Written by William C. Davis - Audio book narrated by Jeff Riggenbach - Unabridged Nonfiction - 12 LIBRARY EDITION CASSETTES

Publisher, Blackstone Audiobooks (November 1994)

NOTE: LIBRARY EDITIONS are packaged in a sturdy, durable outer vinyl case that stands up to years of repeated use designed for library and rental circulation. Albums are shelvable, space-efficient, with at-a-glance spine titles.

Ranging over the complete span of Jefferson Davis's long life-he was born in 1808 and died in 1889-this book paints a vivid picture of Davis as a multifaceted, often charismatic man, a man who mirrored the turbulent times in which he lived and who stood solidly for the South that he loved. It shows him as a loyal son of Mississippi from his earliest childhood; hardworking planter; compassionate slave owner, and a staunch defender of the institution; hero of the Mexican War; impassioned spokesman for the Southern position in the antebellum U.S. Senate; and able Secretary of War under Franklin Pierce.

But it is on the years of the Civil War and Davis's performance as President of the Confederacy that the book naturally focuses. The author shows clearly why no one was ever neutral toward Jefferson Davis. Loved by many for his eloquence, personal courage, intense loyalty, and devotion, Davis was disliked and even vilified by many more for his well-known obstinacy and vanity, adherence to failed generals, feuds with his best commanders, and inability or unwillingness to delegate responsibility to others. Judicious, balanced, compassionate, Jefferson Davis is an enthralling account of a remarkable man.