South Carolina Books

Edward Lee and Ron Chepesiuk collaborate to compile Confederate experiences recorded in letters and diaries in their superbly history, South Carolina In The Civil War. Seventeen accounts provide us insights into the lives of a Confederate spy, a German immigrant, the voices of ordinary women, and common men whose love for their state led them to risk their lives and liberties in its defense during the harrowing years of the American civil war. Highly recommended for academic collections and Civil War buffs, the informative, engaging text is enhanced with photographs of many of the contributors, along with maps placing events in context.

Must have for someone who lived in Camden, SC. Great to look at the post cards and see how the town has grown.

Tom Blagden is an incredibly gifted photographer who has graced us with yet another special little piece of South Carolina magic. Each photograph is more beautiful than the last. He captures images that make me wish I could get up with the sun, and go to bed when the moon is high in the sky....

Exciting book.mentions our ggggg uncle..as an early outlaw :) wonderful stories of South Carolina in the 18th Century.. wow.!!

Oftentimes when the WPA slave narratives are put in paperback form for the masses, we get watered down, heavily edited, politically correct versions. Here we have the real, raw and uncut stuff-the SC slave narratives exactly as they were written in 1937. This book only contains a small amount of the narratives from SC, but it is good and powerful, especially Augustus Ladson's interview with ex-slave Henry Brown (since Ladson was one of the few Black interviewers, the ex-slaves tend to be a bit more frank in their recollections with him-compare this to Henry Brown's interview with a white female interviewee earlier in the book).

But overall, this series is the best of the slave narrative paperbacks that are currently on the market. If you want to hear history directly from those who expereinced it, get this!

A delightful addition to S.C. upcountry history,and with interesting additions to arcane stories of the period. This tome has much to be remembered for.

Picked these up as Christmas gifts for in-laws that live in different parts of the world. Great way to give them a feel for our beautiful state and to picture us in our surroundings.

South Carolina's Civil War: A Narrative History applies a narrative approach to scrutinizing the Civil War era, particularly focusing upon colorful personalities that impact South Carolina's and America's history such as Francis W. Pickens, Lucy Holcombe Pickens, Wade Hampton, Roger Smalls, and Robert Barnwell Rhett. Exploring South Carolina as the state where the war began - a state where the white leadership chose to defy the Union rather than release their grip on slavery - South Carolina's Civil War is as gripping and involving as it is acute in its attention to detail. An excellent contribution to school, library, and personal history shelves.

This is a wonderful pictorial of this fascinating and rich landscape. The photography perfectly captures the natural beauty and history of the South carolina coast.

As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I have had the privilege of perusing many fine guides to our country's natural treasures. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to read, then reread, this expertly written adventure guide by a newcomer to the field of outdoor writing. Being a native of South Carolina, I find that Mr. Giffen's descriptions of hiking trails on the western side of the state are remarkably accurate and informative even to those who have had firsthand experience enjoying them. He made me privy to many less traveled paths that I had previoulsy been unaware of. Indeed, the true value of this book lies in its fresh perspective and youthful attitude towards outdoor activities, which continue to gain popularity these days. As a family man, I especially appreciated the mentioning of various lake recreation ares that provide a range of activities for whomever you choose to share South Carolina's beauty with. In addition, "extreme" sports are highlighted in particular sections which advise the reader where one can rock climb or whitewater raft, for example. I presume that the author's hopes are in sync with my own, in that this text will provide an excuse for many to leave the confines of the office and fluorescent lights and enjoy the natural wonders our state has to offer. Kudos to Mr. Giffen on a job well done. - Chris Lawrence