Publisher's Synopsis
Although Scarlett O'Hara's is a fictional character developed by a skilful author, there were some real Southern women who truly possessed legendary strengths. One such woman is Mary Sullivan, a 19th century woman with an iron will, persuasive Southern charm, and motives that were selfless in contrast to Scarlett's entirely selfish ones. Sullivan deserves recognition for her contribution to the South and to all of American society as the role of women changed dramatically in the 19th and 20th centuries.. In 1860, Sullivan was a strikingly beautiful, twenty-four-year-old woman, endowed with allure and social graces born of her prominent Virginia lineage and rich Southern culture. A benevolent agent for the needs of children and a supporter of education for underprivileged youth in Appalachia, Sullivan was a committed humanitarian throughout her life. Sullivan lived two different kinds of life in one lifetime. Her adult life was spent in New York City during a period of American history unsurpassed for violence and change, but Sullivan's daring exploits in Virginia during the Civil War and her efforts on behalf of Southern Reconstruction are fascinating stories that show the passionate personality of a determined woman. Sullivan's greatest, though least acknowledged, gift to human kind is her legacy to Appalachia that has extensive regional significance - one hundred years of helping young adults with few financial resources receive scholarship money to complete their education.
