49 pages • 1 hour read
Confederates In The Attic: Dispatches From The Unfinished Civil War
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Book Brief
406
Book • Nonfiction
American South • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Confederates in the Attic, journalist Tony Horwitz explores his fascination with the American Civil War by traveling through the Southern United States, visiting battlefields, museums, and monuments, and interviewing the locals. The book presents a nuanced exploration of Southern culture through diverse voices, highlighting themes like nostalgia, heritage, and racial tension without reaching definitive conclusions. Topics addressed in the book include racism and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.
Informative
Mysterious
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Dark
Reviews & Readership
26,203 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tony Horwitz's Confederates In The Attic is praised for its insightful exploration of Civil War memory in contemporary America, blending historical analysis with engaging personal anecdotes. Readers appreciate Horwitz’s humor and narrative style but some criticize the book for an occasional lack of depth in its portrayal of sensitive topics. Ideal for history buffs.
Who Should Read Confederates In The Attic?
Readers of Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz will enjoy an engaging blend of American history and cultural exploration. Ideal for fans of books like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Hillbilly Elegy, it appeals to those interested in Civil War legacies, Southern identity, and insightful reportage.
26,203 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robert Lee Hodge
Robert Lee Hodge
A dedicated Civil War re-enactor with Northern roots and Southern connections, who offers Horwitz insights into the world of re-enactments and holds a nuanced view of the Confederacy.
Michael Westerman
Michael Westerman
A 19-year-old white man from Kentucky whose death during a racial incident becomes a focal point for understanding ongoing racial tensions in the South.
Shelby Foote
Shelby Foote
A celebrated novelist and Civil War historian from Mississippi, known for his deep, sometimes contradictory perspectives on Southern history and identity.
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee
The esteemed Confederate general known for his leadership during the Civil War and efforts towards reconciliation after the conflict.
Stonewall Jackson
Stonewall Jackson
A renowned Confederate general whose military prowess earned him fame, particularly noted for his role in the First Battle of Bull Run and his untimely death in 1863.
Nathan Bedford Forrest
Nathan Bedford Forrest
A Confederate cavalry lieutenant general known for his military tactics and controversial role as the first Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.
406
Book • Nonfiction
American South • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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