Professional Summary
Prof. Durrill’s principal publications in American history include War of Another Kind: A Southern Community in the Great Rebellion (Oxford University Press, 1990), plus several articles and chapters on nineteenth century American social history in Varieties of Southern Religious History (2014), Nineteenth Century American History (2008), Journal of Social History (2006, 2002), Journal of Southern History (2004, 1999), Slavery and Abolition (1995, 1992), Prologue (1988), and the Journal of American History (1985). From 2000 to 2005, he also co-edited with Christopher Phillips the journal Ohio Valley History. Prof. Durrill has also published two articles on nineteenth century African history in the Journal of African History ( 2000) and the American Historical Review (1986). In 1996, he was a Fulbright professor at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. His research has been supported by fellowships and major grants from the Taft Memorial Fund at UC (2008, 1995), the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (2006), the Spencer Foundation (1997, 1992), the Fulbright Board (1995) the National Academy of Education (1993), the American Council of Learned Societies (1990), and the Smithsonian Institution (1986). In 1997, Prof. Durrill received a University Faculty Achievement Award for Excellence in Research. And in 1984, he received the Louis Pelzer Memorial Award from the Organization of American Historicans. Prof. Durrill has recently completed a book manuscript titled: "Nat Turner and the Great Conspiracy to Attack Slavery in America." He is currently working on a book manuscript tentatively titled "Cake Walk: An Episode in Cultural Appropriation and Racial Conflict during the Gilded Age."
Education
Ph.D.: University of North Carolina 1987
B.A.: Northwestern University 1975
Research and Practice Interests
Currently working on one book project:
"Cake Walk: An Episode in Race and Cultural Appropriation in America, 1870-1920"
Abbreviated Publications
Monograph
War of Another Kind: A Southern Community in the Great Rebellion. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990; paperback, 1994
Peer Reviewed Publications
"Nat Turner and Signs of the Apoalypse," in Varieties of Southern Religious History: Essays in Honor of Donald G. Mathews, Regina D. Sullivan and Monte Harrell, eds, (University of South Carolina Press, 2014), pp. 77-93.
"Becoming Rafinesque: Market Society and Academic Reputation in the Early American Republic," Nineteenth Century Amerian History 9 (2008): 121-37.
"Ritual, Community and War: Local Flag Presentation Ceremonies and Disunity in the Early Confederacy," Journal of Social History 38 (2006): 146-64.
"Political Legitimacy and Local Courts: 'Politicks at Such a Rage' in a Southern Community during Reconstruction," Journal of Southern History 70 (2004): 577-602.
"A Tale Of Two Courthouses: Civic Space, Political Power, and Capitalist Development in a New South Community, 1843-1940," Journal of Social History 35 (2002): 657-81.
"Shaping a Settler Elite: Students, Competition, and Leadership at South African College, 1829-1895," Journal of African History 41 (2000): 221-39.
"The Power of Ancient Words: Classical Teaching and Social Change at South Carolina College, 1801-1860," Journal of Southern History 65 (1999): 469-98.
"New Schooling for a New South: A Community Study of Education and Social Change, 1875-1885," Journal of Social History 31 (1997): 156-81.
"Routine of Seasons: Labour Regimes and Social Ritual in an Antebellum Plantation Community," Slavery and Abolition 16 (1995): 161-87.
"Slavery, Kinship, and Dominance: The Black Community at Somerset Place Plantation, 1786-1860," Slavery and Abolition 13 (1992): 1-19.
"Atrocious Misery: The African Origins of Famine in Northern Somalia, 1839-1884," American Historical Review 91 (1986): 287-306.
"Producing Poverty: Local Government and Economic Development in a New South County, 1874-1884," Journal of American History 71 (1985): 764-81.
Courses Taught
American Capitalism: U.S. Economic History
American Material Culture
Slavery in America
US South to 1865
Music in America, 1750-present
US South after 1865