Born into Southern aristocracy, Mary Boykin Chesnut (1823–86) married a rising star of the political scene who ultimately served as an aide to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. As a prominent hostess and popular guest in the highest circles of Confederate society, Chesnut possessed an insider's perspective on many of the Civil War's major events, which she recorded in vivid journal entries. Her diary recounts the social life that struggled to continue in the midst of war, the grim economic conditions that resulted from blockaded ports as well as how people's spirits rose and fell with each victory and defeat.
Hailed by William Styron as "a great epic drama of our greatest national tragedy," Chesnut's annotated diary won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1982 and served as a primary source for Ken Burns's celebrated Civil War documentary. This edition of the compelling narrative features photos and engravings from the original publication.
Born into Southern aristocracy, Mary Chestnut (1823–86) married a rising star of the political scene who ultimately served as an aide to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Chestnut's social prominence assured her of an insider's perspective on many of the war's major events, which she recorded in vivid journal entries. Published 19 years after her death, an annotated edition of her diary won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1982.
CONTENTS
Introduction: The Author and Her Book
Chapter I. Charleston, S.C., November 8, 1860-December 27, 1860
Chapter II. Montgomery, Ala., February 19, 1861-March 11, 1861
Chapter III. Charleston, S.C., March 26, 1861-April 15, 1861
Chapter IV. Camden, S.C., April 20, 1861-April 22, 1861
Chapter V. Montgomery, Ala.,April 27, 1861-May 20, 1861
Chapter VI. Charleston, S.C., May 25, 1861-June 24, 1861
Chapter VII. Richmond, Va., June 27, 1861-July 4, 1861
Chapter VIII. Fauquier White Sulphur Springs, Va., July 6, 1861-July 11, 1861
Chapter IX. Richmond, Va., July 13, 1861-September 2, 1861
Chapter X. Camden, S.C., September 9, 1861-September 19, 1861
Chapter XI. Columbia, S.C., February 20, 1862-July 21, 1862
Chapter XII. Flat Rock, N.C., August 1, 1862-August 8, 1862
Chapter XIII. Portland, Ala., July 8, 1863-July 30, 1863
Chapter XIV. Richmond, Va., August 10, 1863-September 7, 1863
Chapter XV. Camden, S.C., September 10, 1863-November 5, 1863
Chapter XVI. Richmond, Va., November 28, 1863-April 11, 1864
Chapter XVII. Camden, S.C., May 8, 1864-June 1, 1864
Chapter XVIII. Columbia, S.C., July 6, 1864-January 17, 1865
Chapter XIX. Lincolnton, N.C., February 16, 1865-March 15, 1865
Chapter XX. Chester, S.C., March 21, 1865-May 1, 1865
Chapter XXI. Camden, S.C., May 2, 1865-August 2, 1865
Other versions by this Author