North Carolina Books

Emma And The Civil Warrior is a novel for young adults, set in America 1865. Despite the surrender at Appomattox Court House, the brutal Civil War raged about Raleigh, North Carolina. Twelve-year-old Emma Graham dares to defy the 100,000 Union troops surrounding and occupying her city, by smuggling morphine, spying, and stealing an enemy code book. But her actions could have terrible consequences, for the rest of her family and for all Raleigh. Emma And The Civil Warrior is an exciting book of historical fiction; though its main heroine is an original character, nearly all of the cast are directly from U.S. history. A brief Author's Note at the end explains the connections between the story and the events that shaped the end of America's deadliest war. Emma And The Civil Warrior is also available in softcover

Mrs. Dahl wrote a fantastic book about the history of Raleigh, and being a resident in Raleigh and a member of Christ church, this book covers a great deal of Raleighs history! great book!

Emma And The Civil Warrior is a novel for young adults, set in America 1865. Despite the surrender at Appomattox Court House, the brutal Civil War raged about Raleigh, North Carolina. Twelve-year-old Emma Graham dares to defy the 100,000 Union troops surrounding and occupying her city, by smuggling morphine, spying, and stealing an enemy code book. But her actions could have terrible consequences, for the rest of her family and for all Raleigh. Emma And The Civil Warrior is an exciting book of historical fiction; though its main heroine is an original character, nearly all of the cast are directly from U.S. history. A brief Author's Note at the end explains the connections between the story and the events that shaped the end of America's deadliest war.

Steven Schuker's work is considered by many in the academic field as perhaps the most well researched and scholarly work in diplomatic history in recent memory. This book is a must for anyone who really wants to understand why the Paris Peace Process failed after the First World War, and why France was so ill-prepared for World War II. The End of French Predominance in Europe also provides great insight into France's situation in European politics, both in the inter-war period and today. This is a must read for any serious scholar of modern diplomatic or military history.

This is a first-rate book about France's troubles in the inter-war years. After World War I, France, although revaged by war, was the leading power in Europe. By the end of the 1920's, this predominance was gone and, with it, France's freedom of action in foreign affairs. The cause of all this was French money problems. France financed the war primarily through borrowing and expected to solve its problems with reparations payments from Germany. The French were not eager to put their financial house in order with new taxes. Germany had no intention of paying any reparations unless forced to do so. The United States, meanwhile, demanded that France pay its substantial war debts. The British considered French efforts to get Germany to pay vindictive. The end results of France's financial plight were, first, serious inflation in France which could be arrested only through U.S. and British financial intervention and, second, an overvalued Franc which caused problems in the 1930's. France's financial fate was now tied to unsympathetic outsiders. This loss of financial independence had foreign policy repercussions.

This rather arcane story is made almost simple by the author. While much of this work deals with financial history, the human element is not ignored. Particularly interesting is the discussion of the general ignorance of economics among French politicians. Also intriguing is the author's view that Herriot's slapdash operating methods hurt the French cause. This is a must-read for students of 20th Century French history.

Steven Schuker's work is considered by many in the academic field as perhaps the most well researched and scholarly work in diplomatic history in recent memory. This book is a must for anyone who really wants to understand why the Paris Peace Process failed after the First World War, and why France was so ill-prepared for World War II. The End of French Predominance in Europe also provides great insight into France's situation in European politics, both in the inter-war period and today. This is a must read for any serious scholar of modern diplomatic or military history.

Dr. Hess has authored one of the most significant books in print on the use of field fortifications during the US Civil War and the relationship of these works to the actual campaigns. Although there are some other books that do include some of this information, including several excellent post-war sources from the 19th century, this book does a remarkable job of putting the subject in perspective. Many so called "Civil War" experts simply do not realize the significance of the role of field and permanent fortifications during many of the key campaigns of the war and reduce everything to simple terms stating "there were breastworks, etc..." They simply give no detail and the reader can not understand such details as why some of these "works" were easily overrun, why some railroad cuts made great defensive positions and others did not, or even why on Cemetary Ridge at Gettysburg the troops of II Corps could not entrench themselves.
Hess not only describes what the defenses consisted of, but also shows how they affected the campaign. He also includes background information as well as detailing the events related to the campaigns. The book does not rehash the old story of bullets and beans in these operations, instead with Hess we see its bullets, beans and spades.
The reader will soon notice this book does not cover all the operations of the Civil War where fortifications were involved, but that is because this is the first volume with two additional ones planned. The publisher did a good job in reproducing the photos. One serious flaw is a lack of maps for the reader to follow everything mentioned in the text. This usually results from the publisher attempting to save on production expenses and there is not much the author can do to correct it. On the other hand, any expert or buff will have other books available with the missing maps they need for folowing the text (the first volume of the old West Point Atlas of American Wars has just about every map you may need).
This volume covers the eastern theater through April 1864 and includes a good deal of information on the defenses of Washington and Richmond (which are more than just field fortifications). It also covers the battles of the Peninsula Campaign of 1862 where fortifications played a key role. The limited role of field fortifications in some of the campaigns of Northern Virginia are included as well as information on how work was done to protect Harrisburg and even far off Pittsburgh with fixed defenses against Lee's second invasion of the north.
This book is not intended for fast reading or skimming, but instead created for those who have a real interest in the Civil War and want to enjoy a good read.

A book on Civil War fortifications should be dry as the Sahara and as easy to get thru as a concrete block wall. In the hands of a lesser author that would be true! What we have is a very readable, intelligent history of the Civil War in the east with emphases on fortifications. The author chooses to follow the campaigns and discuss the use of or lack of fortifications during the campaign and in the ongoing war. This simple idea gives the reader a very good overview of the war and a very intelligent discussion of how and why "digging in" became the norm.
We start with a discussion of the American approach to battle and the theory of when and why fortifications were appropriate. This prepares us for the war's early months when armies use fixed forts to control areas but look for "a fair fight in the open". Reality meets theory during the Peninsula Campaign and The Seven Days as first one side and than the other is forced to dig. Hard lessons are quickly forgotten as the main armies struggle with the ideas of offensive or defensive actions and the fear fortifications will foster a defensive mentality. This interplay makes John B. Hood's actions outside Atlanta much easier to understand, something the book does not cover but a student of the war will grasp.
The three chapters on the war in the Carolinas are excellent! "The Reduction of Battery Wagner" alone almost pays for the book. I have not read a better account of Civil War sieges and the impact on the men than in this chapter.
The book ends with Mine Run and the Union not attacking the extensive fortifications in the area. When we reach the fall of 1863, the reader fully understands and appreciates the revolution that has occurred. The stage is set for the second volume "Trench Warfare under Grant & Lee".
A very good Glossary takes care of vocabulary problems. Within a couple of chapters, even a novice reader will seldom have to refer to it. Maps, illustrations and photographs are common and well placed giving us the visual information we need to supplement the text.
This is not a basic book! However, it is not an advanced tome that requires a military education or years of study to enjoy. The reader needs a good idea of the events in the East from 1861 to 1863. You will have to be prepared to check the glossary on a regular basic for the first 20 to 50 pages too. After that, you will have a very informative, intelligent learning experience.

In popular perception of Civil War combat, entrenchments were something that came along late in the war when troops, weary of being targets when marching across open fields, took to digging in the earth to find protection. As Hess amply demonstrates in this new volume, the first of a projected trilogy, entrenchments in fact were an integral part of the Civil War landscape from the earliest months. He backs his narrative with numerous citations from official and unofficial accounts and he discusses the details of how entrenchments were made (and how they evolved as the war went on). This volume is an important contribution to understanding how the war was fought and to better fix its place in the continuing development of military theory and technology.

We recommend this book to any film fan living in or visiting NC! Add another dimension to the streets you see. As an NC bookseller we have yet to find a better researched, more user-friendly or more helpful guide. Thank you both!

Great hits... near misses ... big stars... a unique look at a cool state... A few classics and new faves "One Tree Hill", "Dawson's Creek" et al... Good Stuff!

How many times have your out-of-town visitors whined: "Take us to the waterfall in The Last of the Mohicans (1997), or the train wreck in The Fugitive (1993)? Why doesn't somebody come out with a North Carolina travel guide that spotlights our Hollywood connections?

Cue the applause meter-Film Junkie's Guide to North Carolina has finally arrived. The 430-page glove-compartment-sized winner is comprehensive (160 mountain-to-sea locations!), masterfully written (a perfect mix of scholarly insight and insider gossip), and beautifully laid out in a simple reader-friendly format, full of photos, maps, sidebars, and enough movie trivia to make you want to read the book from cover to cover even if you're a stay-at-home couch potato. And bargain-priced at $16.95, even film students can afford it.

Guide is divided into three geographic areas: The Coast, Piedmont, and The Mountains. "Locations" in each area list the places where films and TV shows were shot, including great maps on how to get there. "Star Tracks" list the restaurants, stores, hotels and other places where celebrities used to hang out, or they still do.

Keep a copy of the book in the glove compartment of your car for spontaneous tourist adventures.

Walter Macken, a native of Galway, was born in 1915 and died in his home city at the age of 51. A writer, an actor and a playwright, he is perhaps best known for his novel "Flight of the Doves" - which was adapted for the cinema - and his "Irish Trilogy". "The Scorching Wind" is the third book of this trilogy, and is set in the early 1900s. Although the book itself is a work of fiction, many of the 'background' events actually happened - for example, the Easter Rising of 1916, the partition of Ireland in 1921 and the Irish Civil War (1922-23).

The book opens in the West of Ireland in 1915, with two brothers resting in the shade of a haystack. Much to the disgust of their father, Dualta - the elder brother - has joined the British Army. Dualta believed the words of John Redmond, the leader of the Home Rule Party at Westminster. Redmond had suggested that Ireland would be granted Home Rule if the Irish Volunteers fought for the British in the Great War - a false promise. The book focuses more on Dominic, however - the younger of the two brothers. He sees his brother off to war, the pair travelling with a close friend called Poric into town. Poric has also disappointed Dominic's father, his former teacher, by joining the police. Shortly after leaving his brother and friend. Dominic meets a man called Sam Browne - who gradually involves Dominic in the struggle for freedom. Among the many others who also become involved are Lowry, an acquaintance of Dominic's at college and the pretty Finola Brady - not to mention Poric and Dualta, on his return from war.

While this is the third book in a trilogy, it's not strictly necessary to read them in order. However, I think it's probably better if you do - if you enjoy one of them, I have no doubt you'll enjoy all three. It appears the heroes of the two previous books (Dominick, in "Seek the Fair Land" and Dualta, in "The Silent People") are ancestors of the two brother. In a way, I found this to be the saddest book of the three, with the differences between the two brothers becoming more pronounced as the book progresses. (If you've enjoyed this book, you might also want to try "Call My Brother Back", by Michael McLaverty. It's set in Belfast, at the same time as this book - McLavery, like Macken, is an excellent storyteller.)

This, the third book in the much acclaimed Irish Trilogy, offers a unique insight into the life and times of the 1916 Easter Rebellion and the years that followed. Walter Macken was a Master Storyteller, who wrote about Irish life "from the inside", drawing the reader in completely. A book you won't want to put down until the very last page, and one that you will read, and re-read! A book that is as good today as when it was first published.

The Scorching Wind is the third in a trilogy that began during Cromwellian days in Ireland in the mid 1600's, and ends with this novel in the early 1900's. It is the story of a Connacht family through the generations, and this final book in the trilogy begins in 1916 and ends after the truce of 1922. It is the story of a young man, the son of a school teacher, and his brother. The young man, who is a medical student, is not politically inclined but is drawn into the struggles for freedom in Ireland. It is a powerful story of a young man and the fight within himself, the love for his older brother, and the tragic events that led to the establishment of the Free State of Ireland. Excellent book and a powerful and passionate historical trilogy.

"Foot ways" is a wonderfully written tale about lost loves and the journey to find a sense of completion. Veach Sadler expertly balances the tale through a number of first person narrators, each one distinct and shines through their own strengths and weaknesses. Her descriptive power adds flavor to this "folktale about a folk tale." Excellent characterization, crisp dialogue and a vivid, lyrical narrative. A wonderful combination.

In Foot Ways, native North Carolinian, poet, author and former college president, Dr. Lynn Veach Sadler, showcases her mastery of the novella form.

Dividing her novella into five short stories, Sadler paints different character portraits that are relayed to the reader via first-person narratives with a little sadness thrown in. All are carefully constructed and are loosely interconnected in some way or another to a certain Mr. Rufe, who as we learn from the first story narrated by Mary Flora Glory Marchant(Polly Junior), had the knack of showing up every year at "the First Breath of Spring."
It turns out that Mr. Rufe was quite a ladies' man who had a fetish for women's feet, although Mary confesses that she was not taken in by his seductive charm: "He seemed to know that he didn't make my heart pittety-pat the way he did all other women and daughters in the neighborhood."

Mary's mother, Polly Senior, convincingly evokes the dark and dangerous milieu she inhabited both physically and emotionally before she was saved by the town's doctor, Lawrence Miller, his sister Rose and her husband Clarence. Towards the end of her story a certain tall Scotchman in highland garb, pumping bagpipes makes his appearance. Could this be our amorous Mr. Rufe?

Dan Asher enlightens us about his father who was well-versed in the scriptures and who never missed an opportunity to point out various passages in the Bible referring to feet. His favorite line was "How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter!" Dan's father is described as a man with a great sweetness who gained fame as a lover, for he made love to his partner's feet. All women and their daughters adored him.

Mary reappears recounting her relationship with Dan Asher and as she states, as quickly as he had come, Dan Asher was gone but, as we learn, not before leaving something that later changes her life. The novella ends with Mary aged twenty-one recounting her relationship with Bee Burton prior to their breakup.

The characters populating Foot Ways are deftly choreographed giving each a turn on center stage, although I would have liked to have seen a more complete development of Dan Asher and his relationship with Mary. At first the characters may seem disaffected, detached, and unconnected however on further reflection and by the book's end this impression is dispelled. The language of Foot Ways is imaginative, unencumbered with splendid word play and expressive observations. In essence this is what holds together the events of the stories. It is a pleasure to read particularly in the way Sadler effortlessly balances contrasting elements, remembered phrases, verbal exchanges and incidents in a way that moves her stories hypnotically forward. Moreover, as a full-time writer of poetry, Dr. Sadler's elegant lyrical wordsmithing gives Foot Ways its considerable power.

Norm Goldman, Editor & Publisher Bookpleasures

Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (5/07)

"Foot Ways," by Lynn Veach Sadler, is one of the most creative, whimsical, and enjoyable books I have read in recent years. It is a short book, but one written with a true precision of language and thought.

The novel is divided into five chapters, told alternately by Mary, her mother Polly, and Dan Asher. The story begins with Mary speaking as a young girl about the fuss the women of her community, including her mother, make when Mr. Rufe annually visits the community every spring. Mary, taking cues from her father, decides she hates Mr. Rufe, partly because Mr. Rufe gets more attention than her, partly because her family allows him to stay in her playhouse, and partly for darker reasons Mary can only sense without putting into words. Later, Mary's mother Polly speaks about her own history. While the entire book is enjoyable, Polly's narrative if definitely the most entertaining as she describes her upbringing and ultimately her marriage. The book then focuses on Dan Asher, a new character, who tells his own coming-of-age story which oddly enough revolves around the fact that his father is probably the only man who ever derived a foot fetish as the result of reading the Bible. Dan's involvement with Polly will later change her life.

I do not wish to go into too much detail about the plot for fear I will give it away. I will, however, say that this book is remarkably unique in its humor. It reads like a fable or old wives' tale. I felt as if I were alternately reading Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market," James Joyce's "Finnegan's Wake," old Scottish ballads, and Southern Gothic literature. Sadler creates moments of the grotesque such as Polly's father selling tickets for people to see her mother dying of cancer. People come from all over to see "The Woman Eaten Up," and when single men come, Polly hides for fear her father will force her into marriage with one. For me, the book's highlight was when Polly performed at the "Annual Masonic Lodge Number Fourteen Spring Jubilee Barbecue and Chicken Stew Supper and Theatrical Performance Tribute." That name alone suggests the whimsicalness of the event where people in the community go looking for a bit of culture. What happens at the (it bears repeating) "Annual Masonic Lodge Number Fourteen Spring Jubilee Barbecue and Chicken Stew Supper and Theatrical Performance Tribute" is the true climax of the novel.

My only criticism is that I thought the ending a bit rushed, and I would have liked to see more about Mary's relationship with Mr. Rufe. A few questions remained unanswered at the end, although that may strengthen the aura of mystery throughout the tale.

Besides being a talented novelist, the author, Lynn Veach Sadler, is also a poet and prize-winning playwright. Somehow she found the time to be president of a college, travel around the world five times, and still master the art of dialogue to a degree few writers achieve. Her characters' voices draw the reader in with the first few sentences, making the book difficult to put down. The reader reads not only to find out what Mr. Rufe's attraction is to the women of the community, but also because Sadler's prose is as seductive as having one's foot kissed. I recommend "Foot Ways" to everyone and intend to read more of Sadler's work soon.

Take your thoughts away from the commercialism of Christmas by traveling through time and re imagining how poor folks joyfully celebrated Christmas. We could learn many lessons from them.

Every Christmas, I read a book in the month of December about Christmas. This was my choice for 2006, and it really is a wonderful little book. The authors provide us with accounts from Appalachia's older folks who recall the Christmasses of their childhoods. It is almost like listening to them speak as we are told of a more innocent time in America, and the simplicity of their Christmas, which focused on the Lord. We learn about their gifts, which aren't much compared to today, their meals which sound delicious, games they played, church, and social gatherings. Recipes are included, as well. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to incorporate more peace and simplicity into their Christmas season. Merry Christmas!

This book along with the nine preceding this one, should be required reading for anyone interested in the day to day living of early days in the south.

I knew most of the stories in the book and bought it for my GF b/c she isn't a NC native. She really enjoyed the book and now her mom is after it.

Nancy Roberts has long been a favourite of mine. This is one of the first books I can remember reading as a child and I was fascinated with the tales of ghosts and spirits roaming the countryside. Of course, growing up less than 10 miles from Maybinton and the "Hound of Goshen" site, I was incredibly intrigued with that story. Ms. Roberts always brings a wonderful viewpoint to her stories and unlike many "ghost" authors, she doesn't stop with the eerie tale, she takes you to the history of the tale. That aspect is what I think intrigued me most...combining history with ghosts. This book is sure to delight young and old alike and there is no better reading on a cool and blustery Fall day waiting in prickly anticipation of Halloween. Trust me, you'll love it!

There are ghost stories, and then there are Ghost Stories. Some ghost stories are fiction, while others are real. This book deals with those that are real. If you have even one iota of belief in the paranormal, you will be fascinated by this book. I own it along with two other of Nancy Roberts ghost books, namely, "This Haunted Land Where The Ghosts Still Roam" and "Ghosts Of The Old North State". Just to give you an example of the validity of Nancy's books, please allow me to share with you the story of the Brown Mountain Lights. These lights (which I have seen myself) can be viewed by anyone on just about any night, on Brown Mountain, which is nestled near the Pisgah National Park's main highway. The famous mountain is registered as a historical landmark in North Carolina, and at one of the look outs along the Pisgah highway there is a sign, placed there by the State of North Carolina, detailing the story behind the mysterious lights. So folks, these stories are REAL. These are not Nancy Roberts "made up" ghost stories, these are actual accounts of real ghosts. As for what the Brown Mountain Lights look like, let me say that they look like huge balls of fire. They suddenly appear on the mountain in different locales, and move slowly up the mountain, then simply disappear. They have been seen for centuries, and scientists cannot explain what they are. Years ago, Tommy Fayle (I hope I spelled his last name right) put out a song called "The Brown Mountain Lights". So this is no isolated story, this is a Legend. And this is just one of the many horrifying stories you can read about in Nancy Roberts books. The Hound Of Goshen is terrifying, and so are all the stories in her books. Ghost Of The Carolina's is a book you can read to your family or to yourself. It's a great one for Halloween, or anytime you want a good "spooky" story. Be WARNED, Nancy shares her stories in an expert manner. Heck, when it comes to terror, she could give Stephen King a run for the money. So if you're a person who gets terrified easily, you may not want to read this book. If you want to read true accounts of hauntings in the South, I challenge you to purchase this fascinating book.

If you've never read anything about the Blockade or the ships which used to evade it you really should read this one. Dawson Carr does a great job discussing the role of Wilmington, the primary destination for blockade runners during the Civil War, and discusses the cat and mouse game between Union warships and the unarmed transports which used to try to slip in and out of the Cape Fear River. Carr supports his book with sidebars which has stories of individual ships and also has an excellent collection of maps and diagrams which makes the material really easy to comprehend.

The blockade of the Confederacy and recent changes in naval technology made for unique vessels for running it. Carr brings the subject alive.

I found this book a great read. Dr. Carr did an excellent job in writing a book that was very informative on the blockade runners and the blockaders. I enjoyed the separate stories through out the book on actual events. This really gave the reader a fill for what tactics the blockade runners used and the tacitics used by the US Navy. These little mini stories also were idea for showing the ever changing tactics used by both sides.

As a sailor who served on PBR's in Vietnam I related to the blockaders but admired the skill and daring of the blockade runners. Dr. Carr did an excellent job in showing how both sides tactics evolved during the war with the changes in technology and as more blockading vessels were used.

I highly recommend this book to all readers interested the civil war or naval history. I would like to see Dr. Carr write a book about the blockaders.

The American Civil War has provided countless authors with material for nearly one hundred fifty years. Still, with the thousands of books and articles written about this war, some aspects of the struggle are often overlooked. I have in fact seldom run across a book, which has for its entire subject the blockade of a single southern port. I am sure other such works exist but I haven't seen them. But no matter what other books are out there I doubt they can hold a candle to this work. In fact, I have seldom ever been so enthralled with a book. Dawson Carr has provided us with a concise, thrilling, well-researched, and very understandable look at the wartime activities along the Cape Fear coast. The writing is absolutely wonderful and the story draws the reader in like a classic novel. You will not want to put this book down until you have finished it.

Carr begins his narrative with the early efforts of North Carolina to secure its coast and proceeds from there. The stories of the building of the coastal fortifications are well told and informative but it is his stories of the blockade-runners and their pursuers that will grab the reader's attention. One can almost feel the tension on the decks as the runners try to slip by the Union blockade, which grows in strength every month. As the pilots strain to make out landmarks in the total darkness the runners used for cover one can almost imagine being there and trying to make out some form on land, hoping the first thing you see isn't an enemy ship.

All of Carr's stories aren't of the blockade-runners though, for he also covers events in Wilmington, Richmond, Liverpool, and many other locations that are involved in this story. In one instance for example there is a tense confrontation between Governor Vance and Confederate authorities during which the Carolina Governor is basically placed under house arrest for a short time. Of course all good things must come to an end and for the Confederacy their last port fell shortly after Braxton Bragg was sent to take charge of the area. Infighting in Richmond, squabbles with state authorities, war profiteers, and three plus years of a union navel blockade couldn't close Wilmington, but it only took Bragg a short time to lose the Confederacy's last port.

If you are a civil war enthusiast, are interested in navel history, or just like a well-told story I highly recommend this book. If a six star rating existed this book would easily deserve that rating. Well done Dr. Carr, well done!

Jeffery Beam, poeat and gardener, understands that human beings are part of the natural world, not observers standing apart from it or lords insisting on remaking it. He makes our connectedness wonderfully clear with poems focussed primarily on plants, from dandelions to wildflowers to pumpkins and cabbages and on to lilacs and tulip trees. Gentle poems, tender poems, poems unafraid of death and rejoicing at resurrection. Reading this book lets us go forth into gardens, fields, and woods as part of the green world.

Beam is one of the best modern poets out there today. Anyone that likes to read some great poetry should take a chance on this writer. This is one of the best books of poetry that I have seen to date. A+

A collection of exquisite little poems, often about the botanical world. If you like traditional haiku, or if you like the short poems of A. R. Ammons and/or Robert Creeley, this is for you.