The only modern collection of speeches by southerners on the themes that have shaped the history and culture of the region, this anthology, which spans eighty tumultuous years of southern history, reflects the strategies of southern orators as they attempted to defend the indefensible, as well as those few who advocated a more compassionate South. Southern leaders were judged largely by their oratorical ability and their skills in defending the southern way of life. Accordingly, they placed much emphasis on developing consummate rhetorical skills. Thus, one can read the history of the...

The only modern collection of speeches by southerners on the themes that have shaped the history and culture of the region, this anthology, which spans eighty tumultuous years of southern history, reflects the strategies of southern orators as they attempted to defend the indefensible, as well as those few who advocated a more compassionate South. Southern leaders were judged largely by their oratorical ability and their skills in defending the southern way of life. Accordingly, they placed much emphasis on developing consummate rhetorical skills. Thus, one can read the history of the...

This anthology is the only collection of speeches by southerners on the major themes that have shaped the history and culture of the South in the 20th century. Selections illustrate the evolution of the South from a land of defensiveness, poverty, and segregation at the beginning of the century to a region that prides itself, justifiably, on the fact that it has overcome these conditions and has taken its place as an equal partner in eyes of the nation. Introductory comments and biographical sketches of the speakers assist the reader in putting the speeches into historical context.

In...

In the decades following the Civil War, white southerners throughout the region created a system of racial segregation designed to perpetuate white supremacy, guarantee white leadership, and keep black southerners in their place. For over half a century, this brutal, violent, and inhumane system penalized both races educationally, socially, and economically. This collection of speeches examines the conditions that made a Civil Rights Movement necessary, ranging from early supporters of civil rights for African Americans to defenders of segregation, as well as what enabled the movement to...

This anthology is the only collection of speeches by southerners on the major themes that have shaped the history and culture of the South in the 20th century. Selections illustrate the evolution of the South from a land of defensiveness, poverty, and segregation at the beginning of the century to a region that prides itself, justifiably, on the fact that it has overcome these conditions and has taken its place as an equal partner in eyes of the nation. Introductory comments and biographical sketches of the speakers assist the reader in putting the speeches into historical context.

In...

Rhetoric and ritual commemorating war has been a part of human culture for ages. In "Enduring Legacy"," "" "W. Stuart Towns explores the crucial role of rhetoric and oratory in creating and propagating a Lost Cause public memory of the American South.
"Enduring Legacy" explores the vital place of ceremonial oratory in the oral tradition in the South. It analyses how rituals such as Confederate Memorial Day, Confederate veteran reunions, and dedication of Confederate monuments have contributed to creating and sustaining a Lost Cause paradigm for Southern identity. Towns studies in...