Candidly broaching historical, aesthetic, political, and religious topics, Pettigrew offers an insightful exploration of Spanish culture on many fronts. In addition Pettigrew recounts his awe at monuments and cathedrals, demonstrates his knowledge of regional politics, and shows his republican zeal in joining efforts to liberate Italy from the yoke of Austria. He describes interactions with Spaniards, including the manners of men and attractiveness of women shows keen understanding of Islamic contributions to Spanish history and expresses his sympathy for the plights of peasant societies. Pettigrew's travelogue records his experiences and impressions as an educated Southerner eager to immerse himself in Iberian and Mediterranean culture. This Southern Classics edition makes the volume available publically for the first time and is enhanced with a new introduction by Southern historian and Pettigrew's biographer, Clyde N. James Johnston Pettigrew is best known for his service in the Confederate army, where he eventually reached the rank of brigadier general.Privately published in 1861, James Johnston Pettigrew's Notes on Spain and the Spaniards, in the Summer of 1859, with a Glance at Sardinia is a rare lost artifact of intellectual life in the Old South written by an adventurous spirit well versed in European history, architecture, and literature. From an edition limited to 300 copies, printed "for private circulation." This is a rare, substantial, and interesting Confederate imprint, describing Pettigrew's travels in Spain and his impressions of the land and its people two years before the outbreak of the American Civil War, one of the very few travel narratives published in the Confederacy. Withal, still a very good copy in original binding. Author's name supplied in ink on titlepage, with two dates written in ink below the imprint. Early discreet library stamps (properly deaccessioned), remnants of library pocket on rear pastedown. Contemporary three-quarter calf and marbled boards, spine with raised bands, gilt morocco label. Charleston: Steam-Power Presses of Evans & Cogswell, 1861.
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