1983 Interview Shelby Foote RARE VIDEO Author and Civil War Historian
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- Опубліковано 20 січ 2025
- Postscripts: Shelby Foote (1983)
Author and historian Shelby Foote (best known for his multivolume history of the Civil War) speaks on how his methods of writing change when writing fiction versus nonfiction as well as how he believes all writers should approach the world around them.
I could sit and listen to Shelby talk for hours because there is a music to his voice. I find the tone of his voice and his speech pattern beautiful.
His words flow like well written poetry...
It’s like nothing else
In his c span interview he explained that his speaking style is the result of being raised in the Mississippi delta By a black nanny, specifically and the black community, in general
You should hear him talk about baseball, that is poetic
That’s the Old South you hear. They’re story tellers.
A true southern gentlman in the best sense of the term. Although I'm a yankee through and through, a cultured southern intellectual never fails to swell my American heart with pride.
When did you get here late 1800's?
I’m from Oklahoma where there are lots of southern people, but I’ve found great people all over our country.
I disagreed with most of ol' shelby's opinions regarding the usa Civil War yet I think his writing style and especially his methodology are truly fascinating and brilliant.
His contribution to Ken Burn’s The Civil War was tremendous. He brought the southern point of view to life.
Agreed. I recall his comment that the post civil war affected the southern psyche more so than any northerner or US citizen could possibly comprehend: no citizen of this country had ever lost a war. The impact of that knowledge had to have been devastating…
@@mchurch3905 I think it continues a little even today.
It’s in our DNA - the grandsons and granddaughters of Dixie
He made it much more interesting, because he knew more about it than anyone living and he could relate it so well. I think he admired Lincoln the most, and kind of reminds me of him.
Ken Burn’s LOL
listening to his voice was my favorite part of the Civil War series
He was fantastic. Not a great historian, but someone who generated enormous enthusiasm for Civil War history, leading to so much great scholarly work. Definitely made his mark.
The voice of a true southern gentleman.
Rest in peace Mr. Foote, you are a genuine American.
I love the fact he saw George Washington Carver speak in person in the 1930s and his recall of Carver's words. Shelby Foote was a great chronicler of his times and such an enjoyable speaker to hear.
What Carver said was right. I wish people today would listen.
It’s nice to hear a person making a sincere effort to be as honest as one can be about history without any any agenda other than sharing the information with the assumption that you/I/we are intelligent enough to make up our own mind.
He's a racist revisionist. Americans love this propaganda.
What I love and respect about Mr. Foote is that he doesn't apologize for being a Southerner.❤
No one should apologize for being who they are.
It’s valuing where you come from and not Being ashamed of where you come from
Now whether you are southerner that believes the civil war was about slavery and knows it’s the truth
Or you were taught to believe the lost cause
It’s pretty much black or white…
M
@@jeffcordova9633 It’s always easy to sound so sure of events when you were never there.., nor then! In History, that’s why we have Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources. Of course, Primary or First-Person (those who were there and saw whatever event becomes the ‘Soup du jour’) is always best to resource. As is the case with all large-scale events, the impetus draws from a variety and multitudinous of sources…. There’s a learned and [even more sage] knowledgeable gentleman, who recounts (he’s passed) just what drove the Confederacy’s Secession:
“Although there was some opposition to slavery in the country, the government was willing to concede everything the South wanted regarding slavery to keep it in the Union. Given all these facts, the idea that the South seceded to protect slavery is as absurd as the idea that Lincoln fought the war to end slavery.
Lincoln himself said in a famous letter after the war began that his sole purpose was to save the Union, and not to either save or end slavery; that if he could save the Union without freeing a single slave, he would. Nothing could be clearer.
For decades before the war, the South, through harsh tariffs, had been supplying about 85% of the country's revenue, nearly all of which was being spent in the North to boost its economy, build manufacturing, infrastructure, railroads, canals, etc. With the passage of the 47% Morrill Tariff the final nail was in the coffin.
The South did not secede to protect slavery, although certainly they wished to protect it; they seceded over a dispute about unfair taxation, an oppressive Federal government, and the right to separate from that oppression and be governed "by consent" exactly the same issues over which the Founding Fathers fought the Revolutionary War. When a member of Lincoln's cabinet suggested he let the South go in peace, Lincoln famously replied, "Let the South go? Where, then, would we get our revenue!" He then launched a brutal, empirical war to keep the free and sovereign states, by force of arms, in the Union they had created and voluntarily joined, and then voluntarily left. This began his reign of terror.”
~ Dr. Walter E. Williams
Professor George Mason Univ.
Absolutely no reason to apologize, and he would definitely be an example.
Gallant men.
My grandfather was born in Mississippi and lived for decades in Greenville. His accent, careful choice of words, and melodic drawl sounded just like Shelby Foote. I have listened to hours of Foote’s interviews and can hear my grandfather speaking as he sat at the dining room table with relatives playing cards, telling stories and drinking bourbon. Greenville was a small town and I’ve wondered if he knew the Footes and Walker Percy…I didn’t discover them until long after he was gone. Thank you for this interview.
Interesting comments about his accent, I would have thought he was from Georgia.
I've never heard of this person before, guess the algorithm got it right, he's very interesting and his self deprecation seems a subtle dig at himself as motivation.
This is before Burns' Civil War
He should sound like that he grew up right by Greenville.
Here in the delta everyone sounds like that.
What a treasure your memories are.
What a gift he was. And still is.
I met Mr.Foote before his passing. He was simply a true gentleman.
❤️
Refined Southern Gentleman.
You are a very fortunate person. I wish I could’ve met this amazing human being.
I spoke with him and his wife very briefly. They were packing, preparing to travel. Charming people...on an even keel...
I met him AFTER his passing, so there.
Totally honest guy. He talks about the honesty back then. An era of honesty during the civil war, no inhibitions. He embodies that.
Did anyone ever ask him how long he thought slavery would have lasted if the Confederacy had won?
You are scorned for being honest and holding their home and confederate family in reverent memory.
@@yvonneplant9434these redneck revisionist have no integrity
@@joeyhunter842 You are correct. But I think S. Foote would tell you that if you are proud of Confederate heritage then it wouldn't do any good to pay heed to people who want to insult you. It is a shame that holding an honorable reverance for your ancestors is something that people would want to scorn you for. But there is no reason not to hold your head high and proclaim it; the people who don't like you won't suddenly start liking you regardless. Express your emotions freely and the friends and company who stay around you will almost certainly be more beloved to you.
@@yvonneplant9434 Ask the Jews. After all they were the slave owners.
I love this man. A great Writer.
Greetings from a Greek Shelby Foote admirer.
YES! A new Shelby Foote video I haven't seen before. Thank you for posting, I could sit and listen to Shelby talk about absolutely nothing and still be interested.
Your welcome. Same here, I could listen to him days on end. I stumbled upon this video while researching him and had to pay $60 to download it. But it was well worth the $$!
@@Joe-ww7ej look I😊
😊 hoop m
I doubt he ever talked about nothing. 😊
A calming voice who always spoke the truth. If one is troubled, all one has to do is listen to this southern gentleman. You will be relaxed and educated in one fell swoop.
educated in racist propaganda
@@borninvincibleDid you even listen to the interview. He spoke reverently of George Washington Carver and how growing up with the despicable pall of slavery around him greatly influenced his development of a writer. Lose the hate. All the best to you and yours.
@@chrisweidner4768 he romanticizes slavers. all of your combined stupidity will never change that.
I love Shelby Foote ... he's such a magnificent writer and
I love that smooth old southern accent ❤
❤️
It's a dying breed :(
I had the privilege of getting to hear Mr. Foote give a speech in Charleston, SC, back in 1984. After all these years, I can still remember how amazing an orator he truly was...
Pleasure to get to speak with afterwards as well.
He had a gift...
I love this man. His idea of the way history is taught is so true
I'm canadian, fascinated by Mr Foote's work and also Ken Burns. His accent and pleasant voice sort of takes you halfway there when you try and place yourself at the scene or in the story he tells.
We don't think very much of Mr. Burns down South.
@@randolphkersey5155 Because of some of his work?
A great author, contributor, historical ambassador and with that accent, orator. Greetings from the UK.
A very well educated articulate southern gentleman. Enjoyed his Civil War series...
The American Civil War documentary was one of the most superbly produced documentaries I’ve ever watched. Those southern accents are so beautiful I was mesmerised. Messrs Foote and Burns were both amazing. Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Absolutely a fascinating interview, such a total pleasure to hear his articulate southern accent.
This is an interview that you could listen to over and over. The host nailed it by allowing this brilliant author to finish his dialogue without interruption.
The folks that want to deny talking about real history, they think it is detrimental to our culture. It seems as though these folks want us to return to times prior to the renaissance.
David swift I honestly believe they wish that southerners would just disappear because no matter what is done to us like the country boy, the southerner DOES SURVIVE!
@@lsusantitus7319 You just stopped short of proclaiming "the South shall rise again." Did I read that w/contempt based upon the vitriol & rhetoric of the New Conservatives hypocrisy aka. TRUMP the Redeemer.?
No misunderstands I meant against this harsh climate of hatred his southern gentility is missed a lot by some
@@ronlee6590You're more obsessed with Trump than anyone.
Thank you for this Joe it is medicine to my southern heart .A man I greatly admired and I will return to this often although it tends to make my heart soooo homesick. Thanks again.
Myself. Born and raised in Montgomery.
The brilliant Mr Foote, the quintessential voice of the South.
Fascinating discussion on writing and much appreciated. Thank you for sharing it.
26:22
Man, this guy was hardcore!
I remember Shelby Foote in a different interview saying that he still wrote using an inkwell and dipping pen, before transferring each written page onto a typed manuscript.
Love an inkwell, used them in school. Great character builders.
@@shirleyashanti3031,
Unless you're a ink-smudging _lefty_ (as in, left-handed).
Simply put, I admire the man.
I wish the audio versions of at least his CW books were in his voice. That would be wonderful.❤
Stars in their courses, his account of the Gettysburg campaign is available on UA-cam at: ua-cam.com/play/PLeJsDKQv5O_WHrlVTGLTWmTgyaS1xDsaW.html&si=_qTUyzSzIKAJcZSy
He was a great writer and speaker. He reminded me of a history professor I had that sold me on history.
Mr. Foote is so far above what I can even comprehend!! It seems simple as he explains it but when you try to put in to something real its like , ,what? what did you say or mean?? I"M LOST now,, but he makes it seem so simple and easy,,,, flowing one word after the other,,, He is a jewel and I'm glad we have him recorded so we can learn from him and other greats like him,,,
Thank you to the late Mr. Foote and those that brought his words to our ears.
I have read some of mr. Footes books. Loved his knowledge of civil war history. I adored his southern voice.
1983....filmed in 2023,,,still stands through time. this man is a national treasure, north, south, either one, either way. a mind to keep.
Thank you for such a wonderful vid.Southern Gentlemen such as Mr. Foote, are rarely encountered today. I only know one, and he's 93 years old...
?
@@jcksnghst He's from North Carolina, and has written 5 books, but I don't think he'd like his name splashed on YT...
@@Jreb1865 understandable...I just hope his knowledge is shared...I miss so many of the greatest generation I was raised by ...
@@jcksnghst It has. His books are terrific reference works on Southern pottery, specifically NC pottery. There's a big hint...lol
Shelby ,the best on civil war knowledge !
He read Tacitus in the Latin. Nobody gets that kind of education anymore.
A good translation of…
He didn't read tacitus in Latin. He read him in English.
But it's still a great feat.
Glad I ran across this; I’ve always loved listening him.
Such wise words! I could listen to Mr. Foote for hours, talkin' 'bout anything.
I remember watching the civil war show on the history channel and when he appeared on that show his way of talking about the civil war events were always welcomed he’s one of those people who are a natural storyteller
I have Shelby Foote's Civil War Triligy. Great Historical Read!!!!
As a Yankee both literally and figuratively, I will always listen to Shelby with respect and delight.
What an intelligent and eloquent man.
If I think about it I think listening to Shelby speak and what he says is better than a good shot of whiskey or scotch soothing and smooth. As a fellow mississippian I am proud as Lucifer of this gem of a man and writer. the civil war trilogy earned him the ire of many a yankee because the truth is not always comfortable.
I am a Northerner but I agree with the man on many points. I had ancestors in the war but it would be interesting to see what the country looked like today if the South had won.
@@MrTruckerf I used to think it was an awful thing when contemplated but in light of the last couple of decades I'm not so sure I was right.
I say this having a ggggrandfather who was with Jackson in the Valley, 60th Ga.
God damn Ewell and Longstreet ...
"If Jackson hadn't died and been in command of a corps...".
@@jcksnghst Or Clebourne brought in from the West...
Proud as lucifer?
@@thatONEmachine yes, there has been no more pride in one than the pride of Lucifer.
Sad were missing people Shelby Foote on earth today!
I know. He really did make the Civil War series so special.
They aren't missing. They need to speak up.
A true Southern Gentleman, and something that is rare today...proud to be from the South. It's a crying shame how modern culture has twisted things to make us from the South some kind of crazed racists.....something I am most definitely not.
Collecting old southern diaries is a hobby of mine. I own no copy that even mentions anything racial or differences between races. People were just making their way through life and were smart enough to know that they needed to build their communities.
Excellent interview. Shelby could express himself in ways that I envy. It's no wonder he was such and excellent writer. I believe he was correct, when he said writing was a craft that has to be developed, just like many professions.
Wish we had someone around today like Mr Foote. I could listen to him all day.
Thanks Joe! Highly intriguing about Mr. Foote's life and process.
fantastic video. SF is a very interesting speaker. i'd have paid money to see him (live) give this kind of talk
Id love to listen to Shelby Foote talk all day and night!
This inter - view is better than any 'creative writing' course. His way of talking is music to my ears.
This is the voice of true wisdom. Exceedingly rare in any era, preserving it in this fashion reaches a pinnacle everyone should climb.
The best interviews with Shelby Foote have been the ones where the interviewer spends the time listening. Ken Burns interviews are rapid fire questions or interrogations of Foote and he seems uneasy.
Beautiful 'Long Vowel' English. This is how Shakespeare spoke
I’ve visited a lot of civil war battlefields, cemeteries and other points of interest. Something of a hobby of mine and I always think how amazing it would be to have Shelby Foote walking along with me explaining what I’m seeing.
Mr. Foote was correct about his fifth book not being the same thrill as his first. When I turned 72, I had three strokes and had to stop writing (historical) articles. When I started each one, it was enjoyable... splendid. But when the first draft complete, I had to go over it many times... Then I had to work with the publishers... not to get them to accept the work...fortunately I was appreciated... but rather to avoid any number of mistakes in printing... or delays... By the time the item safely in print... I could barely stand to look at it... Then I'd start on a new project... I guess that I'd still be doing that these days if I could... YP
This man was wonderful. What a loss
I love how he describes how he got interested in the civil war. I had a similar experience. It’s such a fascinating subject
I wish all US Americans were so well educated and as well spoken.
I always enjoy watching and hearing his southern voice and how he approaches life. I envision him as Robert E Lee after seeing the PBS special years ago.
An amazing accent, I could listen to him all day , not just his intelligence and knowledge but that accent draws you in .
these interviews are the greatest.
Historians don't come as good as this fella did, fantastic knowledge 🙏
When I was in high school I had to read and memorize The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner. Now I’m 80 years old and still can’t figure out this how this was a benefit to me!
Me, too---66 here.
This is one of the most interesting people I’ve come across. He always makes me think outside of myself.
I’m not sure which I enjoy more, Mr. Foote’s use of the language or his wonderful accent. But together, he is simply enthralling. Mesmerizing.
Thank you. I enjoyed this interview.
He is such a interesting man. I love listening to him.
I listened to every word he said in the K.B. series. Same here too. S.F. is a most fascinating man. I hope you post more interviews with him.
Shelby Foote , not just the civil war but his discription on writing makes sense , but on the civil war his advice was to visit any battlefield on the time of the year of which it took place to get the true feel it .
Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰
Thank you Mr Foote, and though you don’t smile in pictures, I saw a quick happy look on your face, and it’s pleasant.
Mr. Foote is the BEST spoken historian EVER.
He wasn't an historian, he was a novelist.
I think we could call him
A historian
@@aprilredfordeby4667 An historian has a Ph.D. in history. But Mr. Foote as a novelist I find to be more informed, accurate, and far more interesting than most historians.
He’s the best! A person doesn’t need to hold any sort of degree to be a historian.
@@aprilredfordeby4667 apparently Karen is one of those who think one needs a degree to be anything.
One of the greats we lost
I would love to know what was said between the cuts. I love listening to Shelby Foote.
I recently watched KB's Civil War for the first time. What an inspiring interview about writing. I loved his contributions to the documentary as they were all the people that we would tend to demonize: Stonewall Jackson, Bedford Forrest and Sherman..
Burns' "Civil War" was all from the Northern, "Lincolnite" viewpoint. Shelby Foote is a Southerner and his viewpoint is Southern.
The Nazis had great orators too along with great camera angles & footage. Very intelligent leaders giving riveting speeches BUT they were still Nazis. Tradition Tradition Tradition
@@RT-tn3pu Nazis are a lot like the Union Army.
What a special man. His contributions to the Ken Burns civil war doc are my favourite bits
Thanks joe never saw this interview you made my day
Finally started the 4 Volume Set of Mr. Foote's History of the Civil War. I like to listen to these interviews so I can hear his rhythamic Southern voice in the Audiobook narrations. An American Master!!
My great grandmother, born in 1921 in Charleston South Carolina had the same accent as Shelby. I knew something was appealing about his voice to me, but it didn’t hit me until he said ‘Rivuh’ and then I realized he has the same old style southern accent as she did. Good man, Shelby.
Mr. Foote was a true national treasure. I'm glad he left his writings for future generations to read, because his understanding of the Civil War is one of the most comprehensive that I've ever read. In 2024, it seems like we'd prefer to erase the ugly parts of our history as a nation and I think Mr. Foote was correct in that such narrow thinking is a real tragedy.
I wish Mr. Foote recorded reading the phone book, when I need to fall asleep. His soothing voice is calming. Reminds me of my grandfather telling me stories. He had me on the edge of my seat, then he would doze off. I remained silent. I waited. I knew I needed to hear the story. I could not interrupt his nap. I would just wait till he woke up again and pick up his story where he left off.
After watching Oprah's interview with Cormac McCarthy, The interviewer in this video is a breath of relief.
Prequel to the Civil War by Ken Burns, even have the proverbial photo shot, would not be too surprise to have his credit spotted in the end of the interview. Foote does love his periwinkle shirts.
❤️ they showed off his sparkly blue eyes!❤️
In the CSPAN 3-hr interview done by Brian Lamb, they took question by phone. One jerk called in just to insult Foote saying he thought of him as a story teller and not a historian. Foote brushed him off and rolled with it. This guy was obviously jelly and needs to eat knuckles. Foote brings history alive rather than just spitting out a bunch of facts. He knows his subjects and the people of the time. Thank goodness I was alive at this time to discovery his interviews.
He has a beautiful way of speaking. It's like a dance as he thinks.
I've only ready shiloh so far, but I think I'll go back to writings sooner rather than later
In a rhythm of bounce in a southern draw
I'm a new yawka and this guy is pure gold..a American gem.
Outstanding!
I have tremendous respect and admiration for Mr. Shelby Foot... A great American. A national treasure of writing and literature that inspires.
We all know what side you would've been on
@@borninvincible And you.
@@agneslong2323 the winning side 🤡 go wave your white flag, losers
@@agneslong2323 exactly. the winning side. take your white flags and go home 🤡
@@agneslong2323 your side lost 🤡
Great info his perspective is priceless !
Pray God rest your soul, Shelby. I miss you every time I hear your voice. We are 'less' without you.
I was born and raised in Oklahoma with lots of native Americans, Yankees, southerners, and everything else. And as I traveled throughout America I’ve met some great people in every area. God Bless America! AGAIN!
Excellent commentary on life
Wow. What a spectacular talk.
Thanks for this video, I can not express how grateful I am to have heard it…. It is probably the wisest for me, I have heard or experienced in I can’t actually remember when, I believe it’s has to have been, from Elmer Morton, 20 something yrs ago. So as one maybe able to see, this has been priceless for me.
I humbly thank you so kindly.
Shelby’s guidance about life is prophetic. His wisdom is mentorship from the past. A virtual Oz to the soul.
his amazing voice is simply amazing
RIP Shelby Foote 🙏
This is.a great man. He once said the great granddaughter of Robert E Lee had let him hold the sword.... What an experience that had to be..😉
It was Nathan Forrest
@@TheOldSchool1975General Forrest went by Bedford.
@@karenbartlett1307 All the more reason to use "Nathan".