The book examines the yeomanry in the South Carolina Low Country before the Civil War. It focuses on the relationship between the yeomanry - the small farmers - and the planters, with whom they had strong ideological ties. The book deals with gender and class issues as well. a work with unusual breadth of analysis ... in its sheer breadth of visiona nd attention to detail her analysis includes much that is fresh and original ... This, combined with a persuasively lucid and thoughtful written style, make this work a pleasure to read.