The Works of Matthew Blue, Montgomery's First Historian [Hardcover]

The 1878 City Directory of Montgomery, Alabama, included A Brief History of Montgomery, consisting of a narrative and a series of events arranged by the months. Compiled by Matthew Powers Blue, this was the earliest history of a place which already served as the center of Deep South cotton culture and as the first capital of the Confederacy. Contemporary historian Mary Ann Neeley has annotated Blues history to correct errors and clear up inconsistencies, and added other material on early churches, a genealogy of the colorful Blue family, and a Civil War diary by Blues sister, Ellen. The book also includes many 19th century photographs. This compendium is a brilliantly enhanced reproduction of a nineteenth century historians chronicles of Montgomery, Alabama, during the citys formative era. The writings of that journalist, Matthew Powers Blue, have been edited and annotated by Montgomerys current keeper of the flame, Mary Ann Neeley. With enthusiastic participation and encouragement of publishers Suzanne La Rosa and Randall Williams, Neeley has refreshed and enhanced the source material with lucid analysis and additional information. Anyone who loves to read and has a deep connection with Montgomery, Alabama, should own this book. Julia Oliver, First Draft Reviews Online
This is what happens when two passionate Montgomery historians--though separated by more than a century--join forces. Teri Greene, Montgomery Advertiser
This volume, edited by a 20th century Montgomery historian (who is a bit of a legend herself), includes four important works. Each section contains a plethora of information about the city and the denizens thereof. Dave Doc Kirby, Book Bit WTBF-AM/FM
Anyone researching a nineteenth-century Alabama topic that touches Montgomery must consult Matthew Blue. Neeleys book places this history in easy reach with an index and copious annotations and notes. One strength of the book is the copious illustrations and photographs, wlƒ]