thern way of life. At the root of this complex situation were the slaves whom the economy revolved around and politics of course were heavily influenced by the economy. While main stream American history hints at only a few individual southern dissenters Degler broadens the spectrum to include a variety of groups and individuals who played an extremely important role in the history of the south. By linking and comparing the various groups and individuals Degler shows the values and beliefs that motivated the dissenters to deviate from the values of the majority. In doing so Degler dispels the common mis conception that the south thinks as a whole unit. As an author Degler does an excellent job of presenting accurate historical information in such a way truly shows the diversify and complexity of the southern experience. However, the book seems to lack any kind or literary dynamics. The book is a steady flow of facts and events that are quite interesting but do not seem to have a destination or direction. If Degler were writing about something that was not such a relatively unheard of topic the book would not hold water and would certainly leave a dry taste in the readers mouth. Granted his ultimate goal is to enlighten the reader on the role and experience of the southern dissenters but the method he uses to do so could definitely be modified to drive the content of the book home with the reader. The insightful ness of the book is extremely impressive to say the least. Degler draws from what seems to be an incredibly vast supply of historical literature. He leaves no claims unsubstantiated and provides proof for all of his theories. Upon examining the location of manuscript collections cited all of his sources are quite reputable, most are from the southern historical society and written by professors and notable historians. Degler does justice to his sources and upon reading the book his credentials come thru in his word choice an...
