About the book
This illuminating book examines how the public funerals of major figures from the Civil War era shaped public memories of the war and allowed a diverse set of people to contribute to changing American national identities. These funerals featured lengthy processions that sometimes crossed multiple state lines, burial ceremonies open to the public, and other cultural productions of commemoration such as oration and song. As Sarah J. Purcell reveals, Americans’ participation in these funeral rites led to contemplation and contestation over the political and social meanings of the war and the roles played by the honored dead. Public mourning for military heroes, reformers, and politicians distilled political and social anxieties as the country coped with the aftermath of mass death and casualties.
Purcell shows how large-scale funerals for figures such as Henry Clay and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson set patterns for mourning culture and Civil War commemoration; after 1865, public funerals for figures such as Robert E. Lee, Charles Sumner, Frederick Douglass, and Winnie Davis elaborated on these patterns and fostered public debate about the meanings of the war, Reconstruction, race, and gender.
Editions of Spectacle of Grief
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469668321
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469668338
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890851611
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469668352
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469668345
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890851604
Read an Excerpt
This illuminating book examines how the public funerals of major figures from the Civil War era shaped public memories of the war and allowed a diverse set of people to contribute to changing American national identities. These funerals featured lengthy processions that sometimes crossed multiple state lines, burial ceremonies open to the public, and other cultural productions of commemoration such as oration and song. As Sarah J. Purcell reveals, Americans’ participation in these funeral rites led to contemplation and contestation over the political and social meanings of the war and the roles played by the honored dead. Public mourning for military heroes, reformers, and politicians distilled political and social anxieties as the country coped with the aftermath of mass death and casualties.
Purcell shows how large-scale funerals for figures such as Henry Clay and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson set patterns for mourning culture and Civil War commemoration; after 1865, public funerals for figures such as Robert E. Lee, Charles Sumner, Frederick Douglass, and Winnie Davis elaborated on these patterns and fostered public debate about the meanings of the war, Reconstruction, race, and gender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spectacle of Grief about?
This illuminating book examines how the public funerals of major figures from the Civil War era shaped public memories of the war and allowed a diverse set of people to contribute to changing American national identities. These funerals featured lengthy processions that sometimes crossed multiple state lines, burial ceremonies open to the public, and other cultural productions of commemoration such as oration and song. As Sarah J. Purcell reveals, Americans’ participation in these funeral rites led to contemplation and contestation over the political and social meanings of the war and the roles played by the honored dead. Public mourning for military heroes, reformers, and politicians distilled political and social anxieties as the country coped with the aftermath of mass death and casualties.
Purcell shows how large-scale funerals for figures such as Henry Clay and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson set patterns for mourning culture and Civil War commemoration; after 1865, public funerals for figures such as Robert E. Lee, Charles Sumner, Frederick Douglass, and Winnie Davis elaborated on these patterns and fostered public debate about the meanings of the war, Reconstruction, race, and gender.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Spectacle of Grief?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Spectacle of Grief?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469668321
How long is Spectacle of Grief and how many pages does it have?
Spectacle of Grief has 352 page(s)
Is Spectacle of Grief part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Civil War America
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Spectacle of Grief?
Sarah J. Purcell
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Spectacle of Grief is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469668321) and paperback(ISBN 9781469668338) and ebook(ISBN 9798890851611) and ebook(ISBN 9781469668352) and ebook(ISBN 9781469668345) and pdf(ISBN 9798890851604)
Where can I buy Spectacle of Grief online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Spectacle of Grief from below
Where can I buy Spectacle of Grief?