By Joe Johnston
Joe Johnston provides a delightful pictorial guide to the early years of Franklin, Tennessee. Franklin is the third "Images of America" publication I have read. Each has provided interesting photos, careful documentation, and interesting insights and anecdotes of highlighted city.
Johnston showed me E.M. Bounds, the author of the classic Power Through Prayer, "spending days walking and praying over the battlefield and the city" after the Battle of Franklin. He has me wanting to dig deeper into why General Hood ordered a frontal assault in that fateful battle, against the judgement of some advisors. He introduced me to three of the famed Tuskegee Airmen as well as little known folks who make Franklin what it is today.
Three reasons to read:
1. Historical context: Johnston provides a steady historical narrative through pictures and captions.
2. Great pictures: If you enjoy old photos--clearly identified--you will love this work.
3. A sampling: The book does not claim to be a definitive history, but a sampling of the people and events that made Franklin the place it is today. It hits the mark.
Great for the visitor or the resident who wants to dig a little deeper into his/her town.