NF Jefferson Davis.

[Rebelsoul]

Looking for some opinions about The rise and fall of the Confederate government by Jefferson Davis. How honest and truthful is it, is there much in it about his dealings with his military leaders ? Thinking about buying it but would like some opinions first .

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

Buy it.

Whether or not or Pro-Union or Pro-Confederate it is still the only memoir written by one of the two Heads of State or the two America's during the War. Lincoln never got a chance to write his, unfortunately. That reason alone merits giving the man a chance.

I've not been able to read the whole thing, and its been a while since I got to read through the copy I've read some of, (a rare first edition, for some reason they won't let me check that book out of the library) but be warned, its written by a lawyer, and politician, telling from his point of view, and due to his many illnesses and subsequent bad attitude towards certain people when ill, it colored his perception. He was quite talented at making enemies and keeping them his enemies. It gets boring, but its an eyewitness account of the Confederate Government, from a man who was the theoretical head of it. (I say theoretical because the CS form of government limited the President a bit more, and empowered Governors to a greater extent, making a CS President's status as the "king of the hill" questionable.)

 

[unionblue]

@Rebelsoul ,

I would look at some on-line reviews of the book or see if it is on-line somewhere before I would buy it.

Do you remember Paul Harvey's radio program where he would say, "And here's the rest of the story...?"

This book is not even the real story to begin with, in my opinion. It's a major attempt at "CYA" by a man who is caught with his history down around his ankles. Too many excuses and way too much liberty with historical facts.

But that's just me and my own, personal, opinion.

Like I said, perhaps a bit more research on your part online might be of help in your quest to buy, or not to buy, and that is a really good question concerning this book.

Unionblue

 

[Rebelsoul]

@Rebelsoul ,

I would look at some on-line reviews of the book or see if it is on-line somewhere before I would buy it.

Do you remember Paul Harvey's radio program where he would say, "And here's the rest of the story...?"

This book is not even the real story to begin with, in my opinion. It's a major attempt at "CYA" by a man who is caught with his history down around his ankles. Too many excuses and way too much liberty with historical facts.

But that's just me and my own, personal, opinion.

Like I said, perhaps a bit more research on your part online might be of help in your quest to buy, or not to buy, and that is a really good question concerning this book.

Unionblue

I did look at online reviews, was just curious to see what the good people on here had to say about it. Very knowledgable folks here, the more opinions the easier it is to decide.

 

[WJC]

First-hand memoirs may not always be accurate, but they are most interesting.
You might want to check your local library or on-line sources before buying. Once you have read it, I'd appreciate your opinion of the work.