White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the History

In this searing account, Bausum (The Bard and the Book) dissects the “series of lies” that represented the beliefs of the Confederate States of America known as the Lost Cause following the conclusion of the U.S. Civil War. Across four distinct parts, frank text outlines the buildup to and aftermath of the war, the language used to establish the foundational principles of the Lost Cause, the effect that widespread dissemination of these ideologies has had on future generations, and America’s reckoning with whether “its national story [should] be told with facts or as propaganda.” Preceding each chapter are sections presenting Lost Cause falsehoods that “sought to sway public opinion” in favor of the Confederacy (“#1: Slavery Was a Compassionate Institution”). Throughout, Bausum notes how the Lost Cause impacted public policy (Jim Crow laws), popular culture (Gone with the Wind), and education. Collage-like spreads comprised of archival photographs and news clippings highlight key players of the era, and direct quotations from prominent Confederate leaders are featured throughout, helping to further aid in the work’s debunking of romanticized depictions of the titular war. It’s an essential and powerful offering that encourages readers to critically engage with historical record and to use the knowledge they obtain “to better the world.” Extensive back matter concludes. Ages 12–up. (Aug.)