The only saved book . During the american civil War , the library of the university of alabama was burnt ?

Question

The only saved book was The Kuran . Is it true or false ?
All this story in : " The Pocket History of The United States " by allen Nevins and Henry Steel Commager .

I guess the answer of Joe Doc , clears every thing . But I'll wait for more answers .

Answer 1

It is true:

When at last the courier returned, the general’s answer was disheartening. “My orders leave me no discretion,” wrote Croxton. “My orders are to destroy all public buildings.”

What happened next has become a part of the University of Alabama’s mythic fabric. It is said that Colonel Johnston, lamenting the destruction of such a fine library, decided to salvage one volume as a memento. Perhaps he sent one of his aides, or perhaps he sent Librarian Deloffre, or perhaps he went himself, to take one book from the library. The book saved was an English translation of The Koran: Commonly Called The Alcoran Of Mohammed, published in Philadelphia in 1853.

Answer 2

Maine Kitten I would Trust Allen Nevins and Henry Steele Commanger.
If you are talking about the State Library of Alabama I don't think it was looted The only State Library's that I know that were looted and destroyed were Georgia's and South Carolina's From Georgia's what was saved officially was a copy of Burke's Commentaries, and a copy of the Constitution of the United States that Sherman had seized. He latter returned them with a letter of apology and called on his troops to return all looted books.

South Carolina's State Library was totally destroyed with only papers being saved that could be carried by librarians. The idea that the only book that survived the looting and burning of a State Archive being not a Torah. Not a Bible but a Quoran (Koran) is irony.

Answer 3

I wouldn't trust any book that has "pocket" on its title. =)