We Were Always Free: The Maddens of Culpeper County, Virginia : A 200-Year Family History

Rating:
Summary: Terrific book!
Review: This is a great book - well written, with interesting and solid documentation, a "good read". Instead of another exploration of the tragedy of slavery, this is the story of a black family whose hard work prospered themselves instead of an owner, for many generations, and who wound up selling their land very profitably indeed. It's an encouraging success story, rich in detail and embodying the values of education and industriousness. The characters are memorable. It's several years now since I read it and it's still vivid in my mind. It rings true and is a very satisfying book.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific book!
Review: This is a great book - well written, with interesting and solid documentation, a "good read". Instead of another exploration of the tragedy of slavery, this is the story of a black family whose hard work prospered themselves instead of an owner, for many generations, and who wound up selling their land very profitably indeed. It's an encouraging success story, rich in detail and embodying the values of education and industriousness. The characters are memorable. It's several years now since I read it and it's still vivid in my mind. It rings true and is a very satisfying book.

Rating:
Summary: not a review, a comment
Review: Willis Madden, son of Sarah Madden is given favorable mention in "Seasons of War, The Ordeal of a Confederate Community 1861-1865," by Daniel E. Sutherland. It focuses on the Culpeper County environs as both armies come and go - the great battles, the personalities of the civilian,s enlisted and officers, and the econimic and sociological impact on the locals.

Rating:
Summary: not a review, a comment
Review: Willis Madden, son of Sarah Madden is given favorable mention in "Seasons of War, The Ordeal of a Confederate Community 1861-1865," by Daniel E. Sutherland. It focuses on the Culpeper County environs as both armies come and go - the great battles, the personalities of the civilian,s enlisted and officers, and the econimic and sociological impact on the locals.