South Carolina Books

I was amazed what a page-turner this was, for a story so carefully documented. Even so I found myself frequently in the middle of a deep muse pondering what his story teaches us about communication, isolation and contingency, not to mention injustice stemming from racism and patriarchal attitudes toward the minority who communicate without speech. I noticed I was also learning a surprising amount about broader social and historical movements (American, southern, racial, psychiatric, deaf cultural, and more), without ever feeling bogged down. Truly impressive.

I learned much about the social movements that I've long found fascinating (reconstruction, Jim Crow South, the KKK), have been a part of (mental health, deinstitutionalization, disability rights & ADA) or been close to (deaf culture). How inspired of the authors to recognize that this one man's life story could illustrate so much modern American social history. I was profoundly moved by the suffering, silent dignity and enduring humanity of Junius Wilson. This is an elegant, revealing and vivid story.

Burch and Joyner have produced a wonderful example of what historical research can teach us. Mr. Wilson's story is heartbreaking but treated with respect and a gentle touch by this authors. The horrors experienced by this man speak for themselves and artfully told by these researchers and writers. This is a book that will appeal to many for many different reasons and leave all shaken. Perhaps it will also inspire others to help make the future brighter for others. I can think of no better use of historical facts than to improve the future.

i happpened to move to wilmington, n.c just when this story was coming to light in the press. i was gripped by the story and read every article that came out in follow up. when this book came out i had to have it.
to find out a deaf man was treated this way for a crime he did not commit is just.....well uspeakable.
the begining starts with a nice history of area and people. a lot of the begining is spectulaion and dead on at that. no one will ever know what junius' thoughts were in those early years. the story becomes more gripping when the facts start to arrive, via medical reports and staff and friends. it is truly a heartbreaking read. it still haunts me.
i recommend to everyone. the book is a nice piece of historical racial record. schools should add this to their curriculum.

It's a Southern horror story, and a courtroom drama, and an exploration of language and isolation, and a biography of an ordinary man caught in a senseless system. And it's all true. And it's frightening, and it's fascinating. It's the twentieth century US, through one man's story.

Jeff Girvan has done what has been overlooked for over 150 years; he reveals the valor and honor of the common soldier over the over-inflated previously recounted feats of Picket's command. Namely, that the common farmers-turned-soldiers from Cleveland County (and environs) of southwestern North Carolina fought as valiantly as any of the units representing the CSA. In a clear, concise and well-documented account he presents factual data as well as the human side of the Southern Cause in this great conflict. You'll enjoy this quick read and keep this as a ready reference for descendants of these gallant men.

I have read several regimental and general Civil War histories, and Jeffrey Girvan's is up there at the top. His narrative is very readable, and the roster and unit listings of those killed in action, missing, and those that died from disease are helpful for any one interested in the 55th NC. The narrative tells the story of a regiment from Gettysburg to Appomattox, but also has information on the little known battle for Washington, NC that occurred in September 1862, and the Sufolk campaign. Girvan's use of primary sources provides the reader with a better understanding of what it was like to fight in the Civil War. The every day camp life, but also the combat. As one man from the unit says about Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg it was like being in "the jaws of death." Also, the description of the 55th and Heth's division on May 5, 1864 in the Wilderness is exceptional. One can feel the desperation these men must have felt after being assaulted numerous times and out numbered 4 to 1. Col. Belo, then commander of the 55th hears of his brothers death during the battle but must keep commanding his troops and is almost forced to order a bayonet charge when the men run out of amunition.A great read!! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the American Civil War.

I have read many Civil War books, including regimental histories like Pullen's 20th Maine and J Girvan's book about the 55th North Carolina ranks as one of the best. The 55th did not join Lee's army until after the great string of victories, but was there for Gettysburg and, although green, was able to prove its worth. So many exciting incidents stand out in this book. On July 1st the 55th was one of the first on the field, and the regiment's youthful leader Colonel John Kerr Connally wanted his men to prove themsevles to their brigade (which except for the 55th NC wer all unit's from Mississippi under the command of President Davis's nephew Joesph R. Davis) As his men moved forward their color bearer was shot and Connally, wanted to motivate his men, picked up the regimental standard and charged only to be shot several times and severally wounded. When asked if he needed help the brave colonel's response was to instruct his men to keep going and not to let "the mississippians get ahead of you."
The 55th would again face death at Gettysburg on the third day when they participated in the famous charge, and several officers from the unit would be credited with going farther than any other. Again during the Overland campaign the 55th would find themselves in desperate figthing throughout the summer and fall of 1864, and finally to surrender, all 83 left of more than 1000 when the regiment was formed in May 1862, with Lee at Appomattox. But this book is more than a chronical of battle it is a story of the men who fought and sometimes died for the Southern cause. After reading Mr. Girvan's book I gained a better understanding of what it was like to serve in the Army of Northern Virginia. Some men fighting with their fathers, sons, brothers, and cousins. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the life of the Confederate soldier during the Civil War.

This is one of the best regimental histories I have ever read. Girvan's use of primary sources provided a better understanding of what is was like to serve in Lee's Army. Also, the battles covered in the book were described very well, especially the battle for Washington, NC, and the Suffolk campaign, which are two engagements I knew little of before. Gettysburg was a watershed for the Confederacy, but also for this regiment. The 55th NC went in with little experience, but proved their worth by participating in some of the battles bloodiest engagements. Again during the Wilderness the 55th found it self in a tight spot, and after numerous assaults by Federal troops was low on amunition. Colonel Belo, whose own brother had just been killed during the day's battle was prepared, as Chamberlain at Gettysburg, to order a bayonet charge, but relief came. For anyone interested in Civil War regiments, soldier life, and seeing a battle from the eyes of the combat troops I highly recommend this book. J Johnson

I am sixty years old in the fifties we lived on the island of Malta this book is the truest representation of the place and history laden time transferred into a work of fiction that I have ever read. One is not only entertained but gently educated which is of course the way of the people of Malta. The sad thing is this author did not write many many more books. He was a brilliant man and a literary treasure. Take this volume with you to a quiet place and journey back through time meet the people and walk the streets of Malta. Learn something about a quickly disappearing way of life. You will not be disappointed at any price.

Nicholas Monsarrat presents a well written story which draws you in. This is the story of father Salvatore, an ordinary priest who rises to extraordinary circumstances. While the main story is set in mediterranean Malta in 1940-1942, Nicholas Monsarrat manages to seamlessly weave in malta's history from the dawn of time. Story: Father Salvatore, whose church is bombed early on in the scirmishes between Italy/Germany and Malta, provides comfort and solace to a growing number of desperate maltese by showing them what hardships malta and its inhabitants have had to endure throughout the ages and how they have managed to come out stronger every time. The growing popularity of Salvatore and his church in the ancient catacombs is seen as a threat by other clergymen and he faces a constant struggle to keep doing what is his calling..

If I have managed to make it all sound boring.. it's not! Buy it, borrow it, but whatever you do read it!

I decided to look this book up again, decades after I first read it. Because it haunts me and stays with me always.

My grandfather gave me a copy of Monsarrat's novel as a teenager, one of his must read classics, like Youngblood Hawke. I was riveted from page one.

The Kappillan of Malta is a brilliant, Michener-esque journey through Maltese history. Set during World War II, narrated through the worldview of a priest trying to save people from the bombardments by hiding in the caverns, this story seamlessly moves through time, from past to present and everywhere in between, mapping the island, her people, and their souls. It is an amazing journey.

I cannot recommend this books highly enough. Grandfather, you were right. A definite must read.

two stories here--a history of malta and a priest's story during ww2 malta
this book is superbly written and provides the reader an incredible history of a not too well known country.

This book will interest students of politics who wish to learn the observations of a liberal Democrat elected official who participated and observed the past three decades of the emergence of the politics of the "New South".
Harriet Keyserling retired from the South Carolina state legislature in 1992 and has produced this brilliant insightful insider account of that legislative body. A legislator who was devoted to such issues as increasing support for education and resisting nuclear waste in her state, she offers several lessons from her experiences.
Among points to ponder presented in the book are a.) alliances can be formed around agenda items that transcend political partianship, b.) be open and honest with the press and they will trust you and treat you better in the long run, c.) recognize that not all men nor all women think alike, even though men and women may approach some issues differently, and d.) all issues are women's issues and women legislators should not feel compelled to limit themselves to matters others believe primarily concern women.
The legislative infighting described in this book will interest students of South Carolina politics. Her descriptions of many South Carolina Governors as essentially cheerleaders for the Chamber of Commerce provides insights into interest groups and government. Legislative observers will appreciate learning how as much to one third to one half of South Carolina legislative sessions used to be spent engaging in fillibusters.
Rep. Keyserling is proud of her efforts to create a dedicated sales tax for education and for creating South Carolina
s Sunny Day Fun. Towards the end of her career, South Carolina politics transcended into an arena of great confrontation and tension. Disliking these changes, she left politics. Harriet Keyserling, though, has left us with her knowledge and insights in this book. Readers will appreciate her writings.

Absolutely brillant! I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Against the tide." Mrs. Keysterling held office during an interesting period in SC politics. The book provided great insight into many of the issues affecting South Carolina and the nation. I highly recommend it.

This is a marvelous and instructive memoir on Ms. Keyserling's many years in active politics in South Carolina. She battled long odds in a deeply conservative state and was able to accomplish much in her 16 years in the State Legislature. She was an early and important ally of former SC governor and current Secretary of Education Richard Riley, and was one of the leaders who helped pass the progressive educational reforms that improved that state's educational standing and performance. She overcome much to fight the 'good fight' for progressive environmental laws, energy conservation, regulation of nuclear and solid waste, and promotion of the arts. The forward is by Richard Riley and she has glowing recommendations from novelist Pat Conroy, former U.S. Senator Nacy Kassebaum Baker and columnist David Broder. She is a long time member of the League of Women Voters, and that group was very instrumental in most of her political battles. I enjoyed the book and found it useful and enlightening. JMP

This piece is a great primer for those interested in having a public impact but, because of age, sex or gender, don't project their views. A 54 year old Jewish woman living in South Carolina gained the courage to speak out . . . and was heard. Easy reading.

I am the Grand daughter of Bernard Martof!!!! I have liiked a the book. It has beautiful photographs. Great facts too!! If you need a reptile question answered you should look at this book!!! If I ever do a reptile study I think I will look in this book. I like the frog on the cover too!

Excellent book! It's a little more detailed that a typical field guide but what I like most about it is that its specific to our area. So, while I have a larger field guide (for the region) I also really love having this one because it's more focused. In the beginning of the book there's an introduction to habitat with great pictures showing what the habitats look like. The book then goes into the specific species - I was particularly interested in the salamanders and amphibians but the sections on snakes, turtles and lizards are super too. The pictures are great, descriptions cover approx. size, colors/patterns, species that they could be confused with, habitats, and egg laying (timing, incubation etc). Great book to have on hand.

I've had and used this book since it came out in 1980. I always recommend it to all of the classes and seminars I give on reptiles and amphibians and to all of the people who ask for a good field guide because, for the size and cost, there are none better for this part of the country. Well worth the money if a handy, accurate, well-done field guide with great photos and range maps is what you want.

I love this book. We see a snake in the woods, and take note of as many characteristics as we can, then look it up later to learn more about it. Same with frogs, toads, lizards, skinks! The actual information provided for each reptile is slim but very interesting. This is a great book to have if you spend any time in the wild in Virginia.

I recently purchased 'Aunt Arie: A Foxfire Portrait,' along with two Foxfire guides, to assist me in establishing an Appalachian setting (and characters)for a story I am working on. I've only skimmed the guides at this point, but I haven't put "Aunt Arie" down! I've still got a couple of chapters left to read, but so far the story of this woman's life, as told by her to the folks at Foxfire, has proven indispensable to my research.

The editors of the book have attempted, most successfully (they offer an explanation of ways and means at the beginning of the book)I think, to reproduce/preserve Aunt Arie's dialect and colloquialisms, as transcribed from the hundreds of hours of taped interviews. In this book, HOW she says things is just as important as WHAT she's saying...and what does she say? Where do I begin? Besides offering a virtual treasure-trove of information on the subjects of gardening, healing, economy, and food storage and preparation, she also delves into stories of her friends and neighbors, living and dead, speaks often of her life with her beloved husband, and before that her childhood, and all her talk of the people she's known, whether she loved them or could have done without them, is tinged with her faith, her basic love of and respect for humanity, and her simply ideology: you get what you give.

If any of the above appeals to you, get this book. You won't regret it. I'm back here b/c I'm about to get one for my grandmother. Just thought I'd leave a more complete review than the ones I'd seen.

terrific read - inspirational - one tough and lovable character who will be missed for many years to come

From the cover:, " The students, none of whom had ever been to Aunt Arie's before, were awed, drawn inexorably into the little circle of activity that surrounded this 5' 6" dynamo who laughed and pecked on each of them and tapped their shoulders and grasped their knees and tried to remember their names and loved them, instantly, and without reservation-strangers all". This book is wonder full, and heart full, and shines a little light into a way of being that is fast becoming a just catchy phrase on a hall mark card.

WHAT A GREAT "AMERICANA" STYLE BOOK, FANTASTIC ADDITION TO A FOXFIRE COLLECTION OR GREAT ON ITS OWN. AUNT ARIE HERSELF, HER OWN STYLE FROM COOKING TO HARVESTING, THOGUHTS, RELIGION AND HER FEELINGS ABOUT LIVING ALONE! SHE WAS AN HONORABLE WOMAN!

Aurora Jenkins "Rory" had been born and raised on an island off the shores of South Carolina. She volunteered to help protect the area from fancy lawyers buying it all up and turning it into high-rises, motels, big businesses, parking lots, and tearing up the entire area. She was fighting for her family (in more ways than one), neighbors, and environment. She would use all her big business know-how, if necessary, to do it. But in order to succeed, she must win Clay McCloud over to her side. The State Parks Department (Mr. Ben Little) only needed Clay to locate the owners for them. If the lawyers could get just one of them to sell their small share of the property, then they could have the WHOLE PARCEL on the auction block within a few short weeks! Getting Clay to just LISTEN would not be easy though. The software genius has been playing hermit, hoping not to have to deal with any of it.

Clay McCloud was enjoying being alone and secluded! He had enough of owning dot coms online or designing business software and computer games only for someone to steal them from him. He no longer wanted the big dollars, fancy cars, and gorgeous women that he'd had for so long. Or so he thought! Rory looked a lot like the Viking princess he had designed on his video game "Mysterious". As attracted as he was, Clay had his own set of rules about women like Aurora. But rules were made to be broken.

***** Awesome story that kept my nose stuck in the book tighter than cement glue! I even learned some interesting things about rural coast lines and the animals that live there. This story is a sure winner! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Aurora Jenkins left home to concur the world only to return to her roots once she looses her financial job. Not to be left bored, she is tasked with caring for an injured father and sister. Once home, Aurora decides that the island where her town is located needs a park and volunteers her expertise to provide a budget to the town. Everything runs smooth until she discovers that her budget will mean having to track down the landowners. Had she taken the conventional route through city hall and bureaucracy, she would have missed the sparks that fly when she determines that hooking up with software genius Clay McCloud is the quickest path.

Clay was just sitting around, minding his own business without desiring any complications. When this gorgeous redhead seeks his assistance, he can't help but to be intrigued. While they don't share the same outlook for the island, they do share a hidden passion for each other that begs through the pages to be unleashed.

The backdrop is environmental versus development. A supporting cast carries this story and the overall outcome is wonderful if not a tad too obvious. The 180-degree opposite personalities of the love interests add to the passion as each wants to dominate the other. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

I loved this book, but I must admit there were a few flaws with the writing of it. The wording would get confusing in the first part of the book, to the point where you had to go back a few pages to see what the author meant. The storyline was fantastic, touching on drama, romance, mystery, and crime without missing a beat. I got hooked into this book but quickly! Definitely recommended!

After losing her financial job, expert Aurora Jenkins returns home to Coastal Carolina to care for her father and sister, both suffering injuries. Rory has volunteered to put together a budget proposal for her island town to request a grant to purchase land for conversion to a park. However, Rory learns she needs to work with software genius and all around hermit Thomas MacCloud whose program will identify the land owners.

As Rory and Thomas squabble, they learn that the politicians and big business have gotten together with a plan that will over develop and ultimately destroy the beauty of the island. The duo works together seeking a solution to boost the local economy yet keep the island's natural beauty even as they fall in love. However, though both are ready to battle the big shots, neither is ready for a relationship.

CAROLINA GIRL is an entertaining contemporary romance that focuses on the issue of development vs. environment especially through the eyes of the strong support cast. The lead couple is fun to follow as they battle, argue, and squabble. Though the final resolution seems too easy, fans will enjoy the teaming up of the Amazon Princess and the software game developer against superheavyweights used to getting their way.

Harriet Klausner

After visiting Charleston and meeting this wonderful, talented gentleman, I bought the book to learn more about him. It is well written and describes beautifully the wrought iron gates that he designed and built in this lovely city. If you've seen any of his work either in Charleston or the Smithsonian Museum, this book will add to your knowledge of this very talented African American, now 95 years old.

John Vlach gives us an interesting biographical study of Philip Simmons' blacksmithing in this richly illustrated book. The book begins with Simmons' accounts of his early life in the Sea Islands off Charleston's coast. He then describes how Simmons' life changed when he discovered the love of his life: blacksmithing. Vlach and Simmons provide enough context to show how he began learning the art. The book then gives us a portfolio of Simmons' work, with a special focus on the elaborate gates that epitomize much of his artistry. These photos were selected by Simmons, and Vlach provides fine commentary on each illustration. This commentary gives readers a better understanding of blacksmithing, and it trains the eye to examine this type of ironwork, thereby enhancing one's appreciation for Simmons' skill. One of my favorite chapters is a vibrant presentation of Simmons' work with apprentices. He describes interactions between Simmons and Willie Williams to provide a vivid depiction of the folklife of a blacksmith shop. This chapter reveals the passion that both artists feel for their work. The book's final chapters show how Simmons has been honored for his work, and they provide a fine tribute to his many accomplishments and his inspiring artistic vision.

I am sorry, but I never read the book, but I purchased it as a gift for friend. However I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Simmons on a tour of Charleston, South Carolina in 1998. He is an incredibly lively person who is full of humor and has countless stories to share. I remember one in particular, when he spoke of his years as a boy when there were only horse & carriages for transportation. Then he said the age of the automobile came to be and folks would stop whatever they were doing to watch in awe as the automobile went by. Then he chuckled quietly as he descibed the same behavior today when a horse & carriage goes clamoring through town. There are no words to describe the artistic craftmanship of Mr. Simmons iron works, you simply have to see for yourself. As for Mr. Simmons, he is a proud yet humble man about his craft, his works and his life, you should meet him for yourself.

a stirring and engaging account of a man whose life spans almost the whole century, who grew up in a fascinating environment, regularly crossing between worlds while he served an apprenticeship, and went on to cross between other worlds, a folk artist who is regarded by the art world as a peerless sculptor, whose work is exhibited in museums. THis is a great study by a preeminent folklorist that will interest anyone.

I have long admired the late James Kilgo as a master of the essay. But this remarkable debut novel seems to be the capstone of his esteemed career. I read it with mounting interest, completely absorbed by his description and characterization, and, yes, wondering how anyone can write a novel as good as this one. Someone has said no one--not even the great William Faulkner--could have handled this material better. I could not agree more. The great difference, I might add, is the immensely readable--some have called it "antique"-- prose that Kilgo offers us, rather than a tangle of syntax in sentences that go on forever. I absolutely loved this novel and I so greatly lament the fact that Mr. Kilgo did not live to give us more. But we are fortunate that he gave us his elegant essays and this magnificent novel before his death. Surely anyone hoping to understand the shaky beginnings of the New South in the early twentieth century will long cherish this novel as one of the very best pieces of writing to depict that time and place from the pen of any Southern writer bar none. Surely this novel will take its place among those works of literature that are destined to endure.

James Kilgro's electifing southern antique story, of a house
maid's intensifing relatioship with her white cousin in 1918.
It tells us that they suffered socially as well as privately
in the quest to explore love and intimacy in a era when it
was forbidden. Moving away to escape the discust and terroism
of the community only to find that when she returns married,
the affair would only emerge to confront them both and their
families of both races. It's hard to put down!

Jim Kilgo did well with his poetry, but this novel surpasses all that he has done before. The vividly descriptive prose brings the story to life and evokes images that only someone totally familiar with the landscape and the people could manage. Readers are transported to that distant time when the memories of a brutal war were still fresh on the minds of many Southerners. A time when all the roads were filled with chokeing dust in dry weather, and life sucking mud in wet weather. The intense conflict between whites and blacks is eloquently portrayed by Kilgo, and the reader is forced to feel the anguish of a man torn between his duty to kith an kin, and the feelings of his heart. Bravo to Kilgo for tackling this difficult subject, but even more accolades are deserved for the eloquent way that it was done.

This is a gorgeously told story about possibly real people - simple people whose only complexity is their love, which defies properness. Kilgo's setting is so rich (and dear to me because it is my home and the home of "my people") I can actually see the shabbiness of the postwar southern landscape, and feel the invincible pride of the otherwise defeated southerners. Call me a sap, but I swooned over Hart's "poor man's Shakespeare" description of Jennie on page 159, and clutched my heart (and my Kleenex) when he said it was an honor to die for the woman he loved. This is a simple sweet tale, and was a complete joy to read. I suspect this book will be a great hit with southern women - we don't see many heroes like Hart Bonner around here anymore.

This is a really cute book for anyone who loves a Boykin Spaniel.

This is a great book to share with your children and adult friends who are boykin enthusiasts. It tells of the history of the boykin spaniel in South carolina. My family has always loved boykin spaniels and had them around their houses but none of us knew the exact story of how they came to be. The Story of Dumpy and Singo is definitely worth purchasing and reading. It also makes a great gift for family and friends. It is lighthearted and well written and gives a true depiction of why we Boykin lovers adore these dogs so much.

What a welcome book for those of us who love Boykin Spaniels. To learn the history of this wonderful and loving dog is something we can pass on to our family and friends. The illustrations are great and help to bring this story of Dumpy and Singo alive to our children. I knew that the Boykin Spaniel was bred in South Carolina but had never heard the story of how it all got started or that Gov. Riley made it the "Official Dog" of S.C. Thanks to Mr. Kelley I now know "the rest of the story".

We have owned several Boykins and I have read several books about them. The other books mentioned their beginnings, but until I read this book, I wasn't sure how true the rumors were. It's a wonderful book for adults and children. Great for someone thinking about getting a Boykin. They are exactly as described in the book. I call them my forever dogs, because once you own one, you'll remember them forever.