Historical Dictionary of Reconstruction

Subjects:

• History » American Civil War & Reconstruction History

Reviews:

• . . . Trefousse's Historical Dictionary of Reconstruction zooms in on the 1862-96 period of North- South relations, from the appointment of military governors in several vanquished southern states to the Supreme Court's support for racial segregation in the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson case. Articles on prominent politicians, soldiers, authors, and reformers; on rebel and border states; on political organizations; and on major concepts relating to the restoration of the rebellious states and the treatment of freed slaves present the era's highlights. Like any other, the Reconstruction era is open to interpretation, and Trefousse notes the varying interpretations given over the past century to matters such as the role of the scalawags or the Supreme Court's willingness to agree with Congress. This specialized dictionary supplements and complements the general-purpose works cited above, providing important information on how various events and persons helped shape an era that, especially in its legacy of racial inequality, continues to affect American society today.
  —Wilson Library Bulletin
• Perhaps no other period in American history has undergone more major reinterpretation than the Reconstruction era. Distinguished Reconstruction historian Trefousse has assembled in dictionary format nearly 250 entries, many over 1,000 words long, dealing with current research on major personalities of Reconstruction, principal issues of the period, and ideas current at the time. Entries focus on the years from 1863 to 1877, but actually start at 1862 and extend to 1896. In the earlier and later periods, however, only concepts, ideas, and personalities affecting the Reconstruction process are presented. Articles are objectively written and have numerous cross-references. A list of the latest available literature, principally monographs and biographies, appears at the end of each entry. A detailed chronology of Reconstruction, a selected bibliography, and a good index facilitate access to information. This is a comprehensive specialized reference tool designed primarily for advanced college and university students and professional historians.
  —Choice
• This reference book by well-known Reconstruction expert Trefousse will be of great use to scholars and general readers. Pithy, readable articles, spanning the years 1862-96, reflect current scholarship on the period and thus focus on heavily on race relations, the freed slaves, and restoration of the states. There are entries on court cases, terms ("blacks," "labor," etc.), organizations, states, laws, miscellaneous events, and major individuals. Articles on individuals concentrate on their Reconstruction-related rather than general significance. Cross-references and bibliographies for every entry enhance the book's usefulness. As the only reference work of its type, it should find widespread applicability in libraries of any size.
  —Library Journal

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• Chronology
• Historical Dictionary of Reconstruction
• Select Bibliography
• Index