the same time? Might be worth a shot. Ole (I do expect to be unbanned by then. And maybe I'll have figured out how to make a return work.)
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Based on just the little bit of "Chat" last night, I'm not sure it's a good forum for sharing well considered thoughts. It goes so fast. Plus we would have other folks chatting about other things at the same time. Gets confusing. Maybe we could open up a dedicated thread to the one book when the time comes.
__________________ -
"It was a very peculiar time." - Franklin D. Cossitt
Ancestors in USA Army: 6th IA Inf, 11th IL Cav, 1st AL Cav; 122nd NY Inf; 6th MI Cav; 35th MA Inf; 100th IL Inf; 1st CO Inf/Cav; 22nd IN Inf
Sam: I'll vote for that. Now, in anticipation of a follow up, I note an interest in the "Team of Rivals." Perhaps you might now slate that one for discussion beginning April 1 -- giving time to read it (among other reading). Ole (smiley emoticon)
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Based on just the little bit of "Chat" last night, I'm not sure it's a good forum for sharing well considered thoughts........ Plus we would have other folks chatting about other things at the same time. Gets confusing.
Or just do as done for the last 3 years in a group I belong to. Put up notices that a book discussion will be going on at a specific starting time and maybe a possible approx. ending time. All other discussions are off limits during the entire time of the book discussion. If someone 'accidently' goes off topic, then the moderator (and no one else) will correct that person.
Works well, on both Sunday and Monday night discussions. And luckly, we can save the discussion for later reading, if unable to attend, even just to 'listen' in while deciding if "I" want to even get the book. Next Sunday we will start reading (2 chapters) on the 26th NC at Gettysburg. And luck allows us to have in attendance, The author Rod Gragg, every sunday evening, until the book is finished. On Monday evening's will be discussion Lincolns Sanctuary, by Matthew Pinsker. Now, if you'd like to get an idea of the material discussed at these groups, the website of Shotgun, has the entire discussion on each section, of the last 2 books we read, open to every one to examine. And if you wish, the link become a member of the group listed there.
As I said, its worked for 3 years now, so it should, and can, work here. I also 'chat' in other groups, live chat, but also a flash program, that does not allow saving of the discussions
Chuck in IL.
I very fortunately got 'Team of Rivals' for Christmas and am currently plowing through it. If I can hook up with 'These Honored Dead', then I'm in. I'll keep a look out for it. regards, ed
Very good idea by Charles. The advantage of a thread is that one can post at their leisure- maybe both options should be used. Just a thought.
__________________ 'It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag'
So.. as it stands now do we have a book selected and a date for starting the discussion? I've seen April 1st for Kearns' book. Sorry I'm a little foggy on it. Could somebody nail it down for me? Thanks much.
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Could somebody nail it down for me? Thanks much.
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