David Copeland, A.J. Fletcher Professor in the School of Communications, has published the book “The Antebellum Press,” part of the seven-volume series “Debating the Issues in Media.” Copeland is also the editor for a Greenwood Publications series that begins with the American Revolution and concludes with World War I.
“The Antebellum Press” deals with significant events and issues in America from 1820 to 1860 and outlines how the nation’s press served as a sounding board for discussion and debate on issues such as slavery, Native American relocation, white male suffrage, education and women’s rights.
The book shows how the press worked to shape public opinion as the principal source for information on issues that affected and ultimately divided Americans during this pivotal period of the nation’s history.