Written in Stone

Levinson’s book does not focus on traditional battle sites. Rather, it thoughtfully introduces readers to battles that take place over clashing expressions of public memory, particularly memorial controversies, including clashes over name changes and monument removal. I think readers will appreciate his thoughtful treatment of the vexing issues that have swirled around the appropriate location of Confederate memorials. Well before the recent push to remove such memorials from public space, Levinson offered readers various options for dealing with such volatile issues. His book is an insightful and timely guide into the battlefields of public memory.

Sanford Levinson's essay in book form Written in Stone comes in at only 139 pages, but his travels through monument culture in the 20th century around the world grasps the full weight and meaning of monuments in society. Without getting bogged down in art historical detail, Levinson, trained as a lawyer and constitutional scholar, instead grapples with the problems of historical memory. He deftly weaves together examples from inside and outside of the United States, bringing together monuments that continue to be of interest and community concern. Written well before South Carolina removed the Confederate flag from the State… show more.