Pickens (1807-69) was the first Civil War governor of South Carolina, the most difficult governorship in the nation's history. He led that state during the secession, prepared for and went to war, urged sister southern states to secede, and embarked on a novel experiment in government. Edmunds shows Pickens as always seeking higher political position, only to be trapped by his own ambitions, flawed personality, and self-generated animosities. Originally published in 1986. A UNC Press Enduring Edition—UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.