Mr. Landrum deftly captures the key political developments in Spartanburg County for the century following the Revolution. Special chapters are also devoted to the issues of religion, temperance, education, and, of course, secession. Landrum’s real concern, however, is with the people of Spartanburg County; indeed the final 500 pages of the book are devoted to biographical and genealogical sketches of its families and luminaries. The essays are frequently accompanied by photographs of the principals and references to the individuals’ participation, if any, in the Confederate cause. Also included is a list of Spartanburg County legislators and other officials and Spartanburg’s heroes of the Civil War.