Louisa Susanna McCrod (1810-1879) was one of the most remarkable figures in the intellectual history of antebellum America. A conservative intellectual, she broke the confines of Southern gender roles; she supported laissez-faire political economy and slavery, argues for woman's separate sphere, opposed Harriet Beecher Stowe, abhorred socialism, was a secessionist, and believed in the superiority of the white race. This volume includes her essays on slavery, secession, women's role, and political economy, fully annotated, along with an Introduction by Michael O'Brien, Chair of the Editorial Board of the Southern Texts Society.

The publication of thsi volume, together with a subsequent one, will make available all of Louisa McCord's varied writings, from essays, to a memoir of her father, politician and statesman Langdon Cheves, to correspondence, drama, and poetry.