I'll Take My Stand

by Twelve Southerners
I'll Take My Stand cover
Good Books rating 3.42
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 4128
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780807103579
  • Publisher: LSU Press
  • Published: 1977-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

First published in 1930, 'I'll Take My Stand' is a collection of essays by twelve prominent Southern writers who collectively argue for the preservation of individualism in the face of an increasingly mechanized and dehumanized society. The authors, including Robert Penn Warren and John Crowe Ransom, critique the loss of traditional values and the homogenizing effects of industrialization, advocating for a return to a more authentic and localized way of life. This seminal work is not just a defense of Southern culture but also a broader critique of modern society's trends toward conformity and the erosion of personal freedom. The essays explore themes of community, tradition, and the importance of regional identity, making it a significant cultural document in American literary history.

Reviews
Folkchain · Chase · 2024-10-06
persuasive 4.25

The book argues for the preservation of Southern culture against the encroachment of industrialism. It presents a strong case for the value of agrarian life.

Chase highlights the book's argument that the South must resist the allure of industrialism to maintain its traditional culture. They find the essays compelling and relevant, even in today's context. The book is seen as a call to action for those who value cultural preservation and traditional ways of life. Chase appreciates the depth of the arguments and the passion with which the authors defend their views.

Quick quotes

    I'll Take My Stand argued that the South must shun the siren allure of industrialism if it were to maintain its traditional culture.

    The essays are compelling and relevant, even in today's context.

    A call to action for those who value cultural preservation and traditional ways of life.

Abbeville Institute · 2018-04-03
insightful 4.00

The book offers a compelling defense of Southern agrarian values against the homogenization of modern culture. It highlights the importance of preserving traditional ways of life.

The reviewer appreciates the book's timeless message, arguing that the Southern agrarian lifestyle offers a richer, more meaningful existence compared to the industrialized world. They note that the essays are thought-provoking and well-argued, providing a strong counterpoint to the dominant cultural narratives of the time. The book is seen as a crucial read for understanding the Southern perspective on culture and tradition.

Quick quotes

    In this age where the homogenization of our culture is nearly complete.

    The essays provide a strong counterpoint to the dominant cultural narratives.

    A crucial read for understanding the Southern perspective on culture and tradition.

Civil War Talk · 2011-07-20
critical 2.00

The book presents a controversial defense of agrarian society, which the reviewer finds problematic. They argue that the book's views are outdated and racist.

The reviewer criticizes the book's primary theme, arguing that an agricultural society is not only outdated but also racist by nature. They find the book's defense of agrarian life to be flawed and problematic. The reviewer believes that industry should be the primary base of society, and they see the book's arguments as a step backward. Despite the criticism, they acknowledge the book's historical significance and the passion of its authors.

Quick quotes

    The primary theme of the book is that an agricultural society is not a good thing, and is racist by nature.

    The book's defense of agrarian life is flawed and problematic.

    The reviewer believes that industry should be the primary base of society.

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