South Carolina Books

John C. Calhoun was a complex man. Many biographers have attempted to capture the essence of this politician and some have done a good job, others have failed miserably, and still others have seen him as only fit for the lower levels of Hell or in a straightjacket. This is to be expected because biographers/historians are after all only human. If we read all of them we get a confused picture with no enlightenment. If we read only one, we have a picture of only one side of the man and that more than likely biased. To form as true a picture as we can master ourselves we must read what the man said and wrote for ourselves. The editors of the collected works have done a marvelous job is supplying us with the tools we need. The books in this series are highly recommended to anyone who wants a clear picture of the man and his times.

The title and seemingly narrow focus (and, indeed, the introduction) of this book might make it seem like a study suited only for academics. However, it most clearly is not. What is most remarkable about this book is how Baker paints portraits of the many, many ordinary (yet extraordinary) African-American individuals who were truly the prime movers in the struggle for educational opportunity in Charleston. The stories of these individuals and the durable obstacles they faced in gaining access to the most basic educational rights are both inspirational and deeply troubling.

In the course of the book, Baker also lays bare the way in which the white establishment of Charleston fought in every manner possible to insure that blacks would not be educated with whites and then, when it lost that battle, did everything in its power to insure that few blacks would "enjoy" that right. Baker rightly raises, but does not answer, the question of whether a strategy of dispensing with the hope for integration and instead creating well-funded black institutions might have, in the long run, better served the African-American community of Charleston.

Equally interesting and equally disturbing is the book's argument that the genesis and use of standardized testing--so much a part of the educational landscape today--was rooted in an a conscious attempt on the part of the white establishment to deny access to equal pay for black teachers and equal educational opportunity for African American students.

Anyone interested in issues related to the history of African-American education, equity in education, or testing--be it of teachers or students--would be wise to read this book.

This book was the key to verbal family history and was invaluable to my genealogy research.

As usual Paul has outdone himself. Gives you a real feel for life for the Pell MellersPell Mellers: Race and Memory in a Carolina Pocosin

When we look at the earliest days of the Church, usually two names come to mind: Peter and Paul. As far as St. Paul is concerned, we have many of his writings still intact which give us a very good picture of the person behind the writings. When it comes to St. Peter, we have a bit of a challenge when trying to reconstruct the historical person. We have the gospel stories which at time area less than flattering, the accounts from Acts which may be more flattering, but do not help us understand the person behind the stories. We also have the legends regarding Peter, but these may not be historically accurate.

Pheme Perkins, in her book PETER, APOSTLE FOR THE WHOLE CHURCH, looks at the person of Peter. In her readable and highly informative book, she looks at the varying aspects of Peter's life from a scriptural perspective. She begins with an overview of the life of Peter based on the scriptural references then looks at the ways in which Peter is portrayed in the four gospels. She also looks at Peter's role in Acts as well as in the writings attributed to him. Since her focus is scholarly, she does look at the legendary stories regarding Peter since they do play a role in our understanding of Peter, but the focus of the book is scriptural which is only fitting since she is a New Testament scholar. She also includes a chapter on the role of Peter as Bishop, which will important for Catholic readers.

I had Professor Perkins in class when she completed this work and I anxiously looked forward to its publication. When it was first published, it was difficult to find but its republication by Fortress Press has made it more accessible. Perkins has a keen mind for scripture, and writes in away that is easy for a less trained reader but challenging enough to offer insight to more advanced students and scholars. In this book, she takes a biblical figure she admires and gives him the scholarly attention that is due. It is my belief that this book will become the authoritative study of Peter and a basis for future studies.

This is a lovely memoir by Taylor Reese and a joy to read. I appreciate the courage and humility it takes to allow others to glimpse into one's life. I was very entertained and surprised to learn that Taylor had been a court reporter, obtained a pilot's license, etc. These details only add more flavor to the person I have met and think very highly of. Despite occasional stumbling blocks, it seems Taylor has lived a wonderful life. May he continue to have a great future!

Chrissy K. McVay
Author of 'Souls of the North Wind'

Deftly translated for an English readership by Byron R. McCane (Associate Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department of Religion at Converse College, Spartanburg, South Carolina), The Place Of The Gospels In The General History Of Literature the distinguished biblical scholar Karl Ludwig Schmidt (1891-1956) presents a scholarly and articulate argument that the gospels of the New Testament represent a literary genre which does not derive from others in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern antiquity. Schmidt's contention was that the gospels are the written record of an oral tradition rather than a biographical or historical text. An erudite and seminal body of work, this edition of The Place Of The Gospels In The General History Of Literature is further enhanced with an informed and informative introduction by John Rices (Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism, University of Glasgow) and is an invaluable and much appreciated contribution to New Testament Studies.

I enjoyed reading through this book, although it is as much a coffee table book as anything, it did a good job of showing SC country plantations.

Having been to both gracious cities this pocket size book would have been very useful. It has nine maps each showing landmarks, dining, lodging, shopping, side trips etc., which are described as in any larger Fodor's travel book. I like the fact it's condensed and the maps leave little to doubt for getting around.

From someone who travels a great deal, forget the larger book and take this.

Great insight into Antebellum Charleston and the South! A Great read as well.............