Virginius Dabney (1901–1995)

2210 Virginia: The New Dominion, by Virginius Dabney (read 6 May 1989) This is a 1971 history of the state. I did not enjoy it as much as the other state histories I have read recently, though it tells an interesting story. It is too much designed to flatter Virginians' sensibilities--a respect for what Virginians respect is always evident. I did learn more about "the Era of Mahone," about which I was not very knowledgeable. William Mahone was 100-pound Confederate general, 5'5". He was elected U.S. Senator in 1879 as a "Readjuster"--a group which wanted to avoid paying Civil War debts. After being elected he voted with the Republicans--he served only one Senate term, 1881-1887--but he was a big figure in Virginia life in his day. A good book.… (meer)