Winning the Normal: A Critical Revision of the Founding of James Madison University

Knappenberger, E. K.

In a sweeping broadside against institutional revisionist histories, historian and philosopher E.K. Knappenberger lays bare the beating heart of the early days of James Madison University. With a cutting analysis drawing on new archival discoveries, Knappenberger keenly dissects the racist impulses, economic incentives, political intrigues and idealistic rhetoric of early JMU in ways that have never been done before. The end result is a groundbreaking call for new narratives of our common past. A powerful and masterly approach to complex issues at a local level, "Winning the Normal" sets the new standard in local and educational history.

Local History; American History; Educational History; James Madison University; Harrisonburg, Virginia; George B. Keezell; John W. Wayland; Rockingham County, Virginia; Jim Crow Laws in Virginia; Institutional Revisionism; Anti-racism; Revisionist history.

Daugsberg Press, 2023.