North Carolina Books

One of the largest contributions of this book is its effort to combine economic history with cultural analysis. Livingston takes the time to distinguish important structural changes in the US economy during this period (1850-1940). More cultural historians and critics should grapple with this material--Livingston can wean us off of blanket labels ("incorporation," "Gilded Age") that leave no room for thinking through the more dynamic relations of the economic and the cultural.

A second virtue of this book is Livingston's provocative, polemic argument. Although his political sympathies are with the left, he offers a strong critique of the tendency among left historians to see the emergence of corporate capitalism as the effective end to any chance for victory on the left. This "tragic" mode of analysis, Livingston argues, means we can only remain mired in a nostalgic orientation toward the past. Livingston turns to two cultural formations--literary naturalism (especially the fiction of Theodore Dreiser) and pragmatism (especially William James)--to argue for a "social self" that offers hope for political progress but is not inherently at odds with corporate capitalism. I'm still not sure if I buy Livingston's argument, but his frame of analysis and reflections on history and models of selfhood are tremendously fruitful.

Although the book is largely an advanced academic study, it is clearly written and free of jargon. Well read students of American history and culture will be able to follow the analysis.

This is a work of conceptual brilliance, in its argument about why pragmatism occurred when it did, its cultural ramifications and its current importance. In addition Livingston illuminatingly connects pragmatism with post-modernism.

Dean was an unbelievable coach who was able to participate in an incredibly competitive arena, yet make consistent decisions with his values and beliefs, never compromising those ideals, even in the heat of battle. The way he created the Carolina family, always remembering everybody who ever played, managed and worked with the team is truly amazing. Keep this book by your bedside and refer to it often.

I like this new book about Dean Smith a lot. Smith was famous in his press conferences for rambling on and on and not saying much of anything quotable, but the author (David Scott) has painstakingly culled Smith down to a point where the excellent coach sounds funnier, blunter and more insightful than he is often given credit for. This book would be a superb addition to a Carolina fan's library, and Lord knows there are a few of them out there.

For anyone who has any interest in pottery this is a "must read" and this also incudes whoever may have an interest in US History.

this book is an archival wonder. the author brings us into intimate contact with the potters of a generation past. production, studio, and industrial potters alike should read and absorb the severe trials these men(and women)had to go through to make a living during a time when living wasn`t gauranteed. details such as kiln construction workshop layout and techniques make this book intresting for anyone involved in the pottery field. give it ten stars!!!

Mr. Fowler has done a fantastic job of telling of a simpler time in our country. A time when God and family were more important than material things.
The book is one of those books that you can't put down once you have started reading and once you have finished you have to read again. of all the caracters in this book Aunt Laney is my favorite. Her faith in God makes her stand out.
Many of the stories that are told in the book I can remember duplicating in the 50s when I was growing up in the same area of NC. Thanks for taking me back to a simpler time and reminding me how important family is.

A RAISING UP: BRINGS BACK SIGHTS, SMELLS AND GOOD MEMORIES OF THE TOBACCO SEASONS AND THE SPARTAN LIFE ON THE FARM IN NORTH CAROLINA IN THE 1940'S AND 1950'S. TOLD WITH SIMPLICITY AND DEAD-ON INSIGHT,I WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECCOMEND THE BOOK FOR ALL AGE GROUPS.

ADC doesn't offer individual county maps In North Carolina as they do in Maryland - where I use them - but this mapbook is excellent in the specific areas for which it is intended.

As new transplants to the Triangle area, we bought this map book to keep at home and the pocket edition to keep in the car. The level of detail is impressive, and our new street was even included (which I can't say for any of the online map services). This has proven to be a valuable resource for my family as we get acclimated to the area. Highly recommended.

Growing up as one of Jane H Macauley's daughters, I heard all the great backroom and campaign stories, but I never put them in the wider context of the growing engagement of women in politics until reading Rymph's fascinating account. My mother and her friends are passionate believers in the grassroots and the precincts, and crisscrossed the country to get out the vote. Feminist slogans peppered my childhood, and the ERA was the grail. The hijacking of the progressive and moderate Republican women's organization is an enlightening chapter -- let's hijack it back, ladies!

Examining how different factions of women sought access to and within the GOP, this book was a gripping read.

Beginning in the aftermath of the 19th Amendment's ratification, the book chronicles women's political activity. Rymph then goes on to explain how different factions developed different definitions of 'women' and 'Republicanism' as the decades subsequently passed.

The rise of the modern conservative movement came through the 1964 campaign. Many of the women party activists independently mobilized behind Barry Goldwater's campaign. They demonstrated that they would not just rubber stamp whomever the party bosses had wanted to receive the nomination.

Such action also illustrated that conservative Republican women were (if not necessarily how I and colleagues would immediately think of it) leaders with political power of their own which would effectively be flexed. Researched from a strictly nonpartisan and scholarly perspective, this work concedes that conservative women are politically effective.

I've read many other books on women and politics, but this work provided a never-before-read perspective. Prior to reading this book, I honestly had no idea that women's role in the Republican party was so complex.

The book arrived just on time and it was as great as they describe it. I would choose this seller anytime.

This was a recommended book for my thesis class. I have not finished it yet, but it seems an appropriate book for those in their Master's program for Historic Preservation.

lots of old pictures of Monument Ave. If you have ever visiting this area, you need this book.

An incredible documentation of the only street in America to have its own National Landmark status. The authors did their research on this fascinating piece of Americana, and the street comes alive in beautiful photographs and fascinating description.

A MUST for anyone's coffee table!!

Ritual River is an exciting historical novel that will please readers of pure detective stories as well as historical novels. The characters are three-dimensional, the settings are clearly described, and the pace never stops. The looping of a story in modern times with a plot line from over 150 years ago works seamlessly.
A great read...don't miss this one.

Generations ago a Cherokee curse laid upon Carol and her family promises early death to the first in each generation. Did this curse really happen? If so, is it still operative? Will Carol be its next victim? These questions motivate Carol's search for more knowledge. In the process she reconnects with Winston, an old flame of Cherokee heritage. Once again their lives engage, this time in search of the historical facts of the curse while tentatively promising romance. Author Nancy Sales Cash alternates history and the increasing pressures of the present with great skill. Intriguingly plotted for a good solid read.
Frankie Schelly, author of AT THE CROSSROADS and CHANCE PLACE.

This is a great book and I relied on it heavily when I lived in Virginia Beach. It is written in a friendly and inviting way, almost as if you are talking over the fence to your neighbor.

Its month by month "to do" lists were especially helpful in keeping me on track and reminding me that the garden works on its time, not mine.

We moved to Northeastern North Carolina four years ago from southern New York where we had successfully grown vegetables, roses and flowering shrubs and perennials for many years. Relocating to a new climate and different growing season was nearly an unsurmountable challenge until we purchased Stiffler's book. His month by month "to do" list plus gardening tips and procedures have helped us establish a most satisfactory year round garden. Stiffler categorizes shrubs and trees by level of maintenance required, soil conditions conducive to growth and also includes interesting historical and background information about individual varieties such as the history of the crape myrtle in the South. We have recommended this book to fellow gardeners as well and we all have found it an indispensable guide to gardening.