Hudson Strode (1891–1976)

1091 Jefferson Davis: American Patriot 1808-1861, by Hudson Strode (read 8 Nov 1970) This is the first volume of a three-volume biography. It is excessively laudatory--it appears to have been commissioned by the Daughters of the Confederacy. Except for that very serious defect, it is not bad. The period covered by this volume--1808 to 1861--is a very interesting period, and I would gladly read more on the era. As biography this book, while not on a par with Douglas Southall Freeman, is quite good.… (altro)

1092 Jefferson Davis: Confederate President, by Hudson Strode (read 15 Nov 1970) This volume covers from 1861 to Jan 1, 1864. I wonder why I spend time reading this effusion of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Well, I will have to read the final volume, since it tells of the best part: the best years of the Civil War certainly were 1864 and 1865. This booknotes on sources suggest future interesting reading. It says: "Of the biographies of Confederate generals Freeman's R. E. Lee is indubitably foremost." Of course the literature is endless, but if I read enough I might come to learn and know who won each battle and where it fits in chronologically.… (altro)

1093 Jefferson Davis: Tragic Hero The Last Twenty-Five Years I864-1889, by Hudson Strode (read 22 Nov 1970) This is the third and final volume. I could not help but be impressed by the work, biased in favor of Davis though it is. It is well-written, in a strict and satisfying chronological sequence. The post-war years of Davis are not really too exciting. but all in all it was a stupendous life: from 1808 in the Kentucky wilderness; riding at age 7 from Mississippi to school; in West Point and the class of 1828; Congress; Mexico and injury on the battlefield; Secretary of War; the Senate; and the long years from Feb. 18, 1861, in Montgomery, Ala. to his capture in May 1865 in Georgia; prison in Fortress Monroe; flitting about in Canada, Europe and the South; to New Orleans at 12:45 A.M. on Dec 6, 1889--when my father was a baby of 14 months!… (altro)