North Carolina Books

Clark's massive compilation of five volumes totaling more than 4,000 pages is the most accurate and comprehensive account of the Old North State's Civil War fighting history.

It is the most detailed history of the many North Carolina regiments and battalions in the numerous Civil War skirmishes and battles.
The regiment and battalion histories are derived from "Unit Historians," field officers, memoirs, diaries, archives, and special collections. There are several hundred portraits included.

Clark's: HISTORIES OF THE SEVERAL REGIMENTS & BATTALIONS FROM NORTH CAROLINA:
Vol. 1: Bethel Regt. __ 16th Regt.
Vol. 2: 17th Regt. __ 42nd Regt.
Vol. 3: 43rd Regt. __ 69th Regt.
Vol. 4: 70th Regt. __ 83rd Regt.
& 1st Bn. __ 16th Bn.
Vol. 5: Battles, Navy, Addenda, Index
IN THE GREAT WAR 1861-1865.

In summary: Is considered the "bible" of each regiment and battalion from North Carolina in the Confederate States Army.

The collection is a "must have" for students, historians, researchers, genealogists, and scholars.

For a less expensive, but very brief alternative of North Carolina in the Civil War, consider: Confederate Military History Of North Carolina: North Carolina In The Civil War, 1861-1865 by D. H. Hill, Jr.

For comprehensive North Carolina American Civil War regimental and battalion rosters (excellent source for genealogy), consider "North Carolina Troops, 1861-1865: A Roster, by Weymouth T. Jordan and Louis H. Manarin."

Matthew D. Parker

When I discovered I was related to Robert Beverley, I bought this book just to have. It is a wonderful, rich look into early Virginia with special (and favorable) focus on the Native Americans in that area in the early 1700s. I have enjoyed the book, as have my children, on its own merits and not simply because this is an ancestor of mine.

The reason I ordered this book to begin with is that my mother grew up in a small town in Cabarrus County, and several of our relatives continued to live there so that we would visit every few years when I was growing up. As with a lot of smaller communities, the families tended to stay there over time, so many of the names in this listing of Cabarrus County residents in the armed services were familiar to me, and I was able to pick out some relatives, even as far back as the Civil War. The people who put this record together should be applauded, as the research must have been exhaustive. If you don't have some interest in the area, it's probably not a book you would want to read.

More than just a history, this book covers the agriculture, botany, economics, and native Indian history of this North Carolina county. Fascinating read for genealogists and local historians.

I have worked local history in NC and this book is an absolute must for a piedmont NC history student. Clarence W. Griffin was State Historian at one time and he wrote this book studying original sources that are no longer available. He tells of piedmont NC from Colonial days through and after the Civil War. He names names and cites his sources for everything he writes. Old Tryon County covered not only Rutherford but also Cleveland & Lincoln and other counties including a portion of upstate SC. There is a reprint in process throught the Reprint Company of Spartanburg, SC that should be out soon. Read about how the Rutherford County prison came to be called the "Democrat Hotel." Other information you can't miss if you're from this area or are interested about this area of NC.

This history of Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia, is the work of professional educator and English professor Roberta D Cornelius. It is a carefully researched, well-documented review of RMWC from its inception through 1950. Obviously, RMWC has changed in the past 50 years, but it is fascinating to read how everything started, from the kernal of a dream, to the battles over developing its identity, to the history of the faculty, staff, and students.

There are some quaint touches we would not see in a current history, such as the use of a husband's name for a married allumna (e.g., Mrs. Ralph Whitesides), but for the most part this is an engaging history of a rigorous, evolving, and challenging program to be a major force in the education of the women of the South. It was interesting to read about the development of the international program, the debate club, and discussion of whether religious activities should be manditory or optional, and more.

Seems like it is time for the next 50 year historical review, especially given the current discussion about RMWC going coed.

Although very limited for potential readers, this small book is thoroughly researched and would be of great interest to members and potential members of Silver Springs Baptist Church.

There are so many good books and articles on the rise of big business in American history, but it is difficult to find fine books on history of small business. A HISTORY OF SMALL BUSINESS IN AMERICA, written by business historian Mansel G. Blackford, is one of such books. This concise book on American history of small business is very good for beginners of this field of study. Blackford skillfully synthesizes recent studies on American small-business history, paying attention to female, immigrant and black entrepreneurs. His insight is not limited within the border of U.S. but compares American business experiences with history of other countries such as Britain, German, France or Japan. This will be a new standard textbook of American business and economic history.

We all know it is here. Now, how did it get here? Book goes down memory lane to the early days. Enough pictures of the old players who would have certainly been playing in a 30 team NHL, but not quite good enough to play in a 6 / 12 team NHL. Plus the book got here supper fast!

What a wonderfully entertaining look at Hollywood and some of it's most famous characters from the inside. Gregory Walcott, a small town North Carolina boy who had a dream and a hundred dollars rode his thumb to California in pursuit of an acting career. He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. In this book you'll read a wonderful and uplifting story of a man, his dream and his career in Hollywood when American life was slower, sweeter and more like what we wish it was today.

I met Gregory Walcott as a boy when he visited my church in the small North Carolina village where his brother James was pastor. I've followed his career ever since and always delight to see one of his many movies or tv appearances. Gregory Walcott, now retired, was a prolific character actor and television star. I don't think a week goes by that I don't see him on TV.

Perhaps he's best known as the male hero in Plan 9 From Outer Space, considered the worst film ever made and one which Walcott shunned for years. Finally he realized that much of his fan mail came from Plan 9 fans. He formally apologized to Ed Wood at a film festival later in life and is happy to hear from Plan 9 fans to this very day.

Retired and enjoying life with his wonderful wife of over 40 years, Gregory Walcott spends his time with his children and grandchildren at his home in California. He continues to write and enjoy his retirement.

I highly recommend this book as a fun, quick and informative read. You'll read many wonderful tales from the backlots and few juicy ones as well.