Richard Nelson Current (1912–2012)

A very nice selection of important writings by Lincoln that demonstrate some of his major political ideas and political philosophies. A nice, portable edition that provides quick and easy access to primary source material on an extremely consequential historical figure.

An Civil War eminent historian demolishes the myths about carpetbaggers. The book follows 10 Northerners who became some of the more prominent leaders of the reconstructed South in the post-war era. Their actions belie the stereotypical story of greedy, slippery Northerners that was created to explain away the failure of Reconstruction after the North gave up on it. Read this book along with Eric Foner's masterpiece on the same subject.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Civil show more War, the South, or race relations. To understand America you need to know the story of Reconstruction - and it is likely not the one you learned in school. A fascinating read. show less

An incisive, even-handed analysis of our ever enigmatic, many-faceted 16th president. An oldie but goodie, and a superb character study. You try to figure the guy out!

2352 Those Terrible Carpetbaggers, by Richard Nelson Current (read 25 Dec 1990) This is a 1988 book by a professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, who has written a lot on American history but of whom I had never previously heard. This book is a workmanlike account of the careers of ten carpetbaggers. The book hopped from career to career and then back again, which really made the book too diffused. But I am thoroughly sold on the thesis that Reconstruction was not a bad show more time for the South except as it was made such by the South's racism. show less