{"product_id":"the-thin-light-of-freedom-the-civil-war-and-emancipation-in-the-heart-of-america-9780393356434","title":"The Thin Light of Freedom: The Civil War and Emancipation in the Heart of America","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt the crux of America's history stand two astounding events: the immediate and complete destruction of the most powerful system of slavery in the modern world, followed by a political reconstruction in which new constitutions established the fundamental rights of citizens for formerly enslaved people. Few people living in 1860 would have dared imagine either event, and yet, in retrospect, both seem to have been inevitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a beautifully crafted narrative, Edward L. Ayers restores the drama of the unexpected to the history of the Civil War. From the same vantage point occupied by his unforgettable characters, Ayers captures the strategic savvy of Lee and his local lieutenants, and the clear vision of equal rights animating black troops from Pennsylvania. We see the war itself become a scourge to the Valley, its pitched battles punctuating a cycle of vicious attack and reprisal in which armies burned whole towns for retribution. In the weeks and months after emancipation, from the streets of Staunton, Virginia, we see black and white residents testing the limits of freedom as political leaders negotiate the terms of readmission to the Union. With analysis as powerful as its narrative, here is a landmark history of the Civil War.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAyers, Edward L.:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEdward L. Ayers\u003c\/strong\u003e's \u003cem\u003eThe Thin Light of Freedom\u003c\/em\u003e completes his prize-winning history of the Civil War and its aftermath in the Great Valley that began with \u003cem\u003eIn the Presence of Mine Enemies\u003c\/em\u003e. Ayers' superb history has been awarded the Bancroft Prize, the Lincoln Prize, and the Avery O. Craven Award of the Organization of American Historians. A recipient of the National Humanities Medal from President Obama, Ayers is the Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities and president emeritus of the University of Richmond.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"W. W. Norton \u0026 Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50411046142226,"sku":"9780393356434","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_a7d2930a-35eb-424e-b6d5-f0ff0102fc32.jpg?v=1729309928","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-thin-light-of-freedom-the-civil-war-and-emancipation-in-the-heart-of-america-9780393356434","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}