About the book
Gerald W. Johnson of North Carolina and Baltimore was one of the most prominent American journalists of the twentieth century and one of the outstanding essayists of any age. The author of some three dozen books of history, biography, and commentary on American politics and culture, he was an editorial writer for the Baltimore Sunpapers from 1926 to 1943, a contributing editor of the New Republic from 1954 until his death in 1980, and an advocate of liberal causes for half a century. Johnson was, as Adlai Stevenson said, “the conscience of America.”
Before Johnson examined the health of America, however, he examined the health of the South — and generally, in the 1920s, he found it poor. The revival of the Ku Klux Klan, the Scopes trial, the anti-Catholicism sparked by Al Smith’s presidential candidacy, and the labor violence of 1929 made the South the nation’s number one news item, reinforcing the national image of a Savage South.
In South-Watching, Fred Hobson contends that Johnson’s most important accomplishment was his role as brilliant critic and interpreter of Southern life during this crucial stage in the making of a modern Southern mind. This volume is the first collection of Johnson’s essays about the South, and Hobson’s perceptive introduction is the first biographical treatment of a man whose vision shaped the destiny of his native region.
Originally published in 1983.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Editions of South-Watching
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807815311
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807840948
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469622903
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890876324
Read an Excerpt
Gerald W. Johnson of North Carolina and Baltimore was one of the most prominent American journalists of the twentieth century and one of the outstanding essayists of any age. The author of some three dozen books of history, biography, and commentary on American politics and culture, he was an editorial writer for the Baltimore Sunpapers from 1926 to 1943, a contributing editor of the New Republic from 1954 until his death in 1980, and an advocate of liberal causes for half a century. Johnson was, as Adlai Stevenson said, “the conscience of America.”
Before Johnson examined the health of America, however, he examined the health of the South — and generally, in the 1920s, he found it poor. The revival of the Ku Klux Klan, the Scopes trial, the anti-Catholicism sparked by Al Smith’s presidential candidacy, and the labor violence of 1929 made the South the nation’s number one news item, reinforcing the national image of a Savage South.
In South-Watching, Fred Hobson contends that Johnson’s most important accomplishment was his role as brilliant critic and interpreter of Southern life during this crucial stage in the making of a modern Southern mind. This volume is the first collection of Johnson’s essays about the South, and Hobson’s perceptive introduction is the first biographical treatment of a man whose vision shaped the destiny of his native region.
Originally published in 1983.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South-Watching about?
Gerald W. Johnson of North Carolina and Baltimore was one of the most prominent American journalists of the twentieth century and one of the outstanding essayists of any age. The author of some three dozen books of history, biography, and commentary on American politics and culture, he was an editorial writer for the Baltimore Sunpapers from 1926 to 1943, a contributing editor of the New Republic from 1954 until his death in 1980, and an advocate of liberal causes for half a century. Johnson was, as Adlai Stevenson said, “the conscience of America.”
Before Johnson examined the health of America, however, he examined the health of the South — and generally, in the 1920s, he found it poor. The revival of the Ku Klux Klan, the Scopes trial, the anti-Catholicism sparked by Al Smith’s presidential candidacy, and the labor violence of 1929 made the South the nation’s number one news item, reinforcing the national image of a Savage South.
In South-Watching, Fred Hobson contends that Johnson’s most important accomplishment was his role as brilliant critic and interpreter of Southern life during this crucial stage in the making of a modern Southern mind. This volume is the first collection of Johnson’s essays about the South, and Hobson’s perceptive introduction is the first biographical treatment of a man whose vision shaped the destiny of his native region.
Originally published in 1983.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in South-Watching?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Essays
Where can I read a sample of South-Watching?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807815311
How long is South-Watching and how many pages does it have?
South-Watching has 207 page(s)
Is South-Watching part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Fred W. Morrison Series in Southern Culture
Who is/are the Author/s of the book South-Watching?
Gerald W. Johnson
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
South-Watching is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807815311) and paperback(ISBN 9780807840948) and ebook(ISBN 9781469622903) and pdf(ISBN 9798890876324)
Where can I buy South-Watching online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy South-Watching from below
Where can I buy South-Watching?