Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War

by Tony Horwitz
Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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Paperback • £16.99
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  • ID: 8840
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780307763013
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2010-08-18
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Confederates in the Attic is a compelling blend of travelogue and social commentary that delves into the heart of the unvanquished South. Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent Tony Horwitz, drawn by his lifelong fascination with the Civil War, ventures into the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond, uncovering the ways in which the past continues to shape the present. He joins reenactors, attends Klan rallies, and treks across historic battlefields, offering a unique perspective on the enduring impact of America's greatest conflict. Horwitz's journey is not just a historical exploration but also a deeply personal one. Through his encounters with a diverse cast of characters, he examines the complex relationships between history, memory, and identity. The book is written with humor, insight, and a journalist's keen eye, providing a nuanced portrait of a region and its people still grappling with the legacy of the Civil War.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-24
fascinating 4.50

The book is a fascinating and hilarious trip through the heart of the Confederacy, offering a well-researched and insightful look at Civil War history. It effectively captures the complexities of memory and identity tied to Confederate history.

This book takes readers on a journey through the Confederate South, blending humor, history, and personal anecdotes. The author's encounters with reenactors, historians, and locals provide a rich tapestry of perspectives on the Civil War's legacy. The narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on how the past continues to shape the present. The book's blend of travel writing and historical analysis makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in American history and culture. The author's vivid descriptions and insightful observations make this a standout work in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Tony Horwitz takes us on a fascinating, hilarious, and well-researched trip through the heart of the Confederacy (which is apparently still alive and beating).

    The book vividly captures the complexities of memory and identity tied to Confederate history.

    Horwitz's narrative is as much about the people and places he encounters as it is about the historical events themselves.

19th Century Ghosts · 2020-07-19
insightful 4.00

The book is an engaging exploration of Civil War history and public memory, filled with humorous and insightful encounters. It effectively captures the enduring impact of the Civil War on contemporary American identity.

This book takes readers on a journey through the Confederate heartland, blending humor, history, and personal anecdotes. The author's encounters with reenactors, historians, and everyday people bring the past to life and highlight the ongoing relevance of the Civil War. The narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on how history shapes our present. The book's blend of travel writing and historical analysis makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in American history and culture.

Quick quotes

    The book chronicles this endeavor, exploring Civil War history and public memory across ten states.

    This adventure includes lots of time among 'hardcore' reenactors and historians.

    Horwitz's flair for odd details that spark insights makes this a thoughtful and entertaining book.

Not Even Past · 2011-10-14
thought-provoking 4.25

The book is an informative and entertaining record of the author's road trip through the Confederate heartland. It offers a fascinating look at how the Civil War continues to influence contemporary American identity.

This book is a delightful mix of travelogue and historical analysis, taking readers on a journey through the Confederate South. The author's encounters with reenactors, historians, and locals provide a rich tapestry of perspectives on the Civil War's legacy. The narrative is both humorous and insightful, offering a unique perspective on how the past continues to shape the present. The book's blend of personal anecdotes and historical research makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in American history and culture.

Quick quotes

    Confederates in the Attic is an informative and entertaining record of the extended road trip that Horwitz made through the Confederate heartland of the United States.

    The book brings alive old battlefields and new ones, offering a fascinating look at how the Civil War continues to influence contemporary American identity.

    Horwitz's signature blend of humor, history, and hard-nosed journalism makes this a thought-provoking and engaging read.

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