Race and Class in the American South since 1890

Description

A clear and accessible overview of the 20th century history of the American South. Topics covered include labour, intellectual and women's history as well as an analysis of the impact of Federal government policy on economic and social affairs. While embracing several fields, the authors all address the same theme: the slow loss of Southern distinctiveness and the effect this process has had on issues of race and class.

Melvyn Stokes Senior Lecturer in American History,University College London Rick Halpern Lecturer in American History, University College London

'Issues of immense importance pervade every chapter...It seems likely that this volume will be a standby for students and teachers for years to come. It is conclusive, if too often distressing, proof that the history of the South is not yet an exhausted topic...The great merits of Race and Class in the American South since 1890 owe everything to old-fashioned scholarship and intellectual honesty.' TLS '... based on wide reading and a sophisticated understanding of the issues involved.' Vernon J. Williams, Professor of History, Purdue University, USA 'Rick Halpern's insightful historiographical essay in Race and Class is a helpful introduction to the current state of scholarly opinion on this topic. A practitioner of the so-called new labour history, Halpern proves a reliable and objective guide to the ways in which recent works by Michael Honey, Joe Trotter and Ronald Lewis have advanced our understanding of 1930s labour radicalism beyond the position staked out by exponents of the more traditional elite-focused history.' Labour History Review 'From the editors' introduction to the closing article, the essays in this work deserve the attention of historians, students, public leaders, and readers seeking to understand race relations in the Southern states today...This reviewer's summary of Race and Class is to encourage its addition to libraries of all sorts, to curriculum syllabi, and to the reading lists of all who seek to understand the history of African-Americans and the South. As we confront many of the same issues late in the 20th century, this is indeed a timely and welcome work.' Academic Library Book Review 'Many articles in this volume are especially thought provoking. Collectively they provide varied insights on the specific ways class and race issues uniquely influenced the modern South.' The Journal of American History 'From the editors' introduction to the closing article, the essays in this work deserve the attention of historians, students, public leaders, and readers seeking to understand race relations in the Southern states today. This reviewer's summary of "Race and Class" is to encourage its addition to libraries of all sorts, to curriculum syllabi, and to the reading lists of all who seek to understand the history of African-Americans and the South.' Academic Library Book Review ' ... important and informative reading.' The Journal of Southern History