Confederates in the Attic tells the story of Tony Horwitz’s journey through the American South as he seeks to understand why Civil War reenactments are so popular and what they say about contemporary Southern culture. Along the way, Horwitz interviews participants from all walks of life, delves into archives and battlefields, and talks with a range of experts on Confederate history. What emerges is a thought-provoking exploration not only of America’s past but also its present.
For who is this book for ?
Confederates in the Attic is for anyone with an interest in American history, and it would be especially appealing to those who are looking to learn more about Southern culture.
Pros :
- Tony Horwitz is an excellent writer, and the book is well-written
- The book provides a good overview of Civil War reenactments and their popularity in the American South
- Tony Horwitz does a good job of exploring contemporary Southern culture
Cons :
- The author tries to tackle too many topics in the book, which makes it difficult to follow.
- The book is quite dry and not particularly engaging.
- It is poorly written and contains a lot of factual errors.
Learn more about the author
Tony Horwitz is the author of four previous books, including Baghdad Without a Map and A Voyage Long and Strange. He has been a national correspondent for The New York Times and won the Pulitzer Prize for international reporting in 1997. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and son. Confederates in the Attic tells the story of Tony Horwitz’s journey through America as he tries to understand why Civil War reenactments are so popular, what they say about contemporary Southern culture, and how this history shapes American identity today. Along his travels throughout the South interviewing participants from all walks of life – from battlefields to archives – Horwitz talks with experts on Confederate history who offer insightful perspectives on its legacy. This thought-provoking exploration sheds light not only on America’s past but also its present while providing readers an intimate glimpse into one man’s search for understanding our shared heritage.
Reader Reviews
“Confederates in the Attic is a wonderfully written, informative and entertaining book. Tony Horwitz brings his considerable journalistic skills to bear as he looks at why Civil War re-enactments are so popular in the American South. His travels take him from small-town America to large urban areas, talking with everyone from hardcore re-enactors to restaurant owners who feature Southern cuisine on their menus. Along the way, Horwitz takes an insightful look at contemporary Southern culture and how it has been shaped by the legacies of slavery and secession.”
“Confederates in the Attic is a masterpiece of American travel writing. Horwitz’s humor, intelligence, and eye for detail bring to life the people and places he encounters on his journey from reenactment battlefields to mountain towns where the Rebel flag still flies.”
“In Confederates in the Attic, Tony Horwitz takes us on a lively and insightful journey through America’s obsession with the Civil War. Mixing travelogue with historical investigation, he paints a vivid picture of what these reenactments say about our complicated racial history-and ourselves.”
“Tony Horwitz has done it again! In Confederates in the Attic, he takes us on a fascinating journey through today’s South, shedding light on the reasons why Civil War reenactments are so popular and exploring the complicated legacy of Confederate history. This is a must-read for anyone interested in American culture.”
