Part of a series intended to bring classic works of Southern scholarship and literature to new audiences, this volume presents in its entirety the doctoral dissertation of Edgar T. Thompson, a sociologist and the son of a plantation owner. Originally printed in 1932, the work revolves around the plantation as the hub of Southern economic life and examines several aspects of the plantation in culture including its land and agriculture; labor and race relations; its role as a political institution; trade, both local and international; and the relationship of the plantation to the frontier. This volume includes a new introduction by anthropology professors Sidney Mintz and George Baca from John Hopkins University and John Jay College respectively. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)