This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Confederates In The Attic

   Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War

   

   The book explores the enduring legacy of the American Civil War in contemporary Southern culture through the author's journey across the South. It delves into the ways in which the war is remembered and mythologized, highlighting the perspectives of various individuals, from reenactors to local historians. The narrative weaves together personal anecdotes, historical insights, and cultural observations, revealing how the past continues to shape identities and social dynamics in the region. Through encounters with diverse characters, the book examines themes of memory, heritage, and the complexities of Southern identity.

2. 2. Midnight Rising

   John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War

   

   Set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of civil war, this gripping narrative delves into the life and legacy of John Brown, a fervent abolitionist whose radical actions ignited a fierce debate over slavery in America. The story chronicles Brown's audacious raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry in 1859, an event that aimed to incite a slave rebellion but instead hastened the country's descent into conflict. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book explores the motivations, convictions, and consequences of Brown's actions, painting a complex portrait of a man driven by a profound moral conviction and the turbulent times that shaped his destiny.

3. 3. Baghdad Without A Map And Other Misadventures In Arabia

   And Other Misadventures in Arabia

   

   This engaging travelogue offers a humorous and insightful exploration of the Middle East, capturing the vibrant cultures, complex politics, and everyday life of the region during the late 1980s. Through a series of vivid anecdotes and personal encounters, the narrative delves into the diverse landscapes and rich histories of countries like Yemen, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The author's keen observations and witty commentary provide a unique perspective on the challenges and contradictions faced by the people living in these lands, painting a colorful picture of a region often misunderstood by the Western world.

4. 4. A Voyage Long And Strange

   Rediscovering the New World

   

   This engaging narrative takes readers on a captivating journey through the often-overlooked early history of America, exploring the adventures and misadventures of European explorers before the Pilgrims' arrival. The author embarks on a personal quest to uncover the forgotten stories of Norsemen, conquistadors, and other explorers who ventured into the New World, weaving together historical research with vivid travelogue experiences. Through a blend of humor, insight, and curiosity, the book sheds light on the complex tapestry of encounters that shaped the continent long before the familiar tales of colonial America.

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5. 5. Spying On The South

   An Odyssey Across the American Divide

   

   A traveling reporter moves across the American South examining how the legacy of slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the Lost Cause still shapes lives and politics today, reporting on controversies over Confederate monuments, racial violence, and contemporary movements for justice. Combining on-the-ground interviews with historians, descendants and everyday residents, the narrative blends historical context, investigative reporting and wry personal observation to show how past injustices inform present divisions and debates about memory and identity.

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