This is a story that for the most part has been ignored. JPB lead a life that can hardly be believed for all its variety and triumphs. His political role in the Civil War (Atty Gen, Sec'y of the Navy, & finally Sec'y of State) was overshadowed by that of Jeff Davis, a fact he never tried to alter. However, that chapter of his life was both preceded by and followed by enormous successes in other arenas. That much of this took place in societies and times not very tolerant of Jews is just a bit of what we (in New Orleans) call 'lagniappe', that 'little bit extra' you get in the bargain. The book tells this story well and makes a most pleasant read.

Without question, Benjamin was a man of keen intellect and an imposing presence on Jefferson Davis and confederate foreign policy. Very little has ever been written about him, and even less about his Jewish heritage, The common thread has been to note that he exhibited no external trappings of his religious roots, and therefore must have done what he could to divorce himself from his ancestry. The author takes a completely different turn by suggesting that his life, personality, and accomplishments were a result of his acceptance of who he was as a Jew, and that that acceptance strongly influenced his course in life. I for one, have been fascinated by Benjamin for years and was thrilled to find a well documented and researched book on this most intriguing character. And even more thrilling was having a new insight as the author presents his own dynamic as a Jewish attorney studying the life of a predecessor; A Jewish attorney who lived in an alien environment, isolated yet surviving, prospering yet an outcast. The author finally gives us a glimpse of his personal life and helps us see not just an historical figure, but a man with desires, frustrations, happiness and sadness. We are given a whole man to view. I for one believe it is one of the finest biographies I have ever read. Steve Reutter (sreutter@ncsa.com), Carlisle, Pa

Gripping biography of the Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P.Benjamin, whose Judiasm may have been the reason for his exclusion from the PBS Civil War documentary. This key Confederate not only was a brilliant strategist, but, after fleeing the Confederate States of America, left for England, where he wrote "Benjamin on Contracts"...the CURRENT text on Contract Law taught in every law school today ! The importance of this book is that Mr. Benjamin was extremely thorough to destroy every Confederate document which bore his name and position as Secretary of State of the Confederacy.

I was very interested in reading this book due to it's title, but as the saying goes, "never judge a book by it's "title"". I found the author to be arrogant, bregadocious and totally prejudiced against anything not of the "democratic" persuasion. In addition I dont think he stayed on the subject matter, but rather used this book to expound his biased views.

I share many of Bonita Davis's good feelings about this book. It is a great collection of stories about Jews throughout the South and throughout much of American history. I particularly enjoyed the insights into the schism between the early-arrived German Jews and the later-arrived Eastern European Jews. In any case, the book is well written, but not as easy to read as his Judah P. Benjamin biography.

"The Provincials" proved to be especially meaningful to me. First, my wife gave it to me for our anniversary; I am researching the Jewish Confederacy, and I had included it on my reading list. Second, we went to Vicksburg, Miss., for our anniversary, and I began reading the book there. I have family roots in Vicksburg, where we met a number of wonderful people at the synagogue who knew my cousin, a World War II veteran who grew up in Vicksburg but now lives in Texas.

My wife and I also toured the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in Utica, which is very close to Vicksburg.

Putting everything together, including our visit to the Jewish cemetery in Vicksburg, I feel I now understand "the Southern Jewish experience." Eli Evans tied a lot of loose ends for me and helped put a lot of things in perspective. (I plan to view "Driving Miss Daisy" again,this time with new appreciation and understanding.)

And I might add, I found this book very easy to read. Since I'm generally reading two or three books at the same time (well, you know what I mean), I had planned to spend three weeks reading "The Provincials." I finished it in a week and was sorry when it was over.