Edited by: Glenn M. Linden (Wilmington, Delaware: Scholarly Resources, 2001. 236 pages, $19.95, paper.)
| Through this edited collection of documents, Glenn Linden successfully weaves together a tapestry of seventeen characters (eight Southern and nine Northern) who reflect the changing sentiments of Americans’ affection of the Union, for one another, and for the institution of slavery covering the period from the political posturing of the Wilmot Proviso to the opening volley at Sumter. He utilizes an assortment of primary sources that are both inspiring and banal in turn. With this particular combination of excerpts, the editor manages to illustrate a classic and highly teachable theme: change over time. More precisely, the strength of this work is its cogent portrayal of the nation’s accelerating preoccupation with slavery’s expansion into the western territories. Although popular and powerful figures dominate the cast, even the writings of those who are less well known tend to reinforce the pervasive nature of the debate which consumed the nation during the late antebellum period. History professionals will be familiar with virtually all the characters utilized in this ensemble, while students will benefit from the editor’s logical introductory remarks which place them in their appropriate context. The list of characters is concise and worth mentioning. The Northerners are: Charles Sumner, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Beecher Stowe, George Templeton Strong, Horace Mann, Charlotte Forten Grimke and Lincoln. Representing the Southern point of view are: John Crittenden, Jefferson Davis, William Gilmore Simms, Augustus Benners, various members of the Jones family and plantation mistresses Tryphena Fox and Keziah Brevard. Linden has incorporated a valuable and detailed description of all these individuals which sufficiently introduces them to the reader in the order in which each appears. Likewise, he offers insightful introductory remarks at the beginning of each of the three major chronological sections while emphasizing their connection to the overall theme. | 1 |
| Among the most compelling features of this book is the recurrent dichotomy drawn between the sectional points of view. Linden’s emphasis on demonstrating how the bonds of Union steadily weakened after the Mexican War is highlighted by the divergent ways in which Northerners and Southerners viewed the same current events. For example, Lincoln’s election is well documented as the catalyst for South Carolina’s secession but the writings of Frederick Douglass indicate Lincoln’s election seemed like a conciliatory gesture towards the institution of slavery. Therefore, secessionists and abolitionists both viewed the 1860 Presidential race as something of a loss. This technique is utilized repeatedly and effectively throughout the work as it underscores the often ironic tendency of human nature when events are viewed through the prism of ideology. In a similar vein, Linden offers sources which demonstrate the human capacity to change. For instance, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin demonstrated her ability to inspire an emotional response from the reading public. However Dred, her next and lesser known work, showed much less balance which Linden implies reflected the growing recalcitrance of Stowe’s own abolitionist views. George Templeton Strong exhibited little interest in political discourse until atrocities in Kansas caught his attention. Surprisingly, he foresaw South Carolina’s secession as early as 1856 as long as the other cotton states were likely to follow. Undoubtedly, the most unusual change of any character is manifested in the life of Massachusetts tutor Tryphena Fox who moved to the South and rapidly assumed the duties of a plantation wife. In her many letters written to her mother in the North, Fox gradually but decisively revealed her overwhelmingly Southern sympathies. Fox is a poignant and complex example of the powerful influence of environment over the individual. | 2 |
| As with most works of collected primary sources, the main criticism revolves around the decisions of the editor. On the whole, Linden’s cast effectively supports his theme with its emphasis on the political and philosophical components of the period. However, there is an occasional emphasis on seemingly anecdotal stories. These include: the murder of Augustus Benners’ neighbor, the sale of a slave family, the births and deaths of several children, and a description of Christmas on a plantation. Certainly such stories provide a dynamic element of human interest. However, in the course of reading the entire book they appear slightly incongruous with the general theme. Along this same line, Linden” selections seem a bit thin on presenting the views of southern women. In two of the seven chapters they are well represented but in the others they are virtually nonexistent. Nevertheless, Voices From the Gathering Storm is an ideal collection of sources for teachers who wish to emphasize the political and philosophical evolution which yielded secession. A common mistake among students is the tendency to view the secession crisis in a vacuum as if it spontaneously erupted in 1860. This work will disabuse them of that notion. At the same time it is difficult to imagine assigning the entire work to a college survey course although it would be perfect for any number of advanced courses which chronologically coincide with this era. This book is still a solid reference for anyone who teaches the first half of the U.S. survey. With the possible exception of John Brown, it contains most of the great quotable phrases which can be inserted into class lectures and discussions. However, if preferred, it can simply be pulled off one’s shelf whenever a refreshing dose of context is required. | 3 |
| University of MemphisGary Edwards | |
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