In Glory's Shadow

In Glory's Shadow explores the history of The Citadel, an institution set on preserving tradition in the face of profound change. Established by Charleston, South Carolina's fearful white majority in 1822 as protection against slave insurrections, a generation later The Citadel was a military college for privileged young white men. Through two world wars it grew in size and reputation, paying little heed to the outside world.

In 1993, when the school rescinded Shannon Faulkner's admission because of her gender, a landmark legal battle ensued. Faulkner won, and although she faced vicious harassment and left after a week, The Citadel was forced to reform: nearly thirty women have graduated since her time there. In Glory's Shadow is an engrossing and illuminating look at this pivotal event in military history and the history of women.