When the book was first introduced in 1980, the author points out the transition in the historiography of the South. He saw the period before 1980 as a great leap of historical works on slavery and African American history but without the blacks being central to southern history. Wilson points out that research dealing with social class and gender were not as advanced as they are today.
Wilson’s book is a reflection of the current trend of historiography as he has recognized the transition. He has focused on the Lost Cause and the religious history of the South. The book argues that the Lost Cause was a mythic construct that helped white southerners define a cultural identity in the aftermath of Confederate defeat. Through his interpretation,
Wilson’s book is a reflection of the current trend of historiography as he has recognized the transition. He has focused on the Lost Cause and the religious history of the South. The book argues that the Lost Cause was a mythic construct that helped white southerners define a cultural identity in the aftermath of Confederate defeat. Through his interpretation,