South Carolina: A History

Walter Edgar is to South Carolina what Kevin Starr is to California. He is the official keeper of the state's long history, and its primary chronicler.For all prospective readers, that's a very good thing for two reasons. First, Dr. Edgar writes in a style that is easily accessible to a wide range of readers, from specialists to curious tourists. His writing is engaging and not the least bit like the textbook it could have been from less skilled a writer. Second, the breadth of this book, from before European contact until the turn of the 21st century, is enormous.South Carolina has changed so much in its history, and that makes this book an interesting read. From ultra-conservative, slave-based sugar and tobacco colony, to Southern Federalist stronghold, to modern tourist hot spot, South Carolina has transformed itself from isolated aberration into a modern and diverse society. Here's the history that made it possible, with contributions from rich Huguenots and poor yeomen, men and women, master and slave.Some topics that are front and center (as they should be) include the slave-based plantation economy, the wealthy colonial period, the Civil War, the role of Charleston in the long history of the state, and the Southern cultural renaissance. If you're a newbie to South Carolina and its history, this is a fantastic book to have, just for your own pleasure.

I learned a lot about my beloved state, reading this book. Professor Edgar taught history at the University of South Carolina, so he is an expert.Our state is unique. It is one of the 13 original colonies, so it has always been at the forefront of our country's history, and has been a big part of the direction that our country headed. Our state is famous for usually doing the opposite of the other states, which has sometimes been the right thing to do, but sometimes been a mistake. Our state has produced a lot of great people, who have done a lot of great things, but there is an ugly side to our state, and it can't be ignored, and that is slavery, and later the Jim Crow era. Slavery has always been a factor in every direction that our state took, and the consequences of slavery have haunted us forever. Dr. Edgar does not ignore this, but makes it an integral part of the book, which would be dishonest, if he didn't. However, one of Dr. Edgar's major themes in the book is how South Carolinians try their best to just get along, and make the best out of the situation, and I definitely agree with him on that.This history book is complete and gives a great setup prior to us being an English colony all the way to the collapse of the textile industry and where we are now.I highly recommend this book to all South Carolinians AND all lovers of history. You will discover just how unique this little state is and why South Carolina took the course that it did, throughout our country's history. Even if you don't agree with the decision, at least you won't be scratching your head.

The book was in excellent condition and arrived very quickly. I am extremely happy with the purchase. Thank you!

Walter Edgar is THE historian of South Carolina. This large book is filled with the same detailed and interesting history of SC that he evokes on his radio programs. Absolutely worth getting for reference and just plain interesting, readable history.

Walter Edgar is considered by most breathing human beings to be the greatest South Carolina historian. This book was a culmination of a lifetime of work studying primary sources to compile a history of the Palmetto State. My #1 resource for historical information about the state.