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Social Life in Old Virginia Before the War cover

Social Life in Old Virginia Before the War

A series of nostalgic, descriptive essays reconstructs plantation household life in antebellum Virginia, detailing domestic architecture, gardens, furniture, seasonal labor, entertainments, and social rituals such as dances, church gatherings, and weddings. The author emphasizes manners, hospitality, and codes of gentility while acknowledging the central role of slavery within household and community relations. Personal memory and anecdote mix with ethnographic description to portray everyday interactions among families and enslaved people, and to reflect on the social transformations wrought by the war and its aftermath.

By Thomas Nelson Page
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History - American

About This Book

A series of nostalgic, descriptive essays reconstructs plantation household life in antebellum Virginia, detailing domestic architecture, gardens, furniture, seasonal labor, entertainments, and social rituals such as dances, church gatherings, and weddings. The author emphasizes manners, hospitality, and codes of gentility while acknowledging the central role of slavery within household and community relations. Personal memory and anecdote mix with ethnographic description to portray everyday interactions among families and enslaved people, and to reflect on the social transformations wrought by the war and its aftermath.

About the Author

Page, Thomas Nelson portrait

Thomas Nelson Page

Thomas Nelson Page was an American author known for his works that often explore themes of Southern life and culture. His storytelling is characterized by a blend of humor and pathos, reflecting the complexities of the post-Civil War South. Among his notable works is "A Soldier Of The Empire," which showcases his ability to weave historical narratives with engaging characters. Page also wrote short stories and novels such as "Gordon Keith" and "John Marvel, Assistant," contributing significantly to the literary heritage of the American South. His writings provide valuable insights into the social dynamics and regional identity of his time.

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