Bausum, Ann. White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the History. Roaring Brook, 08/2025. 352 [+6]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $24.99. 978-1-250-81657-3. GRADES 8–Adult. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Myths about the War of the Rebellion (1861-1865) that developed after the defeat of the Confederacy resonate to this day. Bausum’s argument also serves as her call to action: studying history is essential to learn from the errors of the past and to avoid “the falsehoods embedded in our national story” (p. 289). She bolsters her assertions with extensive source notes, a bibliography, an index, and twenty photos of statues, a “Gallery of the Lost Cause.” Unfortunately, the images of the statues are murky, and the pages highlighting twenty lies about the Lost Cause have lower contrast than the rest of the text. Still, Bausum’s explanation of how the former Confederates shaped U.S. culture after the War is well worth a read, especially for those interested in history or sociology.
Alli Angell—Benicia Public Library