On the H-SHEAR discussion network earlier this week, Dan Feller called out historians who cite non-standard sources. He gave three examples from two books and one journal article that focused on the Jacksonian era. The two books cite non-institutional websites as their source for several of Andrew Jackson's presidential messages instead of the standard sources: James … Continue reading Should Historians Utilize Online Sources?
Conspiracy Theories and Fiction
I'm hoping some of my readers can help me out. I am teaching a course on conspiracy theories in United States history next spring, and I'm looking for suggestions for an assignment. I am going to require students to read a novel centered on a conspiracy theory. Examples include conspiracy theories involving end times theology, the New World … Continue reading Conspiracy Theories and Fiction
Teasing My Research
No, not the kindergarten brand of teasing. I'm excited about presenting some of my Jackson research at this summer's SHEAR and this fall's Southern. At this year's SHEAR, which meets in Philadelphia, I'll be presenting a paper entitled, "Masculinity and Familial Relations in the Early Republic South: A Study of Andrew Jackson’s Advice to His … Continue reading Teasing My Research
The Civil War Sesquicentennial
There are plenty of bloggers discussing the Civil War sesquicentennial, and I'm sure the number will increase over the next four years. Except for occasional forays, I choose to stay away from the topic here. I would be remiss, however, if I did not offer some thoughts on my own interest in the period. My childhood experiences … Continue reading The Civil War Sesquicentennial
Don’t Forget TSLA!
At the risk of repeating myself, I want to remind you to contact Tennessee politicians regarding the proposed TSLA budget cuts. You can find their contact info here. I'm hearing through back-channel contacts that these cuts are not necessarily a done deal. I'm not quite sure what that means, since personnel who are being forcibly … Continue reading Don’t Forget TSLA!
The Hermitage’s Podcast Series: An Interview with Andrew Jackson VI
The March podcast from The Hermitage is an interview with Andrew Jackson VI. From meeting him on a couple of occasions, my impression of Judge Jackson is that he is a very friendly man who doesn't sugarcoat Jackson's faults. He also has a good sense of humor.
Paul Morphy: Antebellum Chess Champion
One day, when I have the time and the money to do the research, I would like to write a biography of Paul Morphy (1837-1884), the greatest American chess player of the nineteenth century. He was the Bobby Fischer of his era, a natural talent without the extreme paranoia and anti-Semitic rants. Born in New … Continue reading Paul Morphy: Antebellum Chess Champion
Exhibit A: Why Studying History Is Important
Ed. note: In yesterday's blog post, Michael Lynch has reaction to the online comments about my TSLA opinion piece. I usually ignore the anonymous online comments left on websites, but Monday's Tennessean opinion piece on slavery at The Hermitage offers an illustration of why reading and studying history is so important. Sample comments (as originally … Continue reading Exhibit A: Why Studying History Is Important
Other Perspectives on Andrew Jackson Donelson
Fellow Tennessee blogger and historical writer Kevin McCann posted a question on the Jacksonian America Facebook page about another Andrew J. Donelson biography. I thought I would answer him here for other interested readers. The only other published Donelson biography is Robert Beeler Satterfield's Andrew Jackson Donelson: Jackson's Confidant and Political Heir. While at Vanderbilt, … Continue reading Other Perspectives on Andrew Jackson Donelson
Editorial on TSLA Budget Cuts in Today’s Tennessean
The Nashville Tennessean published the editorial that I submitted early in the week. I find it fascinating that comments on the newspaper website are already critical of my stance. I never thought that maintaining public access to state historical resources was that controversial, but, apparently, I was wrong. Again, the taxpayer is being asked to fund … Continue reading Editorial on TSLA Budget Cuts in Today’s Tennessean
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 