Title Details

Prelude: “Thanks to God, we’s free”

1. “The Chariot of Christ”

2. “Up for the war”

3. “No child prepared to die”

4. “Beloved and affectionate children”

5. “Oh, good Lord! Can we go through this?”

6. “I will write something. I will if I live.”

7. “After all, what is a novel?”

8. “This war is killing me.”

9. “Wait—wait—singing songs in the night”

10. “I will not lie there.”

11. “In the flickering light of the dying embers”

Bibliography.

Index.

In this lively family portrait of the children of preacher Lyman Beecher (1775-1863), journalist and author Schreiner (Henry Clay Frick) uses a novelistic format to capture the drama of one of America's most influential families. In terms of influence power, and controversy, the Beechers were the 19th century's equivalent of the Kennedy family. As outspoken abolitionists, feminists, and religious and educational reformers they played a key role in shaping the country. The family included novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe and abolitionist preacher Henry Ward Beecher, but there were other notable offspring as well: Catharine., an educational reformer and controversial writer, Isabella. a well-known feminist; and James, a Union general in command of the former black regiment, made up of former staves. Written for a general audience, the book brings the Beechers to life through the liberal use of correspondence, memoirs and firsthand accounts. He poignantly captures the highs and lows of a family often in the public eye. Recommended for all American history collections. —Robert Flatley, Kutztown Univ. of Pennsylvania (Library Journal</ i>, September 15, 2003)